Research Associate - Department of Immunology and Immunotherapy - 108300 - Grade 6

Position Details

• Department of Immunology and Immunotherapy, School of Infection, Inflammation and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health
• Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK
• Full time starting salary is normally in the range £33,002 to £35,608 with potential progression once in post to £39,906
• Grade: 6
• Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to 3 years 
• Closing date: 15th November 2026

Background

The candidate will provide technical expertise and research support to the Fungal Infection Lab at the University of Birmingham, within the Institute of Immunology & Immunotherapy. The post will be supervised by Professor Rebecca Drummond. The candidate will use animal models of invasive fungal infections and in vitro cultures of immune cells to understand which immune cells and pathways are required for protection against invasive fungal infections.

The candidate will assist in research (by carrying out data collection or analyses) to create knowledge through providing research support for projects and research groups.

Role Summary

• Work within specified research grants and/or projects
• Operate within area of specialism
• Contribute to publications
• Present research data summaries at internal meetings and at conferences
• Trouble-shoot lab protocols as and when required

Main Duties

• 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
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters
• Develop or adapt techniques, models and methods
• Provide guidance as required to support staff and any students who may be assisting with research
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
• 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 such as immunology or microbiology 
• Prior experience with in vivo models (essential)
• Prior experience with molecular biology (e.g. PCR, western blots)
• Prior experience with microscopy and/or histology
• Prior experience with flow cytometry
• Prior experience with tissue culture
• Experience of working at Biosafety Level 2 laboratories (essential)
• Practical experience of applying the relevant skills and techniques
• 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 Rebecca Drummond, email: r.drummond@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.