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


Grade: 7


Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to July 2026


Closing date: 3rd June 2025

Background

We seek a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join our dynamic group investigating mitochondrial genetics and function ( http://themalab.co.uk ). The candidate will mainly use genetic and biochemical approaches to study mitochondrial DNA repair in Drosophila and mammalian cells.


You must be ambitious and able to work independently. Applicants should have, or be near to completion of, a PhD in biochemistry or molecular biology with a basic knowledge of mitochondrial biology. Previous experience in cell culture, imaging and CRISPR screening in mammalian cells is a strong advantage. Experience with bioinformatics analysis and Drosophila work would be desirable but not necessary. This position will be supervised by Prof Hansong Ma in the School of Biosciences at the University of Birmingham.


Fixed-term: This post is available until 31st July 2026 in the first instance.

Role Summary

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

and

normally, a higher degree 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 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 Hansong Ma, email: h.ma.6@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

.