Research Associate

The candidate will provide technical expertise and research support to the Fungal Infection Lab at the University of Birmingham, within the Institute of Immunology & Immunotherapy. The post will be supervised by Professor Rebecca Drummond. The candidate will use animal models of invasive fungal infections and in vitro cultures of immune cells to understand which immune cells and pathways are required for protection against invasive fungal infections.

The candidate will assist in research (by carrying out data collection or analyses) to create knowledge through providing research support for projects and research groups.

Role Summary:
- Work within specified research grants and/or projects
- Operate within area of specialism
- Contribute to publications
- Present research data summaries at internal meetings and at conferences
- Trouble-shoot lab protocols as and when required

Main Duties:
- Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews
- Analyse research data as directed
- Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters
- 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
- Fosters a fair and equitable workplace for all staff
- Identify and respond to equality and diversity issues in line with relevant university policies and procedures

Person Specification:
- Degree or equivalent in relevant subject area such as immunology or microbiology
- Prior experience with in vivo models (essential)
- Prior experience with molecular biology (e.g. PCR, western blots)
- Prior experience with microscopy and/or histology
- Prior experience with flow cytometry
- Prior experience with tissue culture
- Experience of working at Biosafety Level 2 laboratories (essential)
- Practical experience of applying the relevant skills and techniques
- Ability to analyse information and communicate effectively
- Ability to access and organise resources successfully
- Knowledge of the protected characteristics and duties under the Equality Act 2010, including fostering good relations and advancing the university's Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED)