Research Associate - Department of Immunology and Immunotherapy Grade 6

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 £33,002 to £35,608 with potential progression once in post to £39,906

Grade: 6

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to March 2028

Closing date: 3rd March 2026

UK and International travel may be required for this role.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the most common cause of abnormal liver enzymes in children. There is still relatively little known about hepatic transcriptional changes in paediatric MASLD and how it correlates with liver histology.

Birmingham is a national paediatric liver centre, which includes one of the country’s largest paediatric MASLD cohorts. Dr. Jake P. Mann chaired the European Paediatric MASLD Specialist Interest Group for three years. This project will leverage this network to deliver a comprehensive characterisation of paediatric MASLD liver transcriptome.

To assist in research (by carrying out data collection or analyses) to create knowledge through providing research support for projects and research groups.

• Work within specified research grants and/or projects
• Operate within area of specialism
• Contribute to publications
• On-site position based at the Centre for Liver and Gastrointestinal Research, Department of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham
• Line manager will be Dr. Jake P. Mann (who works 50% clinically at Birmingham Children’s Hospital and 50% research at University of Birmingham)
• Work alongside and collaborate with other staff at CLGR and international paediatric MASLD researchers
• Combination of wet-lab research, dry-lab data analysis, and administration

• Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews
• Work and communicate with local and international partners to coordinate sample and data collection
• Analyse research data as directed in partnership with host team and technology experts (e.g. bioinformatician, histopathologist)
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters
• Maintain accurate and contemporary records and data to present outputs/analyses at internal and external meetings and for publication
• Maintain meticulous records of all biological specimens
• Develop or adapt techniques, models and methods
• Provide guidance as required to support staff and any students who may be assisting with research
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines. For example: delays in obtaining transfer agreements or samples, quality control of samples, missing data
• Carry out administrative tasks related directly to the delivery of the research
• Promote equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture
• Travel within Europe for research collaborations, training, and meetings
• Work independently with remote supervision (whilst Dr. Mann is on clinical duties)

• Degree or equivalent in relevant subject area (biomedical or biological sciences)
• Demonstrates understanding of ethical and legal implications of working with human biomaterials and research participants
• Practical experience of applying the relevant skills and techniques, including RNA extraction, and staining of formalin‑fixed paraffin‑embedded slides
• Ability to analyse information and communicate effectively, including analysis of RNA sequencing data using R and high‑performance computing servers
• Proven to be self‑motivated and able to effectively generate plan of work on consultation with supervisor
• Demonstrates being organised with a plan of work, yet flexible to unpredictable arrival of data or samples
• Good written and verbal communication skills

• PhD in a relevant subject area
• Practical experience of laboratory research using human liver tissue
• Experience of team working and networking skills
• Ability to access and…