Research Associate - Department of Metabolism and Systems Science - 105125 - Grade 6

Position Details

Department of Metabolism and Systems Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine and Health

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £32,546 to £35,116 with potential progression once in post to £39,355. As this vacancy has limited funding the maximum salary that can be offered is Grade 6, salary £35,116.

Grade: 6

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to May 2026

Closing date: 13th April 2025

Background

To assist in research by supporting the research activities of Professor Nadia Schoenmakers on a wide range of projects predominantly investigating the aetiology and associated phenotypes of diverse thyroid conditions.

Role Summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Research Associate to support the research activities of Professor Nadia Schoenmakers (Professor of Endocrinology). The Schoenmakers’ group primarily aims to delineate the molecular basis of congenital hypothyroidism (CH), identifying known and novel genetic causes of CH in affected patients using candidate gene and exome/genome sequencing-based approaches. They then investigate the biology associated with particular genetic mutations using in vitro/ex vivo experimental techniques and murine models.

The post holder will have the opportunity to analyse research data and perform and supervise a broad range of laboratory experiments, which may include characterization of mutations in genes with a role in thyroid biology using standard molecular biology techniques, and evaluation of the effects of altered gene expression, or gene mutation in heterologous or primary cultured cells. A current priority is also to investigate the thyroidal role of SLC26A7, a novel anion transporter with a key role in thyroid hormone biosynthesis in humans and mice, which the group has identified. The post holder will be involved in genotyping mouse models, and culturing and characterizing murine and human tissue samples. They may also be involved in validating a thyroid organoid model.

• Work within specified research grants and/or projects
• Operate within area of specialism
• Analyse and interpret research findings and results
• Contribute to generating funding
• Contribute to publications

Main Duties

• Perform and supervise a broad range of laboratory experiments. These may include cell culture, molecular characterization and functional evaluation of primary and iPSC derived cells, functional studies in diverse cellular systems, molecular imaging, qPCR, genomic sequencing, molecular cloning, radioisotope studies, in silico analyses, and characterization of genetically-altered murine lines.
• Analyse research data as directed
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters
• Develop or adapt techniques, models and methods
• Provide guidance as required to support staff and any students who may be assisting with research
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
• Carry out administrative tasks related directly to the delivery of the research
• Promote equality and value diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture

Person Specification

• Degree or equivalent in relevant subject area
• Practical experience of applying the relevant skills and techniques
• Ability to analyse information and communicate effectively within and outside the immediate research group.
• Ability to access and organise resources successfully
• 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

Further particulars can be found here

Informal enquiries to Nadia Schoenmakers, email: n.schoemakers@bham.ac.uk

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