Research Fellow - School of Chemical Engineering - 10477- Grade 7

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 December 2027

Background

A unique opportunity for a successful applicant to undertake research in electrochemistry, surface chemistry and bionanotechnology, developing smart peptide interfaces that can be switched ON and OFF electrochemically for real-time protein detection in complex biological systems. Cells secrete key signalling proteins such as cytokines and growth factors that are critical for understanding their behaviour, health and therapeutic potential. However, current methods to measure these molecules are slow, offline and require disruptive sampling, limiting progress in cell therapy manufacturing and advanced bioprocessing.

The aim of this project is to develop electrochemical switchable nanobody sensors that provide on-demand, high-sensitivity detection of proteins directly in culture media over extended periods. The focus will be on microelectrode array fabrication, responsive interface engineering, and advanced electrochemical analysis, with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) as the primary technique, supported by complementary methods such as voltammetry, to achieve reliable, picogram-level sensitivity. By combining principles of electrochemistry, nanofabrication and molecular recognition, this research will establish a new paradigm for in-situ monitoring of dynamic biological systems by exploiting switchable peptide interfaces that can be turned ON and OFF on demand.

This is a 2-year position within the School of Chemical Engineering at the University of Birmingham. The successful candidate will join the Mendes Research Group, an internationally recognised team pioneering stimuli-responsive surfaces and biosensing technologies.

Essential:

• PhD (or near completion) in Electrochemistry, Chemistry, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering or related area;
• Strong experimental skills in electrochemical techniques and sensor development;
• Track record of high-quality publications.

Desirable:

• Experience with protein detection, nanostructured electrodes, antifouling strategies, or biosensing in complex fluids.

This position offers outstanding training in cutting-edge biosensing, electrochemistry and nanotechnology, providing an excellent platform for a career in academia, healthcare technologies, or the growing diagnostics and bioprocessing industries.

Role Summary

• Work within specified research grants and projects and contribute to writing bids
• Operate within area of specialism
• Analyse and interpret research findings and results
• Contribute to generating funding
• Contribute to licensing or spin out deals with demonstrated commercial success (such as revenues, asset or company sales, IP generated) and/or public understanding of the discipline or similar

Main Duties

• Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with assistance of a mentor if required
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding
• Analyse and interpret data
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
• Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc
• Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods
• Undertake management/administration arising from research
• Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration
• Contribute to enterprise, business development and/or public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University, often under supervision of a project leader
• Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters
• Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
• Promote equality and value diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.

Person Specification

• The successful candidate is required to have expertise in biosensors, electrochemistry, nanotechnology, or biointerfaces.
• Demonstrated ability to carry out high-quality experimental research and publish in leading journals.
• Experience with biological analytes (e.g., proteins, cytokines) desirable but not essential.
• Motivation to contribute to translational research with industrial and clinical impact.
• High-level analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work in an interdisciplinary team.
• Fluency in relevant models, techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones.
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively.
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes.
• Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project.
• Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort.
• 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.