Research Fellow – School of Chemistry – 101771 – Grade 7

Job title:

Research Fellow – School of Chemistry – 101771 – Grade 7

Company

University of Birmingham

Job description

Job Description:Position DetailsSchool of Chemistry, College of Engineering and Physical SciencesLocation: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UKAs this vacancy has limited funding the maximum salary that can be offered is Grade 7, salary £35,880Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to November 2026Closing date: 3rd March 2025 (please note that we reserve the right to close this vacancy early once a sufficient number of applications have been received).BackgroundThis is a postdoctoral position in the group of Dr Peacock in the School of Chemistry, working in collaboration with the group of Dr de Cogan in the School of Pharmacy at the University of Nottingham, on the development of eye drops for Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD).AMD is the most common cause of vision loss in the over 50s and is currently treated by intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF therapies. This project will conduct research into the use of small molecules as carrier ligands that enables the non-invasive delivery of drugs (through eye drops) used to treat AMD.The project will involve establishing structure-activity relationships for the molecular delivery systems; characterising the bonding between the molecular delivery system and the anti-VEGF therapeutics (engineered proteins/antibodies); and evaluating formulation and stability. This project will be well suited to someone who is excited about developing a novel technology towards a real clinical application. Candidates must have, or be near to completion of, a PhD in Chemistry, Biophysics or related discipline.The School of Chemistry at the University of Birmingham is a vibrant and thriving academic community, with over 100 academic and research staff, 20 professional services staff and over 600 students. We provide an inclusive and supportive environment where we strive to support every member of staff in realising their career potential. With a strong focus on our four Research Themes of Energy, Sustainability, Environment and Health, and a number of interdisciplinary Interest Groups serving as testbeds to explore new and emerging areas of interest, we are a dynamic place to work. We have ambitious plans to expand our research activity and are in an exciting period of growth: major investment from the University has delivered a state-of-the-art research building (opened 2024), and new multi-million pound high-performance computing facilities, which will ensure UK-leading compute capability. These investments build on a major recent expansion of our academic staff and investment in our teaching and learning provision, with our Collaborative Teaching Laboratory (opened 2018), already revolutionising how we teach undergraduate practical chemistry.Role Summary

• Work on Dr Peacock and Dr de Cogan’s funded research grant “Designing Eye Drops for Age-Related Macular Degeneration”
• Analyse and interpret research findings and results
• Contribute to the preparation of scientific manuscripts and reports and/or public understanding of the discipline or similar
• Contribute to the development of the wider research group environment, training and activities

Main DutiesThe responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.

• Establishing structure-activity relationships for the molecular delivery systems
• Characterising the bonding between the molecular delivery system and the anti-VEGF therapeutics (engineered proteins/antibodies)
• Evaluating formulation and stability
• 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
• Work effectively with collaborators
• Progress the research project towards realising deliverables and hitting milestones
• Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc
• Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD and Master’s students
• Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration in the Peacock group
• Contribute to enterprise, business development and/or public engagement activities of benefit to project
• Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods
• Undertake management/administration arising from research
• 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

• Candidates must have a PhD or be near to completion, in Chemistry, Biophysics or related discipline
• Candidates should be familiar with a range of different spectroscopic techniques, such as (though expertise in all is not required) Isothermal Titration Calorimetry (ITC), Circular Dichroism, Mass Spectrometry, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (NMR), fluorescence anisotropy, Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Microscale Thermophoresis (MST) and HPLC. Experience in peptide chemistry is desirable but not essential
• High level analytical capability
• Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme
• Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively
• Work effectively in a research team, including collaborative research
• An understanding of the importance of EDI within research culture

Informal enquiries to Dr Anna Peacock, email: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 .

Expected salary

Location

United Kingdom

Job date

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 06:33:30 GMT

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