Research Fellow; Postdoctoral – School of Biosciences; Grade 7

Research Fellow (Postdoctoral) – School of Biosciences (Grade
7)

General Description:

The School of Biosciences at the University of Birmingham is seeking to appoint a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to contribute to the project titled “Speed Breeding Technologies for UK Broadleaved Trees,” funded by the Centre for Forest Protection (CFP) and supported by Defra. The position is offered on a full-time, fixed‑term basis until March 2028 and will be based at the University of Birmingham’s Edgbaston campus.

The successful candidate will work within the research groups led by Dr. Andrew Plackett and Dr. Graeme Kettles. The role involves undertaking bioinformatic research and supporting wet‑lab preparation of samples for next‑generation sequencing as part of the broader project investigating innovative speed breeding technologies for trees. The research fellow will play an integral role in delivering project objectives, collaborating with interdisciplinary partners across institutions, and contributing to project management and reporting requirements.

Key responsibilities:

undertaking experimental work under supervision to collect research data, managing time effectively to meet project milestones, analyzing and interpreting research data, developing research objectives and proposals for individual or collaborative projects, and contributing to the design of follow‑on experiments aligned with project goals. The role also involves contributing to funding proposals, disseminating research findings through publications and seminars, and participating in collaborative meetings with project partners and quarterly review meetings with Defra.

Applicants must hold a PhD in a relevant discipline or possess equivalent professional qualifications and research experience appropriate to the role. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to conduct independent research and contribute to collaborative scientific projects.

• Expertise in bioinformatics and computational analysis of biological data.
• Experience or willingness to support wet‑lab work including sample preparation and RNA extraction.
• Strong ability to analyze, interpret, and present complex scientific data.
• Experience in developing research objectives and contributing to research proposals.
• Proven ability to disseminate research findings through academic publications and presentations.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills, with the capacity to work effectively within multidisciplinary research teams.

Full‑time starting salary is normally in the range of £36,636 to £46,049 per annum, with potential progression once in post to £48,822. Due to limited project funding, the maximum salary that can be offered is Grade 7 at £36,636 per annum.