Research Fellow (Electron Microscopy) - School of Biosciences - 95800 - Grade 7

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 July 2028 

Closing date: 18^th October 2026

Background

Applications are welcomed from candidates in Europe and other overseas countries. Financial support for visa application fees is available, subject to eligibility and organisational policy. 

There is a Research Fellow (Post-doc) position available in the field of integrative structural biology, based in the group of Prof. Teresa Carlomagno at the University of Birmingham. The research group studies the functional mechanisms of proteins, including intrinsically disordered proteins, nucleic acids and their complexes by integrative structural biology. The laboratory uses and develops state-of-the-art Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (NMR) methods as a major structural biology tool, in combination with several other complementary techniques, in particular cryo-Electron Microscopy (cryo-EM), but also Mass Spectrometry (MS), Small-Angle-Scattering and Fluorescence Microscopy. 

The University of Birmingham has recently acquired a state-of-the-art FEI Glacios 3 Cryo-Electron Microscope, equipped with a Falcon 4i direct electron detector and a cold field emission gun (cold-FEG) for enhanced imaging performance. This advanced facility, together with state-of-the-art NMR, MS and Light Microscopy facilities available at the University, provides new opportunities to investigate the structural complexity of biological macromolecules at high resolution, supporting cutting-edge research across biosciences and biomedicine and enabling novel discoveries in molecular and cellular mechanisms.

The Research Fellow is proficient in high-resolution biomolecular structural determination by cryo-EM and will apply cryo-EM, together with complementary structural biology approaches, in the field of RNA metabolism and regulation of gene expression. There are opportunities to develop new approaches to integrative structural biology. In addition, the Research Fellow will use molecular biology, biophysical and biochemical techniques to produce and characterise biomolecular complexes and their activity in vitro and cellular biology approaches to verify the functional mechanisms in vivo.

Role Summary

• Operate within area of specialism 
• Analyse and interpret research findings and results 
• Work within specified research grants and projects and contribute to writing bids 
• Contribute to 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, in the area of interest of the hosting laboratory (Prof T Carlomagno) 
• Acquire, analyse and interpret data - structural biology, biochemical and biophysical data 
• Acquire, analyse and interpret high-resolution single-particle cryo-EM data
• Operate the cryo-EM microscope
• Produce biomolecular complexes by molecular biology techniques
• Optimize sample production and purification, as well as preparation of cryo-EM grids
• Establish protocols for cryo-EM data analysis, from micrographs to structures
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding 
• Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc 
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters 
• Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline 
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods 
• Undertake management/administration arising from research 
• Contribute to Departmental/Institute 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 and literature reviews 
• 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

• PhD (or near to completion) in Biophysics/ Biochemistry/ Chemical Biology/ Structural Biology or related areas or equivalent qualifications 
• Proficiency in single-particle Electron Microscopy (cryo-EM), including data acquisition, image processing, three-dimensional reconstruction and structural analysis 
• Practical experience in a biochemical laboratory and/or handling nucleic acids 
• Proficiency in sample preparation for cryo-EM
• High level analytical capability
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly through both written and oral communication
• Experience in scientific writing and publication in peer-reviewed journals 
• 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 
• Understanding of, and ability to contribute to, the planning, organisation, management, and administration of broader research programmes, as well as specific research projects
• Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams in an international research environment, ensuring the efficient coordination of activities and avoiding 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 
• Willingness to work in a competitive, international environment

Informal enquiries to Teresa Carlomagno, email: [email protected]

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.