Research Fellow - School of Chemistry - 106710 - Grade 7 in Birmingham

Position Details

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 March 2027

Closing date: 16th December 2025

UK and International travel may be required for this role.

Background

We are seeking applications for a 12‑month research fellow position to support all activities in Dr Ruchi Gupta’s group, and specifically to develop electrospun meshes and/or microfluidically produced beads. The meshes and/or beads will have the functionality to capture, fluorescently label and release proteins. The meshes and beads will be applied for the measurement of protein biomarkers in biological fluids such as whole blood, serum and saliva. Successful delivery will have revolutionary impact on early detection of diseases such as cancer.

Role Summary

• To undertake research on electrospun materials and/or microfluidic production of beads with required functionality.
• To apply meshes and/or beads in combination with other techniques (e.g., UV‑Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy) for measurement of proteins in body fluids.
• To support research within Gupta group to solve problems, collaborate and innovate in scientific directions for the group.
• To produce regular reports pertaining to the projects; attend regular project and group meetings; give regular presentations to the group and collaborators; write papers for publication in peer‑reviewed scientific journals, proof reading of papers and reports.
• To supervise research students, be responsible for installation and maintenance of equipment and training of personnel on equipment.

Main Duties

• Collect, analyse, and interpret research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews.
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding.
• Contribute to developing ideas, directions, research objectives, models, techniques, and methods.
• Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc.
• Supervise/guide students on research related work.
• Undertake management/administration arising from research.
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines.

Person Specification

• Completed a PhD in Chemistry or Chemical Engineering, or equivalent qualifications.
• Experience in formulation of electrospun materials with required functionalities and use of electrospinning equipment.
• Experience in fabrication and testing of microfluidic devices.
• Experience in using UV‑Vis absorption and fluorescence spectrometers, and microplate readers.
• Experience in handling biological samples and performing enzyme‑linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA).
• Interest in interdisciplinary research and willingness to learn new techniques.
• Experience with data processing, analysis and interpretation.
• Ability to keep up to date with new developments in relevant research fields.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, both as a leader and team member, on research programmes.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills including the ability to work effectively in a multi‑disciplinary project area of research.
• Ability to initiate, plan, organise, implement, and deliver programmes of research work to tight deadlines.
• Ability to write and give presentations and communicate complex information clearly.
• Ability to install and maintain a broad range of equipment within the group and to train other personnel on their operation.
• 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.

Informal enquiries to Ruchi Gupta, email: r.gupta.3@bham.ac.uk

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.