Job Description

Position Details

School of Biosciences


Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK


Full time starting salary is normally in the range 36,130 to 45,413 with potential progression once in post to 48,149. As this vacancy has limited funding the maximum salary that can be offered is Grade 7, salary 41,671


Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to July 2027


Closing date: 3th June 2025

'Open House' Drop In Session:

We will be holding an 'open house' drop in session at the University's Exchange building, in Centenary Square, Birmingham, between 10am and 5pm on Friday 6th June 2025. If you're interested in working at the University of Birmingham and perhaps have a few questions, this is an opportunity to meet colleagues in the Recruitment team. It will be a relaxed and informal event - you can drop in at any time.

Background

To create and contribute to the creation of knowledge by undertaking a specified range of activities within an established research programme and/or specific research project.

Role Summary

This is a two-year postdoctoral position funded by The Humane Research Trust (THRT) to undertake research into the synthesis and biological studies including targeting, penetration and toxicity of novel metallodrug-coated gold nanoparticles in a 3D-cell culture model of head and neck cancer. This is a highly inter-disciplinary project involving collaboration between Dr Nik Hodges (School of Biosciences) and Professors Zoe Pikramenou and Mike Hannon (School of Chemistry). The successful candidate will have had previous experience at working at the interface between chemistry and biology research. A chemistry background is required with synthetic expertise and experience in the following techniques is highly desirable:


Synthesis and characterisation of metal complexes and metallodrugs Mammalian cell culture including experience of 3D cell culture techniques. Confocal microscopy including quantitative image analysis Flow cytometry General molecular biology techniques such as quantitative PCR and western blotting Cell cytotoxicity assessment using biochemical endpoints such as MTT and ATP assays
In addition to project specific requirements described above, the successful candidate is expected to be able to:


Further the aims of THRT in developing and promoting use of animal free models in biomedical research Work within specified research grants and projects and contribute to writing bids Analyse and interpret research findings and results Contribute to generating funding Contribute to manuscript writing

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 and MSc 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 and a PhD relevant to research area or equivalent qualifications 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 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 Dr Nikolas Hodges: email: n.hodges@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

.