Senior Research Fellow

Job Description

Position Details

Department of Metabolism and Systems Science, 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 £47,389 to £56,535 with potential progression once in post to £63,606

As this vacancy has limited funding the maximum salary that can be offered is Grade 8, salary £56,535

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to March 2027

Closing date: 16th November 2025

Background

To create and disseminate knowledge through initiating and conducting original research and through publication, as appropriate to the disciplinary area.

This post will contribute to the delivery of the Gates Foundation-funded Independent Centre for Evaluating Nonhormonal Contraceptive (iCENC) project within the Centre for Human Reproductive Science (ChRS). The iCENC aims to establish internationally recognised standards for sperm function assays to support the evaluation of non-hormonal contraceptive compounds. The post holder will play a key role in developing and applying advanced sperm function methodologies, coordinating experimental and analytical work, and contributing to international collaborations with leading partner sites.

The post holder will lead and conduct original research in human sperm function and fertilisation biology, focusing on the development, standardisation, and application of quantitative assays to assess the impact of contraceptive compounds. The role involves experimental design, data interpretation, and dissemination of results to both academic and industry partners within the Gates Foundation's Contraceptive Drug Accelerator (CoDA) network. The successful candidate will work closely with senior investigators, supervise junior research staff, and contribute to international capacity building and knowledge exchange.

We know that organisations which have strong values and behaviours do well and that teams and individuals are engaged, happy and motivated in their work. The Centre for Human Reproductive Science works closely with Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS FT and therefore expect team members to work to develop and embed our joint values and we will continue to ensure that they underpin the way we care for our patients and each other. The ChRS goal is to foster an inclusive research environment where people and innovation thrive, to create a global impact. All team members are expected to promote equality, diversity, and human rights in research by developing and maintaining positive working relationships, ensuring that colleagues are treated fairly and contributing to developing equality of opportunity and outcomes.

Role Summary

• Initiate and conduct original research which has measurable outcomes and is reflected in a growing national and often incipient international reputation
• Plan, design and co-ordinate research activities and programmes
• Contribute to the development of research strategies
• Publish results of own research
• Supervise PhD students
• Contribute to the Department/School through management/leadership
• Develop and make substantial contributions to knowledge transfer, enterprise, business engagement, public engagement activities, widening participation, schools outreach or similar activities at Department/School level or further within the University

Main Duties

To plan and carry out research, using appropriate methodology and techniques. This may include, where appropriate to the discipline:

• Design, plan, and deliver high-quality research on sperm function, including motility, acrosome reaction, survival, and viscous penetration assays
• Analyse and interpret complex experimental datasets using advanced statistical and computational approaches, and contribute to the establishment of standardised baseline ranges
• Coordinate and manage laboratory activities within the iCENC, ensuring quality assurance, ethical compliance, and adherence to health and safety standards
• Publish high-impact papers and present research outcomes at international conferences, workshops, and Gates Foundation network meetings.
• Actively contribute to the development of the research strategy within the Centre and develop and support applications for future funding.
• Project manage research activities, and/or supervise other research staff
• Present high quality findings in publications and conference proceedings
• Develop novel methodologies and techniques appropriate to the type of research being pursued
• Supervise and examine PhD students, both within and out with the University
• Provide expert advice to colleagues and students within discipline
• Contribute to the administration/management of research across the Department/School
• Develop and make substantial contributions to knowledge transfer, enterprise, business engagement, and public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University
• Contribute to some administrative activities within the University, typically relating to research
• Apply knowledge in a way that develops new intellectual understanding
• Actively manages equality, diversity and inclusion through monitoring and evaluation and actively challenging unacceptable behaviour

Person Specification

• Normally, a higher degree relevant to the research area (normally PhD) or equivalent qualifications
• Extensive research experience and scholarship within subject specialism
• Experience and achievement reflected in a growing reputation
• Extensive experience and demonstrated success in planning, undertaking and project managing research to deliver high quality results
• Extensive experience of applying and/or developing and devising successful models, techniques and methods
• Extensive experience and achievement in knowledge transfer, enterprise and similar activity
• Experience of championing Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in own work area
• Ability to monitor and evaluate the extent to which equality and diversity legislation, policies, procedures are applied
• Ability to identify issues with the potential to impact on protected groups and take appropriate action

Further particulars can be found here

Informal enquiries to Dr Meurig Gallagher, email:

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.

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