Senior Research Fellow – Department of Metabolism and Systems Science – 106555 – Grade 8
Department of Metabolism and Systems Science, School of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine and Health, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK
Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK
Contract: Full‑time Fixed‑Term (up to March 2027)
Salary: £56,535 (Grade 8)
Closing date: 9th November 2025
Background
To create and disseminate knowledge through initiating and conducting original research and through publication, as appropriate to the disciplinary area.
This vacancy supports the Gates Foundation‑funded Independent Centre for Evaluating Nonhormonal Contraceptive (iCENC) project within the Centre for Human Reproductive Science (ChRS). The role focuses on developing and applying advanced sperm function methodologies, coordinating experimental and analytical work, and contributing to international collaborations.
Key research activities include developing quantitative assays to assess the impact of contraceptive compounds, designing experiments, analysing data, disseminating results to academic and industry partners within the Gates Foundation’s Contraceptive Drug Accelerator (CoDA) network, supervising junior staff, and engaging in international capacity building.
Role Summary
* Initiate and conduct original research that has measurable outcomes and contributes to a growing national and international reputation
* Plan, design and coordinate research activities and programmes
* Contribute to the development of research strategies
* Publish results
* Supervise PhD students
* Provide leadership and management within the Department/School
* Contribute to enterprise, business engagement, public engagement, widening participation and outreach activities
Main Duties
* Plan and carry out high‑quality research on sperm function assays (motility, acrosome reaction, survival, penetration)
* Analyse complex experimental datasets using advanced statistical and computational methods
* Coordinate and manage laboratory activities within iCENC, ensuring quality assurance, ethical compliance and health and safety standards
* Publish high‑impact papers and present at international conferences, workshops and Gates Foundation meetings
* Develop and support applications for future funding and research strategy within the Centre
* Project‑manage research activities and supervise research staff
* Develop novel methodologies appropriate to the research focus
* Provide expert advice to colleagues and students
* Administer research across the Department/School
* Engage in enterprise, business engagement, public engagement and other university‑wide activities
* Champion equality, diversity and inclusion, monitoring and challenging unacceptable behaviour
Person Specification
* PhD (or equivalent) in a relevant research area
* Extensive research experience and scholarship within the subject specialism
* Evidence of a growing reputation and success in planning, undertaking and managing high‑quality research projects
* Experience in developing and applying successful experimental models, techniques and methods
* Experience in knowledge transfer, enterprise and related activities
* Commitment to championing equality, diversity and inclusion within the work area
* Ability to monitor, evaluate and apply equality and diversity legislation, policies and procedures
* Ability to identify and address issues affecting protected groups
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement
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 barriers experienced by some groups in our community and hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We are also focused on sustainability and creating a fairer university for everyone.
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