Research Associate - Department of Metabolism and Systems ScienceGrade 6

Department of Metabolism and Systems Science

School of Medical Sciences

College of Medicine and Health

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £32,546 to £35,116 with potential progression once in post to £39,355.

Grade: 6

Full Time Fixed Term contract up to July 2026

Closing date: 2nd June 2025

Open House Drop In Session: We will be holding an open house drop in session at the University’s Exchange building in Centenary Square, Birmingham between 10am and 5pm on Friday 6th June 2025. If you’re interested in working at the University of Birmingham and perhaps have a few questions, this is an opportunity to meet colleagues in the Recruitment team. It will be a relaxed and informal event; you can drop in at any time.

Background: The role of the post holder is to support ongoing clinical and laboratory research projects within the Translational Brain Sciences group portfolio which will involve the collection, handling, and processing of samples from human participants (self-collected). This role will involve sample collection, handling, and processing (according to project protocols and Standard Operating Procedures) and completion of the necessary records and electronic tracking logs for samples. The post holder will also develop, conduct, and analyse laboratory assays associated with clinical research projects. The post holder will work towards understanding pathology and to identify biomarkers and develop a new treatment for raised brain pressure. The candidate will be part of an integrative and multi-disciplinary team of researchers and clinicians working collaboratively to deliver the project.

Role Summary:

• Work within specified research grants and/or projects
• Operate within area of specialism
• Contribute to publications

Main Duties:

• To co-ordinate and conduct primary research towards the goals of the research project, specifically organise, collect, process, and analyse the in vitro and in vivo models of raised intracranial pressure and associated symptoms.
• Management of the samples and laboratory space.
• To apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding and interpretation from the biological data.
• To contribute to developing new models, techniques, and methods in analysis and management of biological and animal data.
• If needed, support with analysing and managing collected samples and data as directed; this may be through a variety of research methods such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and working closely with the Human Biomaterials Resource Centre and The Birmingham NIHR/Welcome Trust Clinical Research Facility (CRF).
• Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods such as database management, scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews.
• Analyse research data as directed.
• Present research outputs including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters.
• Develop or adapt techniques, models, and methods.
• Provide guidance as required to support staff and any students who may be assisting with research.
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines.
• Carry out administrative tasks related directly to the delivery of the research, for example organising participant visits, inputting data onto case report forms, data quality checking.
• Promote equality and value diversity, acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.

Person Specification:

• A BSc or MSc Degree in the area of Physiology and Health Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, or Neuroscience.
• Understanding of research and conducting of human (clinical) trials.
• Practical experience of applying the relevant skills and techniques.
• Ability to analyse information and communicate effectively.
• Ability to access and organise resources successfully.
• Knowledge of human tissue act and good clinical practice.
• Preferably practical experience of applying the relevant skills and techniques, that is experience with in-vivo models, ELISA, RT-PCR, and handling biological samples.
• Strong organisation and time-management skills.
• Cooperative nature and strong teamwork skills with a willingness to work as part of a large multi-disciplinary team.
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to public engagement activities.
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010 and how to actively ensure in day-to-day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly.

We believe there is no such thing as a typical member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation, and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter, and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy.