Research Associate - Department of Cancer and Genomic Sciences - 108286 - Grade 6

Position Details

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

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

As this vacancy has limited funding the maximum salary that can be offered is Grade 6, salary £33,002.

Grade: 6

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to 12 months

Closing date: 12^th November 2026

Background

This 1-year position is available to carry out research within a Wellcome Trust-funded research programme, which aims to understand how transcription regulation of genes drives mRNA diversification and diverse mRNA fates. The post holder will carry out independent research in cancer genetics and aim to understand how transcription regulation control mRNA fates upon metabolic stress and metabolic regulation. They will use organoids models to characterise transcriptome profiles of colorectal cancer organoids exposed to various metabolic stresses (hypoxia, mTOR inhibition, nutrient deprivation) and develop novel biomarkers that stratify colorectal cancer organoids responsiveness to mTOR inhibition.

Working with Prof Ferenc Mueller and in collaboration with Professor Andrew Beggs they will transfect organoids using lentiviral vectors to generate fluorescence reporters and to interfere with transcription factor function. They will operate in dedicated high specification tissue culture space with access to in vivo 4D imaging by light sheet microscopy and high content microscopy.

The post holder will work closely with research fellows working in the Wellcome-funded programme in the Mueller/Beggs laboratories. The postholder will train postgraduate students in organoid culture and organoid manipulation tools.

Role Summary

• Work within specified research grant (Wellcome Trust funded programme)
• Operate within area of cancer genetics
• Contribute to peer reviewed publication

Main Duties

• Optimise organoid technologies, design and deliver experiments.
• Cataloguing and organisation of organoids and related reagents.
• General molecular biology techniques that contribute towards the development of organoid models.
• Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews
• Analyse research data as directed
• Assisting in managing the experimental and laboratories.
• Diagnose and resolve problems and suggest solutions in regard to techniques and experiments.
• Carry out specialist technical and experimental procedures use own judgment to assess the correct technique to use, and to consider how these may be improved, referring to PI and senior colleagues for approval on proposed changes/adapting new techniques.
• Maintain accurate records of all techniques and experimental procedures you carry out, and for any other research activities you may be involved in including results.
• Ensure compliance with legislation relevant to the area of research/activity.
• Comply with and promote the operating procedures for the area, including the classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures regulation.
• You may contribute to internal and external audit procedures and to regulatory inspections
• 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 research, e.g. on techniques and experimental procedures being used by researchers and/or students. This will involve communicating with colleagues at a range of levels and inexperienced students.
• Carry out administrative tasks related directly to the delivery of the research
• Fosters a fair and equitable workplace for all staff
• Identify and respond to equality and diversity issues in line with relevant university policies and procedures
• Other relevant criteria from our equality and diversity duties document.

Person Specification

• Degree or equivalent in relevant subject area
• Practical experience of applying the relevant skills and techniques (e.g. organoid culture, transformation, imaging):
  • organoid manipulation tools (e.g. transformation)
  • organoid phenotyping (e.g. molecular analyses of RNA and proteins, imaging)
  • next generation sequencing library preparation
• Ability to analyse information and communicate effectively
• Ability to access and organise resources successfully
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics and duties under the Equality Act 2010. Including fostering good relations and advancing the universities Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED).
• Other relevant criteria from our equality and diversity knowledge, skills and experience document.

Further particulars can be found here

Informal enquiries to Ann Smith, email: a.m.smith.2@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.