Research Associate - Department of Pharmacy

Position Details

Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, 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

Part Time 0.8 FTE

Fixed Term contract up to May 2027

Closing date: 10 th May 2026

Interviews are scheduled for 29 th May 2026

Background

The Chan Lab is a research group at the University of Birmingham working on brain metabolism and mitochondrial function in health and diseases. We specialize in rare genetic diseases with neurodevelopmental condition and epilepsy. Recently, we had partnered up with a rare epilepsy charity, CRELD1 Warriors, based in the UK; to advance research into JELANS – a rare neurodevelopmental syndrome caused by mutations in CRELD1 gene. We have since collected cell lines from JELANS patient and recently procured a Drosophila model of JELANS. Thus, we are at an exciting moment in our translational research journey to progress research into JELANS and potential treatment for epilepsy in JELANS.

This role will be primarily to assist in research (by carrying out data collection or analyses) in lab-based research into JELANS. This will involve maintaining the cell and Drosophila model of JELANS, conducting molecular and metabolic investigations, and testing the effect of drug candidates on the cell and Drosophila model. Cell work will be conducted in the Chan Lab, while Drosophila work will be conducted in our collaborator’s laboratory, Dr. Yun Fan from the School of Biosciences at University of Birmingham.

We are interested to hear from passionate candidate who wishes to work on cutting-edge epilepsy and neurogenetics research in our lab. This work will involve close partnership with the charity partner, CRELD1 Warriors, and there will be opportunity for close patient-public involvement and engagement at all stage of the research process.

Role Summary

• Work within the Chan Lab
• Provide general research support
• Contribute to writing publications and funding applications

Main Duties

• Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as cell culture, Western Blotting, immunofluorescence, qPCR, Drosophila phenotyping, pharmacology in vivo and in vitro, etc.
• Maintain the cell and Drosophila model of CRELD1 for stock continuity and upkeep
• Analyse research data as directed
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters or presentations
• 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
• Carry out administrative tasks related directly to the delivery of the research
• Participate in lab management responsibilities, as directed
• Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture

Person Specification

• Bachelors degree or equivalent in relevant subject area (Neuroscience, Biomedical Science, Pharmacy preferred)

• Practical experience of applying the relevant skills and techniques (previous cell culture or Drosophila work experience highly desirable, previous experience in molecular or epilepsy research techniques would be a plus but not essential)

• Previous experience in wet-lab research environment or setting

• Ability to collaborate and work across two lab environment and settings

• Ability to analyse information and communicate effectively

• Ability to access and organise resources successfully

• 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

Further particulars can be found here

Informal enquiries to Felix Chan, email: ***email_hidden***

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