Research Fellow in Bioanalytical Chemistry - School of Chemistry - 105325 - Grade 7

Position Details

School of Chemistry, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

As this vacancy has limited funding the maximum salary that can be offered is Grade 7, salary £36,924

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to May 2027

Closing date: 27th March 2025

Background

We are seeking applications for a 24-month Research Fellow position to support all activities in Dr Ruchi Gupta’s group, and specifically to develop analytical methods for measurement of biomarkers in biological fluids such as saliva, urine and serum. The post holder should be able to perform chemical synthesis and characterisation protocols. Successful delivery will have a revolutionary impact on the early detection of diseases such as cancer.

The School of Chemistry at the University of Birmingham is a vibrant and thriving academic community, with over 110 academic and research staff, 20 professional services staff and over 600 students. We provide an inclusive and supportive environment where we strive to support every member of staff in realising their career potential.

Role Summary

• To develop analytical methods for measurement of biomarkers in biological fluids, and benchmarking against current gold standard methods such as ELISA
• To perform chemical synthesis and characterisation protocols
• To support research within the Gupta group to solve problems, collaborate and innovate in scientific directions for the group
• To produce regular written and oral 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
• Work within specified research grants and projects and contribute to writing bids
• 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

• 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
• Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration
• Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc
• Supervise/guide students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline
• Undertake management/administration arising from research
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
• 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

Person Specification

• Completed a PhD (or near to completion) in Chemistry, or equivalent qualifications
• Significant experience in using UV-Vis absorption and fluorescence spectrometers, and microplate readers
• Experience in handling biological samples and performing enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA)
• Experience of purification and characterisation (e.g., HPLC, NMR, IR, MS) methods, and formation of materials including polymers and hydrogels without and with dyes/fluorophores/probes
• Experience in electrospinning and/or microfluidics
• Interest in interdisciplinary research and willingness to learn new techniques
• 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
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes
• 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

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