Research Fellow in Structural Biology of RNA Chemical Modifications - School of Biosciences - 103860 - Grade 7

Our international group of highly motivated and interdisciplinary structural biologists is expanding. We are looking for a Research Fellow fascinated by the structural basis of molecular functions. You will study the structure-function relationships in RNA-protein complexes involved in RNA modifications as well as the impact of chemical modifications on RNA structure. We offer unique access to first-class instrumentation for structural biology. At the national centre for biomolecular NMR spectroscopy in Birmingham (HWB-NMR), we host the best biomolecular NMR equipment available in the UK, comprising 1000, 900 and 800 MHz spectrometers equipped with cryoprobes and MAS probes for both solution- and solid-state NMR, as well as an incoming 1.2 GHz spectrometer expected in 2025. At the Midlands Regional Cryo Electron Microscope Facility in Leicester, you will have access to a 300kV Titan Krios G3 cryo-electron microscope with a direct electron-detecting camera. We have BAG access to the
synchrotron at DIAMOND for small angle scattering, X-ray crystallography and many more X-ray based techniques. Fully equipped biochemistry and molecular biology laboratories, as well as extensive equipment for in cellulo work and light microscopy are available. This interdisciplinary research environment will provide you with unique development opportunities.

Our globally-operating research group is embedded in a vibrant community of world-renowned scientists in the fields of genome biology, cancer research and microbiology. We believe in interdisciplinarity and we strive to integrate structural biology with functional studies in cells and whole organisms, as well as with drug design and molecular engineering.

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 (such as revenues, asset or company sales, IP generated) and/or public understanding of the discipline or similar


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.
  
  First degree in area of specialism and normally, a higher degree (PhD or near to completion) in Biophysics/ Biochemistry/ Chemistry/Chemical Biology/ Structural Biology or related areas or equivalent qualifications


• Proven experience in structural biology, preferably by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy, both in data acquisition and analysis


• Track record of working successfully in a biochemical laboratory


• High level analytical capability


• Ability to communicate complex information clearly


• Fluency in relevant models, techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones


• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively


• 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


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  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 .