Job Description

Position Details

School of Biosciences


Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK


Full time starting salary is normally in the range 36,636 to 46,049 with potential progression once in post to 48,822


Grade: 7


Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to November 2028


Closing date: 6th October 2025

Background

To create and contribute to the creation of knowledge by undertaking a specified range of activities within the Wellcome-funded research project ("Transforming spatial and structural biology: Native ambient mass spectrometry"; 305669/Z/23/Z).


We seek to recruit a postdoctoral Research Fellow in Mass Spectrometry to undertake research as part of the Wellcome-funded project "Transforming spatial and structural biology: Native ambient mass spectrometry". The postholder will undertake research in ambient mass spectrometry (including nano-DESI and LESA), top-down mass spectrometry and mass spectrometry imaging of proteins and their assemblies.


The postholder will have a BSc in Chemistry or related area and a PhD in Mass Spectrometry and should have hands-on experience of at least one of the following: ambient surface mass spectrometry, mass spectrometry imaging, native mass spectrometry, peptide and protein analysis, ion mobility mass spectrometry.


Further information about research in the Cooper laboratory can be found at https://www.biosciences-labs.bham.ac.uk/cooper/index.php

Role Summary

Work within specified research grants and projects and contribute to writing bids Operate within area of mass spectrometry 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

First degree in Chemistry or related area

and

a PhD in mass spectrometry (or near to completion) Experience in native mass spectrometry, top-down mass spectrometry or mass spectrometry imaging 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 fairly



Informal enquiries to Prof Helen Cooper, email: h.j.cooper@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

.