Job Description

Position Details

School of Chemistry, College of Engineering and Physical Sciences


Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK


Full time starting salary is normally in the range 36,130 to 45,413 with potential progression once in post to 48,149


Grade: 7


Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to May 2027


Closing date: 30th April 2025


UK and International travel may be required for this role

Background

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. The University has delivered a state-of-the-art research building (opened in 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, which opened September 2018, already revolutionising how we teach undergraduate practical chemistry.

Role Summary

We are looking for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to work on the biological evaluation of biomaterials. The aim of the project is to assess cytocompatibility and tissue response to new polymeric adhesives developed in the group. The project will be hosted in the Arno lab, in the School of Chemistry at the University of Birmingham and is part of a UKRI funded project. However, there will be the opportunity to visit collaborators in the UK and abroad.


The post holder will be responsible for all aspects of the project which will include cell culture handling, monitoring of cell behaviour through live cell assays, tissue culture handling through the use of microfluidic devices, and ex vivo tissue adhesion assays. Training will be provided in all of the component techniques but demonstrable experience in a number of the aspects is required. Given the multidisciplinary nature of the project, it presents an outstanding opportunity to learn more about biomaterials and polymeric adhesives.


You should have completed (or be near to completion) an experimental PhD in either biology, biochemistry, chemistry or closely related area. You should have good cell culture handling experience that includes working with cell viability assays, testing cell-material interactions, and determining the adhesive properties of biomaterials to cells and tissues. You should also have expertise and experience in confocal fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. You should have a practical mindset with a strong focus on problem solving and hands-on experience in a laboratory environment including instrumentation set-up and maintenance. You should have a record of publishing in leading international journals and/or at conferences.


The role will also offer the opportunity to contribute to the development of research strategies within the group as well as co-supervise master students. Additionally, you will be expected to contribute towards the scientific health of the school of chemistry through outreach and teaching activities and should therefore possess good skills and ideally experience in these areas.


To undertake research into assessing the biological performance of biomaterials under the supervision of Dr Maria Chiara Arno. To produce regular written and oral reports pertaining to the project as requested; attend regular project meetings; give regular presentations to the group; write papers for publication in peer reviewed scientific journals. To play an active role within the research group, participating in all group meetings and activities. You may supervise research students, be responsible for installation and maintenance of equipment and training of personnel on equipment. To participate in the collaborative meetings and work with the project collaborators.
We value diversity at The University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community. The University of Birmingham is an equal opportunity and family-friendly employer, and the School of Chemistry welcomes flexible working to suit family or other commitments. The University has on-campus childcare facilities. The School of Chemistry holds an Athena SWAN Bronze Award in recognition of its work in promoting women's careers in STEM subjects in higher education.

Main Duties

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


Perform research and collect data in the specified area to a high level of competency and quality. Analyse and interpret research findings and results generated from all aspects of the project. Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to support staff and students in the group. Disseminate research through conferences, departmental seminars, outreach activities, etc. Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with assistance of a mentor if required. Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration. Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding. Promote equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture. Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines. Contribute to developing new ideas, directions, techniques and methods in order to advance the project and enhance its quality. Maintain a high level of knowledge of the immediate and surrounding literature.

Person Specification

First degree in area of specialism

and

normally a higher degree (PhD or one near to completion) relevant to research area or equivalent qualifications. Excellent research profile at the interface of material science and cell biology, having established their scientific career in assessing biological applications of biomaterials. Proven experience in cell culture techniques, including live cell assays, 2D and 3D cell culture. Desirable: experience in tissue culture and use of microfluidic devices. High level capability and experience in use of optical microscopy, confocal fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, plate reader. Desirable: experience in structured illumination microscopy (SIM) and fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM). Interest in interdisciplinary research and willingness to learn new techniques. Ability to keep up to date with new developments in the fields relevant to the project. Ability to work both independently and as part of a team on research programmes. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills including the ability to work effectively in a multi-disciplinary project area of research. Ability to initiate, plan, organise, implement and deliver programmes of research work to tight deadlines. Ability to write and give presentations to both national and international audience standard and communicate complex information clearly. Ability to install and maintain relevant equipment and to train other personnel on operation of this equipment. Excellent writing skills and record of success in published papers.

Informal enquiries to Dr Maria Chiara Arno, email: m.c.arno@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

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You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone

on our website

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