University of Birmingham Research Associate Job – Mitochondrial Cargo Delivery in UK | Earn Upto £40,704

Contribute to technologies designed to deliver molecular cargos into mitochondria. This Birmingham Research Associate Job supports an ARIA-funded project with the long-term goal of enabling mitochondrial genome engineering and therapies for mitochondrial diseases. The role combines mammalian cell culture, molecular biology, functional assays and advanced imaging within a collaborative research team.

  • Location: Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom

  • Position: Research Associate

  • Job Number: 108308

About the University

The University of Birmingham is a leading UK research university. This position is based in the School of Biosciences at its Edgbaston campus.

The successful candidate will work within a team bringing together expertise in mitochondrial genetics and cell biology, collaborating with partners to develop and evaluate mitochondrial cargo delivery strategies.

Birmingham Research Associate Job: Project Overview

The Birmingham Research Associate Job focuses on designing, optimising and validating approaches for delivering molecular cargos into mitochondria.

Research will examine delivery efficiency, localisation and functional outcomes. By combining experimental methods with imaging and mitochondrial assays, the team aims to build technologies that could support future mitochondrial genome engineering.

Key Responsibilities

  • Conduct ARIA-funded research on mitochondrial cargo delivery.

  • Establish and maintain mammalian cell cultures, including genetically modified lines.

  • Design experiments to assess delivery efficiency, localisation and functional effects.

  • Perform mitochondrial assays measuring membrane potential, respiration and ATP production.

  • Carry out molecular cloning and CRISPR–Cas9 genome editing.

  • Use fluorescence and advanced microscopy to study mitochondrial morphology, dynamics and sub-compartment localisation.

  • Analyse data, maintain research records and optimise protocols.

  • Contribute to reports, presentations and publications with research partners.

  • Guide supporting staff and students, complete administrative tasks and support an equitable workplace.

Essential Qualifications and Experience

Applicants must have:

  • A BSc in Biological Sciences, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology or a related discipline.

  • Experience in mammalian cell culture.

  • Previous mitochondrial research experience, including functional assays for membrane potential, respiration and ATP production.

  • Experience in fluorescence microscopy and imaging-based analysis of mitochondria.

  • Strong experimental, analytical and problem-solving skills.

  • Effective communication and organisational skills.

  • Knowledge of duties under the Equality Act 2010.

Desirable Experience

An MSc in a relevant discipline is favoured but not required.

Other advantageous experience includes:

  • In vitro reconstitution of biological systems.

  • Membrane-based delivery systems.

  • Mitochondrial fusion and fission.

  • Mitochondrial protein targeting and import.

  • Advanced microscopy or quantitative image analysis.

Salary and Contract

The position is full-time and fixed-term for up to 12 months.

The starting annual salary is £33,662–£36,320, with potential progression to £40,704 within Grade 6.

For researchers with practical mitochondrial biology experience, the Birmingham Research Associate Job offers an opportunity to contribute to an ambitious delivery-technology project while strengthening experimental approaches relevant to future mitochondrial research and therapeutic development.

APPLY ONLINE HERE