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 £36,636 to £46,049 with potential progression once in post to £48,822
Grade: 7
Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to September 2027
Closing date: 11th September 2025
Background
We are seeking a motivated post-doctoral research fellow to join our Wellcome Trust funded project investigating how mitochondrial regulation coordinates the inflammatory response.
The candidate will join the close-working groups of Dr Sally Clayton and Prof Sarah Dimeloe in the Department of Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medicine and Health, at the University of Birmingham. They will contribute to Dr Clayton’s Wellcome Trust Early Career Award project, studying the dynamic changes in the mitochondrial electron transport chain during inflammation, and how these influence immune function and disease. The project combines biochemistry, molecular and cellular biology, and in vivo models to deliver a comprehensive picture of immuno-metabolic function during inflammation. This is related to Dr Clayton’s published work on mitochondrial remodeling: Clayton et al Science Advances 2021, DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abl5182.
Dr Clayton and Prof Dimeloe provide complementary expertise in immunometabolism, and also work collaboratively with other groups across the Departments of Immunology and Immunotherapy, and Inflammation and Ageing, bringing together experts in immunology, respiratory medicine and rheumatology. Dr Clayton also leads the cross-college Birmingham Translational Mitochondrial Research Network, providing additional opportunities for the candidate to expand their network and work collaboratively in relevant areas.
Funding for the position is available for 2 years. The candidate will analyse metabolic and immune functionality using a variety of in vitro and in vivo models relevant to the inflammatory response, with a particular focus on macrophages. The candidate should demonstrate a good understanding of immunology, and have excellent communication skills. They will be expected to help develop new techniques within the laboratory, help supervise project/undergraduate students, and present their data regularly at internal lab meetings and external conferences.
Applicants should be proficient in basic tissue culture and molecular biology techniques, as well as flow cytometry, and ideally be experienced with in vivo models. Previous experience of metabolic assays would be advantageous. Applicants should be able to demonstrate prior research success; for example, through publications/pre-prints, presentations at conferences and relevant academic prizes/travel awards.
Role Summary
* Use in vitro and in vivo models to analyse metabolic and immune function under inflammatory conditions of interest
* Regularly present findings at team meetings and interact closely with collaborators
* Operate within area of specialism
* Analyse and interpret research findings and results
* Help supervise undergraduate and MSc level students conducting projects related to the candidate’s research
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, with assistance of a mentor if required
* Contribute to writing bids for research funding
* Analyse and interpret data
* Apply knowledge in a way which develops 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 to the discipline
* Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods
* Undertake management/administration arising from research
* Contribute to Departmental/School 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, literature reviews, and research interviews
* Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters
* 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
* Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.
Person Specification
* Applicant should hold a PhD (or near to completion) in immunology or metabolism
* First author publications in peer-reviewed journals or pre-prints in fields relevant to the post
* Previous experience and strong interest in immunometabolism; in-depth understanding of immunology, and knowledge of metabolic pathways
* Experience in using multicolour flow cytometry to analyse immune responses
* Experience of molecular cloning techniques and working within genetically modified organism risk assessments
* Holder of Home Office Personal Licence (or equivalent in home country)
* Experience of using in vivo mouse models to assess immune responses
* High level analytical capability
* Ability to communicate complex information clearly
* Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively
* Fluency in relevant models, techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones
* 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 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
Further particulars can be found here
Informal enquiries to Sally Clayton, email: s.clayton@bham.ac.uk
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 .
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