University of Birmingham Research Associate: Inflammation & Ageing (Antimicrobial Peptides / Corneal Infection) 2026, Birmingham, England, United Kingdom

The University of Birmingham is hiring a Research Associate (Grade 6) in Birmingham, England, for a fixed-term, part-time post, closing 8 November 2026. The role supports Dr Darren Ting’s group on antimicrobial peptides for corneal infection.

Job Details

Company: University of Birmingham

Department: Department of Inflammation and Ageing (School of Infection, Inflammation and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health)

Designation: Research Associate (Grade 6)

Location: Birmingham, England, United Kingdom (Edgbaston campus)

Job Type: Part-time, 0.8 FTE (30 hours/week)

Contract: Fixed term to August 2028

Funding: Sight Research UK Translational Research Award

Closing Date: 8 November 2026

Project Details

The University of Birmingham Department of Inflammation and Ageing (School of Infection, Inflammation and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health) is hiring a Research Associate (Grade 6) to join Dr Darren Ting’s group developing novel antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) against bacterial and fungal corneal infections and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The post is funded by a Sight Research UK Translational Research Award.

The project examines AMP efficacy, safety, long-term stability, pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics and local tissue bioavailability using experimental approaches spanning microbiology, pharmacology and ophthalmology. The RA works in a multidisciplinary environment bridging these fields.

Job Description

As a Research Associate, you will provide research support to Dr Darren Ting’s group in the School of Infection, Inflammation, and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health, at the University of Birmingham. This group focuses on the development of new peptide-based treatment for various eye diseases, particularly corneal infection. The role involves progressing the development of novel antimicrobial peptides for treating corneal infections.

This post offers the opportunity to contribute to translational research at the interface of ophthalmology, microbiology, antimicrobial development, and drug delivery systems, with access to world-class laboratory and clinical resources.

Key Responsibilities

Key roles include:

  • Performing in vitro micr vailability, using HPLC/MS
  • Analysing and interpreting research findings and results
  • Work within specified research grants and/or projects
  • Operate within area of specialism
  • Contribute to publications

You will work closely with other researchers and students, offering research guidance, troubleshooting experimental setups, and supporting the development of new procedures. As a research associate, you will play a key role in maintaining a safe, efficient, and collaborative laboratory environment. You will be expected to uphold high health and safety standards.

The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.

Eligibility Criteria

Experience: Research Associate / early postdoctoral scientific RA pathway

Qualification: PhD / biomedical research profile as required for Grade 6 RA

Required Skills

Person requirements from the listing emphasise hands-on experimental work and method development (for example microbiology, immunohistochemistry and/or flow cytometry), some experience with ex vivo models, and strong analytical skills.

A strong understanding of microbiology, cell culture and/or molecular biology will be essential to provide high-quality support for this project.

Salary

Salary normally £33,002–£35,608 with potential progression to £39,906.

How to Apply

Applications must provide enough detail for skills assessment.

CLICK HERE FOR THE ORIGINAL NOTIFICATION / APPLY ONLINE

Applications close on 8 November 2026.