Research Fellow - School of Physics and Astronomy - 56941 - Grade 7

CompanyUniversity of Birmingham

LocationBirmingham, England, United Kingdom

Posted At3/6/2026

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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

School of Physics and Astronomy

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £36,636 to £46,049 with potential progression once in post to £48,822

Grade: 7

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to September 2027

Closing date: 15th March 2026

UK and International travel may be required for this role

Background

To create and contribute to the creation of knowledge by undertaking a specified range of activities within an established research programme and/or specific research project. Specifically:

Experimental low-temperature physics focussed primarily on growth of crystals of new 2D materials via chemical vapour transport or flux methods. Handling of hazardous chemicals and running chemical processes, shaping quartz at high temperatures, programming furnaces and carrying out a suite of characterisation measurements on the final products of growth. Hands-on experiments & development of capabilities, and opportunities for travel to international facilities.

Role Summary

Work within specified research grants and projects and contribute to writing bids
Designing and developing the experimental apparatus
Operate within area of specialism
Analyse and interpret research findings and results
Contribute to generating funding
Contribute to licensing or spin out deals with demonstrated commercial success (such as revenues, asset or company sales, IP generated) and/or public understanding of the discipline or similar
Disseminating research findings (publications, seminars, posters)
Supervising work of other people with different level of experience – from high school to PhD students
Contributing to School activities

Main Duties

The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.

To initiate, undertake and direct original research into the crystal growth of 2D materials and their characterisation
To project-manage and lead on the group’s collaboration with industry partners, taking ownership of the day-to-day relationship and anticipating next directions
To support and lead research within the group to solve problems, collaborate and innovate in scientific directions for the group

To provide leadership on broader scientific skills within the group (at all levels) including mentoring students, leading on administrative/organisational tasks and helping to develop writing and presentation skills

Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with assistance of a mentor if required

Contribute to writing bids for research funding

Analyse and interpret data

Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding

Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc

Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline

Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods

Undertake management/administration arising from research

Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration

Contribute to enterprise, business development and/or public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University, often under supervision of a project leader

Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews

Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters

Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research

Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines

Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.

Person Specification

First degree in area of specialism and normally, a higher degree relevant to research area or equivalent qualifications
Experience with crystal synthesis, characterisation measurements such as X-ray diffraction, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, magnetometry
High level analytical capability
Ability to communicate complex information clearly
Fluency in relevant models, techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones
Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively
Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes
Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project

Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort

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

Respect for others and ability to work cohesively in a diverse team

Informal enquiries to Matthew Coak, email: m.j.coak@bham.ac.uk

View our staff values and behaviours here

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 .