Research Fellow in Chemical Biology - School of Chemistry - 107834 - Grade 7 in Birmingham

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £36,636 to £46,049 with potential progression once in post to £48,822

Grade: 7

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to April 2029

Closing date: 13th September 2026

UK and International travel required

Background

To create and contribute to the creation of knowledge by developing a platform technology for the rapid generation of reagents that recognise diverse nucleic acid sequences and structures with high affinity and selectivity using mirror image nucleic acids and combinatorial biology screening tools.

Role Summary

The role has arisen as a consequence of the award of a UKRI-EPSRC grant to Prof Andrew Wilson (PI), Prof Jim Tucker (Co-I), Prof Tim Knowles (Co-I) all University of Birmingham and Dr Scott Lovell, University of Bath. Its purpose is twofold: (i) to assist Prof Wilson in running his group and laboratory activities; (ii) to use mirror image nucleic acids and screen these against phage and/or mRNA display libraries to identify selective peptide ligands for which the enantiomers can then be used to perturb nucleic acid function in cells. The role is available for 30 months.

Main Duties

• Work both independently and as part of a larger team of researchers to design, plan and conduct a programme of investigation in consultation with Prof Andrew Wilson and the co-investigators, using appropriate methods to analyse and interpret research data.
• Generate independent and original research ideas and methods in the design, preparation and screening of mirror image nucleic acids using phage and/or mRNA display libraries.
• Assist Prof Wilson in the preparation of funding applications to support further development of the project and to make a significant contribution to the dissemination of research results by publication in leading peer-reviewed journals, by presentation at national and international meetings, and participating in our programme of public engagement activities.
• Support the running of the Wilson group’s research activities and communication, through participation at group meetings/seminars, contributing to the supervision of junior researchers and PhD students and acting as a mentor to less experienced colleagues.
• Support ongoing collaborations with relevant researchers including the co-investigators.
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods.
• Encourage a safe working environment.
• Contribute to departmental/school research-related activities and research-related administration.
• Foster a fair and equitable workplace for all staff.
• Identify and respond to equality and diversity issues in line with relevant university policies and procedures.

Person Specification

Essential

• A first degree in chemistry, chemical biology or a closely allied discipline.
• A PhD degree or a PhD degree near to completion in chemical biology or other relevant discipline.
• Exceptional background knowledge of contemporary research in peptide and peptidomimetic bioactive ligand discovery and development.
• Exceptional technical skills and track record in chemical biology.
• Experience in the use of screening methods to identify bioactive ligands.
• The ability to lead, design, execute and write up research independently, together with a track record of peer reviewed publications in international journals.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal and the ability to communicate your research at national and international conferences.
• A proven ability to work well both independently and as part of a team, with a strong commitment to research in a team environment focused on cutting-edge approaches for development of nucleic acid binding peptidomimetics.
• Good organisational time management and planning skills, with the ability to meet tight deadlines, manage competing demands and work effectively under pressure without close support.
• Practical experience in one or more of the following: (i) solid-phase peptide synthesis; (ii) solid-phase nucleic acid synthesis; (iii) phage display; (iv) mRNA display; (v) biophysical assay development and implementation.
• Ability to assess resource requirements, use resources effectively and contribute to broader laboratory management.
• 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.

Desirable

• Implementation of functional cellular assays to profile bioactive compounds.
• Cell-based imaging methods.

Informal enquiries to Andrew Wilson, email: a.j.wilson.1@bham.ac.uk

Use of AI in applications: We want to understand your genuine interest in the role and for the written elements of your application to accurately reflect your own communication style. Applications that rely too heavily on AI tools can appear generic and lack the detail we need to assess your skills and experience. Such applications will unlikely be progressed to interview.

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. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website.