Research Fellow - Department of Cancer and Genomic Sciences - 108203 - Grade 7

Position Details

Department of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, 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 February 2030

Closing date: 6th December 2026

Background

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the group of Dr. Tianyi Zhang based in the Department of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, to investigate how hematopoietic transcription factors and epigenetic regulators control B cell function and how their dysregulation contribute to blood cancers.

This is a Wellcome Trust funded position available for 3 years in the first instance, with possibility of extension.

The successful postdoctoral researcher will identify key interactions between TFs and chromatin modifiers in B-cells and dissect their functional dependencies in cellular and primary cancer models. They will drive their independent research project while working as part of a collaborative and supportive team. We welcome applications from candidates with strong backgrounds in one or more of the following areas: chromatin biology, protein biochemistry, structural biology, genomics, proteomics, cell and cancer biology.

A willingness to learn and develop new techniques and enthusiasm for collaborative research is essential. This post offers excellent opportunity for personal and professional development within teaching and fellowship development, and leadership.

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 the responsibilities outlined below

• Develop research objectives and design experiments 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, research findings and results 
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
• Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc.
• Contribute to developing new models and techniques
• Supervise and train students in research, writing, and presentation
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods 
• Undertake management/administration arising from research
• Contribute to Departmental research, community, and public engagement activities
• Present research at seminars, conferences and drafting academic publications
• Contribute to ideas, data, and writing bids for research funding
• Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews
• 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
• Resolve problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
• Foster a fair and equitable workplace for all staff
• 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
• Fosters a fair and equitable workplace for all staff
• Identify and respond to equality and diversity issues in line with relevant university policies and procedures

• Other relevant criteria from our equality and diversity duties document.

Person Specification

• A PhD degree (or near completion) in a relevant research area. i.e.  chromatin biology, protein biochemistry, structural biology, genomics, proteomics, and cancer biology
• Demonstrable research experience and/or detailed knowledge of gene and epigenetic regulation and chromatin biology
• Evidence of leading a research project through to completion, demonstrated by a first-author publication, manuscript in preparation or under review
• A strong academic track record (i.e. publications, conference poster or talks, service, public engagement) appropriate to career stage
• High level analytical and problem-solving capability
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly, in writing and in presentations
• Fluency in relevant models and 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 and duties under the Equality Act 2010. Including fostering good relations and advancing the universities Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED).
• Other relevant criteria from our equality and diversity knowledge, skills and experience document.

Further particulars can be found here

Informal enquiries to Tianyi Zhang, email: [email protected] 

Use of AI in applications: We want to understand your genuine interest in the role and for the written elements of your application to accurately reflect your own communication style. Applications that rely too heavily on AI tools can appear generic and lack the detail we need to assess your skills and experience. Such applications will unlikely be progressed to interview.

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.