Research Fellow (Electron Microscopy) - School of Biosciences - 95800 - Grade 7

Job DescriptionPosition DetailsSchool of BiosciencesLocation: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UKFull time starting salary is normally in the range £36,636 to £46,049 with potential progression once in post to £48,822Grade: 7Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to July 2028Closing date: 18 th October 2026BackgroundApplications are welcomed from candidates in Europe and other overseas countries. Financial support for visa application fees is available, subject to eligibility and organisational policy.There is a Research Fellow (Post-doc) position available in the field of integrative structural biology, based in the group of Prof. Teresa Carlomagno at the University of Birmingham. The research group studies the functional mechanisms of proteins, including intrinsically disordered proteins, nucleic acids and their complexes by integrative structural biology. The laboratory uses and develops state-of-the-art Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (NMR) methods as a major structural biology tool, in combination with several other complementary techniques, in particular cryo-Electron Microscopy (cryo-EM), but also Mass Spectrometry (MS), Small-Angle-Scattering and Fluorescence Microscopy.The University of Birmingham has recently acquired a state-of-the-art FEI Glacios 3 Cryo-Electron Microscope, equipped with a Falcon 4i direct electron detector and a cold field emission gun (cold-FEG) for enhanced imaging performance. This advanced facility, together with state-of-the-art NMR, MS and Light Microscopy facilities available at the University, provides new opportunities to investigate the structural complexity of biological macromolecules at high resolution, supporting cutting-edge research across biosciences and biomedicine and enabling novel discoveries in molecular and cellular mechanisms.The Research Fellow is proficient in high-resolution biomolecular structural determination by cryo-EM and will apply cryo-EM, together with complementary structural biology approaches, in the field of RNA metabolism and regulation of gene expression. There are opportunities to develop new approaches to integrative structural biology. In addition, the Research Fellow will use molecular biology, biophysical and biochemical techniques to produce and characterise biomolecular complexes and their activity in vitro and cellular biology approaches to verify the functional mechanisms in vivo.Role SummaryOperate within area of specialismAnalyse and interpret research findings and resultsWork within specified research grants and projects and contribute to writing bidsContribute to public understanding of the discipline or similarMain DutiesThe responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below:Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, in the area of interest of the hosting laboratory (Prof T Carlomagno)Acquire, analyse and interpret data - structural biology, biochemical and biophysical dataAcquire, analyse and interpret high-resolution single-particle cryo-EM dataOperate the cryo-EM microscopeProduce biomolecular complexes by molecular biology techniquesOptimize sample production and purification, as well as preparation of cryo-EM gridsEstablish protocols for cryo-EM data analysis, from micrographs to structuresApply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understandingDisseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etcPresent research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as postersSupervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the disciplineContribute to writing bids for research fundingContribute to developing new models, techniques and methodsUndertake management/administration arising from researchContribute to Departmental/Institute research-related activities and research-related administrationContribute to enterprise, business development and/or public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University, often under supervision of a project leaderCollect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation and literature reviewsDeal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlinesPromotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culturePerson SpecificationPhD (or near to completion) in Biophysics/ Biochemistry/ Chemical Biology/ Structural Biology or related areas or equivalent qualificationsProficiency in single-particle Electron Microscopy (cryo-EM), including data acquisition, image processing, three-dimensional reconstruction and structural analysisPractical experience in a biochemical laboratory and/or handling nucleic acidsProficiency in sample preparation for cryo-EMHigh level analytical capabilityAbility to communicate complex information clearly through both written and oral communicationExperience in scientific writing and publication in peer-reviewed journalsFluency in relevant models, techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new onesAbility to assess resource requirements and use resources effectivelyUnderstanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/ administration processesUnderstanding of, and ability to contribute to, the planning, organisation, management, and administration of broader research programmes, as well as specific research projectsAbility to work independently and collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams in an international research environment, ensuring the efficient coordination of activities and avoiding conflict or duplication of effortKnowledge 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 fairlyWillingness to work in a competitive, international environmentInformal enquiries to Teresa Carlomagno, email: t.carlomagno@bham.ac.ukUse 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr