Research Fellow

Position Details
Department of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine and Health

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 2029

Closing date: 9th November 2026

Background

The Department of Cancer and Genomic Sciences at the University of Birmingham is seeking an exceptional candidate for a research position in the Morris lab to undertake fundamental research in DNA replication and DNA damage and repair. The post holder will investigate how replication fork transitions are regulated and balanced. They will create and contribute to knowledge by addressing how critical transition points in DNA replication stalling are controlled and relate to topological differences in DNA using cell biological approaches, and advanced microscopy and/ or biophysical approaches.

The successful applicant will join a vibrant laboratory with opportunities for personal and professional development within research leadership, teaching and fellowship mentoring. The Department of Cancer and Genomics is a diverse Cancer Research Centre, containing one of the largest Cancer Clinical Trials Units and high-profile DNA repair and replication research groups.

The position is supported by a Wellcome Trust Discovery Award.

Role Summary

• To design, perform and record experiments that inform this area, including developing new methodologies.
• Work within specified research grants and projects and contribute to writing bids.
• Operate within area of specialism and develop ideas beyond that area.
• Analyse and interpret research findings and results.
• Contribute to generating funding.
• Support other members of the research group and work with lab members towards publications and long-term projects.

Main Duties

The responsibilities may include some but not necessarily all of the responsibilities outlined below.

• Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with assistance of a mentor if required.
• Bring the ability to invent new, or adapt existing, methodologies.
• Contribute to the development of others in the research team, providing guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research.
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding.
• Analyse and interpret data, recommend next steps within the context of current literature.
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding.
• Keep excellent contemporaneous notes and records.
• Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc.
• Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students, and more junior members of staff where appropriate to the discipline.
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods.
• Undertake management/administration and day-to-day laboratory tasks needed for 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.
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines, such as those for publication or grant deadlines.
• Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive and kind working culture.

Person Specification

• First degree in area of specialism and normally, a PhD (or near to completion) relevant to research area or equivalent qualifications.
• Demonstrable research experience of, or detailed knowledge of, mammalian DNA replication and/or DNA repair, which should include techniques such as DNA fibre analysis, IPOND or transmission electron microscopy.
• Demonstrable productivity including publications or preprints.
• High level analytical capability.
• Evidence of having developed or invented new methods and the ability to learn new approaches outside of current expertise.
• 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.
• Ability to contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project.
• The ability to co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict, duplication of effort and to promote efficiency.
• Have knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day-to-day activity in own area with those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly.

Further particulars can be found here

Informal enquiries to Jo Morris, email: j.morris.3@bham.ac.uk

Use of AI in applications: We want to understand your genuine interest in the role and for the written elements of your application to accurately reflect your own communication style. Applications that rely too heavily on AI tools can appear generic and lack the detail we need to assess your skills and experience. Such applications will unlikely be progressed to interview.

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.