Research Associate - Department of Microbes, Infection and Microbiomes - 106850 - Grade 6

CompanyUniversity of Birmingham

LocationBirmingham, England, United Kingdom

Posted At1/22/2026

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Occupation Type

Business and related research professionals

Occupation Code Skill LevelHigher Skilled

Sponsorship Salary Threshold

£41,700 (£21.38 per hour)

Standard minimum applies

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Description

Job Description

Position Details

Department of Microbes, Infection and Microbiomes, 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

Part Time (30 hours per week)

Fixed Term contract up to March 2029

Closing date: 4th february 2026

Background

This post is funded by Wellcome to support the Hall Labs research in the Institute of Microbiology and Infection. The team’s focus is on the gut microbiota, with a particular focus on the early life developmental window. This post will help assist the labs microbiome research to improve our understanding on how early life microbes promote health through providing research support for projects and our research group.

This exciting opportunity is within the Institute of Microbiology and Infection (IMI) at the University of Birmingham, where the Hall Lab is at the forefront of microbiome research. The Hall Lab's focus lies in elucidating the intricate dynamics of the gut microbiota, with a particular emphasis on the critical early life developmental window. The lab's mission is to advance our understanding of how early life microbes contribute to health, thereby paving the way for innovative interventions.

As a Research Associate in the Hall Lab, you will play a crucial role in supporting microbiome research initiatives aimed at enhancing our understanding of the role of early life microbes in promoting health. Operating within the specified research grants and projects, you will utilise your expertise in microbiology and molecular techniques to contribute to ground-breaking research outcomes. Your main responsibilities will include conducting microbiological experiments, performing DNA extraction and next-generation sequencing (NGS), carrying out microbiome studies, and potentially contributing to bioinformatics analysis.

Role Summary

Work within specified research grants and/or projects
Operate within area of specialism
Contribute to publications

Main Duties

Collect research data through scientific experimentation, and literature reviews.
Analyse research data as directed and contribute to research outputs.
Present research findings, draft academic publications, and present at seminars and conferences.
Develop or adapt techniques, models, and methods to advance research goals.
Provide guidance and support to team members and students involved in research projects.
Address problems affecting research objectives and deadlines and carry out related administrative tasks.
Promote equality and diversity, maintain confidentiality, and uphold health and safety policies.

Person Specification

Degree or equivalent in relevant subject area (e.g. biomedical sciences, microbiology)
Experience in biomedical laboratory/industry-based research
Microbiology expertise (isolations, culturing, phenotypic analysis, molecular work, anaerobic microbiology is advantageous)

Proficiency in microbial co-culture studies, including model colon experimental setups

Experience in bioinformatics, particularly microbial genomic studies (desirable)

Expertise in conducing microbiological studies, including bacterial isolation, culturing, growth curves, and molecular characterisation (both aerobic and anaerobic).

Expertise in DNA extraction, and next generation sequencing (NGS) library set-ups.

Able to contribute to microbiome studies, including co-culture and batch culture experiments, as well as model colon studies.

Knowledge of bioinformatics analysis, such as whole-genome sequencing (WGS).

Knowledge of curating clinical samples, organising sample databases, and identifying suitable samples for downstream experiments.

Knowledge or experience in mammalian cell culture

Strong attention to detail

Demonstrated ability to work independently, with initiative, and problem-solving skills

Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively within a research team

Eagerness to learn, innovate, and step out of one's comfort zone

Commitment to continuous improvement and willingness to undergo necessary training for the role

Excellent communication skills, capable of presenting complex information clearly

Excellent resource access, organisational and time management skills

Ability to collaborate with professionals across various fields

Flexibility to work outside standard working hours when necessary

Maintenance of confidentiality and security of information as required

Familiarity with Health and Safety policies, risk assessments etc. and compliance

Understanding of the protected characteristics outlined in the Equality Act 2010, and a commitment to ensuring equitable treatment and promotion of equality and diversity

Positive representation of self and the University, promoting international reputation and public engagement objectives

Adherence to expected values and behaviours of University staff to foster a positive work environment

Further particulars can be found here

Informal enquiries to Lisa Powell, email: l.h.powell@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 .