Research Fellow - School of Chemical Engineering - 105019 - Grade 7

University of Birmingham • Full-time • Birmingham, United Kingdom • 2h ago

Job Description

Position Details

School of Chemical Engineering

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £35,880 to £45,163 with potential progression once in post to £47,874

Grade 7

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to January 2027

Closing date: 1st January 2025

Background

An exciting opportunity for a successful applicant to lead research in developing a cutting-edge Luminex-based diagnostic assay for early prostate cancer detection. This role will integrate nanoparticle technology to harness precise glycan recognition for identifying unique cancer biomarkers, addressing the critical need for effective early detection solutions.

Cancer remains a leading cause of death globally, with late-stage diagnoses significantly reducing treatment options and survival rates. Alterations in glycosylation patterns of glycoproteins, such as prostate-specific antigen (PSA) glycoforms, have been identified as early markers of cancer, yet remain challenging to detect with current technologies.

The PDRA will tackle current limitations by developing a Luminex assay platform enhanced with synthetic glycan recognition sites and nanoparticle technology, allowing for the detection of subtle glycan differences associated with cancer. The role includes designing, testing, and validating the assay to ensure reliability and accuracy, as well as collaborating across disciplines to refine assay sensitivity.

This is a two-year European Research Council (ERC)-funded project, and the postdoctoral fellow will join an interdisciplinary research team across the School of Chemical Engineering and University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation trust.

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

The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.

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*
Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.

Person Specification

The successful candidate is required to have expertise in assay development, particularly with Luminex technology. Experience in nanoparticle technology and molecular biology techniques is also important. Knowledge of clinical trial protocols and regulatory requirements for diagnostic assay validation is advantageous.

First degree in area of specialism and normally, a higher degree relevant to research area or equivalent qualifications
High level analytical capability
Ability to communicate complex information clearly
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 fairl

Informal enquiries to Paula Mendes, email: p.m.mendes@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. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website.