Research Fellow - Department of Cancer and Genomic Sciences - 108203 - Grade 7

Location: United Kingdom Department: Academic Non-clinical

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 February 2030

Closing date: 6th December 2026

Background

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the group of Dr. Tianyi Zhang based in the Department of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, to investigate how hematopoietic transcription factors and epigenetic regulators control B cell function and how their dysregulation contribute to blood cancers.

This is a Wellcome Trust funded position available for 3 years in the first instance, with possibility of extension.

The successful postdoctoral researcher will identify key interactions between TFs and chromatin modifiers in B-cells and dissect their functional dependencies in cellular and primary cancer models. They will drive their independent research project while working as part of a collaborative and supportive team. We welcome applications from candidates with strong backgrounds in one or more of the following areas: chromatin biology, protein biochemistry, structural biology, genomics, proteomics, cell and cancer biology.

A willingness to learn and develop new techniques and enthusiasm for collaborative research is essential. This post offers excellent opportunity for personal and professional development within teaching and fellowship development, and leadership.

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 the responsibilities outlined below

Develop research objectives and design experiments 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, research findings and results

Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding

Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc.

Contribute to developing new models and techniques

Supervise and train students in research, writing, and presentation

Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods

Undertake management/administration arising from research

Contribute to Departmental research, community, and public engagement activities

Present research at seminars, conferences and drafting academic publications

Contribute to ideas, data, and writing bids for research funding

Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews

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

Resolve problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines

Foster a fair and equitable workplace for all staff

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

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

A PhD degree (or near completion) in a relevant research area. i.e.  chromatin biology, protein biochemistry, structural biology, genomics, proteomics, and cancer biology

Demonstrable research experience and/or detailed knowledge of gene and epigenetic regulation and chromatin biology

Evidence of leading a research project through to completion, demonstrated by a first-author publication, manuscript in preparation or under review

A strong academic track record (i.e. publications, conference poster or talks, service, public engagement) appropriate to career stage

High level analytical and problem-solving capability

Ability to communicate complex information clearly, in writing and in presentations

Fluency in relevant models and 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 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 Tianyi Zhang, 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