Research Associate Jobs in the University of Birmingham UK
Are you looking to progress your career as a research associate in cutting-edge biomedical science? This opportunity at the University of Birmingham offers one of the most compelling cancer research jobs in the UK, combining developmental genetics, genomics, and real-world research impact. Ideal as a job opportunity for life science graduates, this role provides academic growth, PhD training, and long-term career development within one of the most respected jobs at the University of Birmingham.
About the University of Birmingham
The University of Birmingham is a globally recognised research-intensive institution and a leader in biomedical and cancer research. With strong commitments to equality, sustainability, and innovation, jobs at University of Birmingham provide researchers with world-class facilities, interdisciplinary collaboration, and long-term academic career pathways. It is an ideal environment for a research associate pursuing impactful cancer research jobs.
Job Details:
- Job Title: Research Associate – Department of Cancer and Genomic Sciences (Grade 6)
- Job Reference: 106993
- Job Identification: 8751
- Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK
- Job Category: Academic (Non-clinical)
- Contract Type: Full-time, Fixed Term (up to January 2030)
- Grade: 6
- Closing Date: 01 March 2026
- Apply Before: 02 March 2026
- Salary: £33,002 – £35,608 per annum (With potential progression to £39,906 once in post)
- Department: Department of Cancer and Genomic Sciences
School of Medical Sciences
College of Medicine and Health
Research Associate Background
This position is funded through a Wellcome Trust–supported research programme focused on understanding how transcriptional regulation drives mRNA diversification and determines mRNA fate. The post holder will conduct independent research under supervision equivalent to PhD-level training and will be expected to enrol in a part-time PhD programme, with research carried out as part of this role.
The research focuses on developmental genetics, examining how transcriptional regulation controls mRNA fate under metabolic stress and during development. The role involves manipulating gene regulatory elements (promoters) using transgenesis and genome editing approaches (e.g. prime and base editing) in zebrafish embryos.
The post holder will apply a range of developmental biology and genomics techniques, including:
- Imaging of mRNA and protein probes
- Next-generation sequencing (NGS)–based transcriptome analyses
- Computational approaches for analysing genomic data
You will work closely with research fellows within the Wellcome-funded programme and gain experience across developmental genetics, genomics, and computational biology.
Role Summary
- Work within a specified research grant (BBSRC-funded sLoLa programme)
- Conduct research within developmental genetics and genomics
- Lead contributions to peer-reviewed publications
Main Duties
- Collect research data using appropriate methodologies (e.g. experiments, literature reviews)
- Analyse research data as directed
- Present research outputs through publications, seminars, and posters
- Develop, adapt, and refine research techniques and methods
- Provide guidance to staff and students assisting with research
- Resolve issues affecting research objectives and deadlines
- Perform administrative tasks directly related to research delivery
- Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion and act as a role model within the workplace
Person Specification for Research Associate
Essential Criteria:
- Degree (or equivalent) in a relevant subject area
- Practical experience applying relevant research skills and techniques
- Experience with embryo genetics and embryo manipulation (e.g. transgenesis)
- Experience with embryo phenotyping, including:
- Molecular analyses of RNA and proteins
- Whole-mount embryo imaging and in vivo imaging
- Experience generating next-generation sequencing data
- Ability to prepare research for peer-reviewed publication
- Strong analytical, organisational, and communication skills
- Knowledge of the Equality Act 2010 and commitment to fair and inclusive practices.
