Position Details
School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK.
Full‑time, fixed‑term contract up to September 2029 with a starting salary of £36,636 to £46,049, potentially progressing to £48,822. Grade: 7. Three positions available. Closing date: 26 April 2026. UK and international travel may be required.
Background
A Postdoctoral Research Fellow position is available in the research group of Prof. Carolina Rezaval at the University of Birmingham, UK. The successful candidate will investigate how the brain prioritises behaviour when animals face conflicting internal needs and changing environmental demands. This position is part of the Wellcome Trust Discovery Award programme “Decoding Competition in the Brain”, which explores how neuromodulatory circuits reshape decision‑making under conflict and how competitive pressure reconfigures behavioural priorities. Using Drosophila melanogaster, we combine quantitative behavioural paradigms with neural circuit mapping, advanced genetics, two‑photon functional imaging, and molecular approaches to uncover fundamental principles governing behavioural choice.
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 and/or public understanding of the discipline.
Main Duties
* Conduct experiments, troubleshoot, and analyse data under Prof. Rezaval’s supervision to deliver on Wellcome Trust research goals.
* Develop research objectives 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.
* Apply knowledge to develop new intellectual understanding.
* Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars, etc.
* Supervise students on research‑related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate.
* Contribute to developing new models, techniques, and methods.
* Undertake management/administration arising from research.
* Contribute to Department/School research‑related activities and research‑related administration.
* Contribute to enterprise, business development, and public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and University.
* Collect research data through scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews.
* Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, at seminars and as posters.
* Provide guidance to support staff and any students assisting with research.
* Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines.
* Promote equality and diversity, acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.
Person Specification
* First degree in Life Sciences/Biological Sciences/Genetics/Cell Biology/Neuroscience/Biochemistry or related disciplines, and either a PhD (or near to completion) or equivalent research experience.
* High level analytical capability.
* Ability to communicate complex information clearly.
* Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively.
* Willingness to work in an international, competitive research environment.
* Fluency in relevant techniques or methods, and ability to contribute to developing new ones within the disciplines mentioned above.
* Ability to manage resources efficiently and coordinate work with others.
* Understanding of management/administration processes.
* Contribution to planning and organising research programmes or specific projects.
* Co‑ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort.
* Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010 and ability to actively ensure equal treatment in day‑to‑day activities.
Desirable
* Experience working with Drosophila, live calcium imaging, Matlab/Python programming, and/or behaviour.
* A good publication record in neuroscience.
Additional Information
Informal enquiries to Carolina Rezaval, email: c.rezaval@bham.ac.uk.
We are committed to proactively addressing 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.
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