Job Description

Research Fellow (110710-0725)

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Location
University of Warwick Campus, Coventry
Department
School of Engineering
Position Type
Fixed Term
Duration
Fixed Term Contract for 12 months
Salary
35,116 - 45,413 per annum
About the Role

For informal enquiries, please contact Alexander Darlington (Assistant Professor) A.Darlington.1@warwick.ac.uk

We will consider applications for employment on a part-time or other flexible working basis, even where a position is advertised as full-time, unless there are operational or other objective reasons why it is not possible to do so.


This is a full time (36.5hrs/week) fixed term contract for approximately 12 months (with final contract length subject to negotiation based on start date and agreed salary).


We are seeking to appoint a Research Fellow with interests in biological systems modelling to support our new BBSRC-funded project which forms part of the USA-led "CIRCLE: Center for innovative recycling and circular economy". See BBSRC press release online.

About the wider consortium project:

The development of efficient microorganism-driven processes that generate bioactive natural products is of immense biotechnological, biomedical, environmental and economic importance. The CIRCLE consortium seeks to tackle global waste challenges (including agricultural biproducts and plastics) by transforming their waste carbon into valuable chemicals using microbes. Using these advanced biotechnological and engineering biology approaches, the interdisciplinary centre aims to drive the replacement of petrochemical feedstocks and significantly improve the sustainability in industries from the traditional chemicals industry to pharmaceuticals and personal care products.

About this Modelling Role

This post-doctoral role seeks to advance the systems modelling methods of microbial cells. Using our modelling frameworks which capture metabolic and gene expression constraints and recently benchmarked computational tools for systems identification and model calibration, you will develop new optimal experimental design methods to establish a realistic set of experiments for characterising microbial growth within time and cost constraints. There is significant flexibility in the post with scope for the successful applicant to drive the project in their own direction.


You will both take the initiative into your own work and work collaboratively to support the project goals, as well as support members of the wider research teams. You will present your work at national and international conferences and be expected to write up your research for publication.


You will work closely with the wider project team, including working with the project partners, and may need to deal with any management/administration problems that may arise from time to time, produce and present regular project reports to ensure that the project objectives and deadlines are met.


You will be expected to keep diligent records and computer code.


This post is based at the University of Warwick (in The Control and Engineering Biology group at the School of Engineering).


There will be scope for working with experimental experts (both national and international and both academic and industrial) to benchmark approaches.



About You
You will hold a PhD in a relevant discipline (e.g. Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics) (or nearing completion).


The ideal candidate will have specialist knowledge of modelling methods for biological systems. Expertise and application of dynamic systems modelling and model development in either synthetic biology, biotechnology or systems biology would be advantageous.


Prior experience of model simulation in one of the following programming languages is required: MATLAB, python, Mathematica or Julia.


You will have strong communication skills including the ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing.


You will also have demonstrable ability to work collaboratively and effectively with academic and administrative colleagues, both within and outside the University, to promote a collegial environment, while contributing to the life and community of the School through various duties, such as supporting offer holder days and outreach activities, which may occasionally require weekend work.


Some prior experience of working with experimental biologists is desirable.


You will have good IT skills including Microsoft Office and proven ability to use IT to write technical research papers and presentations.


If you have not yet been awarded your PhD but are near submission or have recently submitted your PhD, any offers of employment will be made as Research Assistant on level 5 of the University grade structure. Upon successful award of your PhD and evidence of this fact, you will be promoted to Research Fellow on the first point of the level 6 of the University grade structure.


For further information regarding the skills required for this role please see the personal specification section of the attached job description.



About the Department
Our research group sits within the Biomedical and Biotechnological Engineering Research Cluster in the School of Engineering and applies tools from systems and control to understand and overcome challenges in the industrial application of new engineering biology technologies. We work with experimental groups to realise the solutions in living cells.


We offer competitive salaries on a grading structure that provides annual incremental progression, plus a generous annual leave entitlement (30 days per annum for this role, plus four customary shut down days over Christmas, and eight statutory bank holidays). As well as competitive salaries we offer attractive pension schemes with excellent employer contributions, and various staff recognition awards. We are also committed to helping you to fulfil your potential through a range of career development opportunities.


The School of Engineering is committed to the principles of the Athena SWAN Charter, which recognises work undertaken to address gender equality, representation and progression for all staff working in an academic environment. The School currently holds the Athena SWAN Gold award and the University holds an Institutional Silver award. Further information about the work of the School in relation to Athena SWAN can be found at the following link; Athena SWAN - School of Engineering - University of Warwick



About the University
Born in the 60s with a mindset of boldness, imagination and collaboration, the University of Warwick is a world-leading research-intensive university with the highest academic and research standards. We're one of the world's top universities, ranked 67th in the world and 10th in the UK, with 92% of our research assessed to be 'world leading or internationally excellent'*.


You'll be joining a diverse, innovative and globally connected community committed to igniting real world progress. Here at Warwick, we offer you opportunities to follow your ambitions as long as you bring the energy and determination to succeed.

QS World University Rankings 2024

Research Excellence Framework 2021


To find out more about us visit our website.



How to Apply

CLOSING DATE: Tuesday 19th August 2025 at 23:55 (BST)

To apply, submit an application form by the closing date.


Please plan for any potential delays as you will not be able to submit an application form past this deadline (even if you opened the form at, say, 23:30).


You will have to attach a CV and a cover letter.

Your

CV

should include your employment history (including your most recent employment), your education history, and any other relevant experience. Your

cover letter

should explain your

motivations for applying

to the role. It should also explain, using examples, how you meet each of the

essential and desirable criteria

detailed in the Right to Work in the UK
If you do not yet have the right to work in the UK and/or are seeking sponsorship for a Skilled Worker visa, please follow this link which contains further information about obtaining the right to work in the UK.