About

• Position Details
• Department of Immunology and Immunotherapy, School of Infection, Inflammation and Immunology, 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
• Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to March 2028
• Closing date: 3rd March 2026
• UK and International travel may be required for this role.
• Background
• Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the most common cause of abnormal liver enzymes in children. There is still relatively little known about hepatic transcriptional changes in paediatric MASLD and how it correlates with liver histology.
• Birmingham is a national paediatric liver centre, which includes one of the country’s largest paediatric MASLD cohorts. Dr. Jake P. Mann chaired the European Paediatric MASLD Specialist Interest Group for three years. This project will leverage this network to deliver a comprehensive characterisation of paediatric MASLD liver transcriptome.
• To 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
• On-site position based at the Centre for Liver and Gastrointestinal Research, Department of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham
• Line manager will be Dr. Jake P. Mann (who works 50% clinically at Birmingham Children’s Hospital and 50% research at University of Birmingham)
• Work alongside and collaborate with other staff at CLGR and international paediatric MASLD researchers
• Combination of wet-lab research, dry-lab data analysis, and administration
• Main Duties
• Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews
• To work and communicate with local and international partners to coordinate sample and data collection
• Analyse research data as directed in partnership with host team and technology experts (e.g. bioinformatician, histopathologist)
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters
• Maintain accurate and contemporary records and data to present outputs/analyses at internal and external meetings and for publication
• Maintain meticulous records of all biological specimens
• 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. For example: delays in obtaining transfer agreements or samples, quality control of samples, missing data
• Carry out administrative tasks related directly to the delivery of the research
• Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture
• Travel within Europe for research collaborations, training, and meetings
• Work independently with remote supervision (whilst Dr. Mann is on clinical duties)
• Person Specification

Essential

• Degree or equivalent in relevant subject area (biomedical or biological sciences)
• Demonstrates understanding of ethical and legal implications of working with human biomaterials and research participants
• Practical experience of applying the relevant skills and techniques, including RNA extraction, and staining of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded slides
• Ability to analyse information and communicate effectively, including analysis of RNA sequencing data using R and high-performance computing servers
• Proven to be self-motivated and able to effectively generate plan of work on consultation with supervisor
• Demonstrates being organised with a plan of work, yet flexible to unpredictable arrival of data or samples
• Good written and verbal communication skills

Desirable

• PhD in a relevant subject area
• Practical experience of laboratory research using human liver tissue
• Experience of team working and networking skills
• Ability to access and organise resources successfully, including co-ordination of data & sample transfer, and use of funds
• 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
• Track record of independent research capacity
• Informal enquiries to Dr. Jake Mann, email: j.p.mann@bham.ac.uk
• 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.