The University of Birmingham

Position Details School of Biosciences Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK Full time starting salary is normally in the range £47,389 to £56,535 with potential progression once in post to £63,606 Grade: 8 Full Time, Permanent Closing date: 31st March 2026 5 Positions Available Academic Development Programme - new Assistant Professors will undertake a 5-year development programme, at the end of which they are expected to be promoted to Associate Professor. The programme consists of a variety of development opportunities and the time to reflect and develop. Background We are seeking to appoint Assistant or Associate Professors in the School of Biosciences at the University of Birmingham. Their scientific expertise can relate to the any of following areas: engineering biology, epigenetics, mycology, plant science, or RNA biology. Individuals whose research has a demonstrable impact outside academia or strong potential for translation and application are of particular interest. These positions are part of a strategic realignment of research in the School of Biosciences. Building on existing strengths in microbiology, plant science, environmental genomics and toxicology, as well as structural and molecular cell biology, the School is adopting three broad, challenge-led research priorities: Understanding the Rules of Life, Addressing Global Change, and Sustainable Biology. The advertised post will be in the Research and Education category. We are looking for excellence in research and education with a commitment to school service via good citizenship and leadership. We welcome innovative and impactful research in both fundamental and applied areas. Evidence of a developing track record in publishing work of high academic quality and impact is essential, as is an emerging portfolio (or clear potential) of external research funding. Applicants must have a commitment to delivering excellent, inclusive teaching and learning at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Teaching may include a range of contributions, notably within our Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Biological Sciences, Human Sciences, and Microbiology programmes. Applicants are also expected to have a commitment to postgraduate research supervision. Successful candidates will participate in School activities and take on responsibilities in academic self-governance appropriate to their appointment. There are significant opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration across campus, via the Institute of Microbiology & Infection, the Birmingham Institute of Forest Research (BIFoR), the Centre for Environmental Research and Justice (CERJ), the Henry Wellcome Centre for Biomolecular NMR (HWB-NMR), the Birmingham Institute for Sustainability and Climate Action (BISCA) and the Institute for Data and AI (IDAI), as well as through global partnerships in Brazil, China, India, North America and Dubai. Role Summary The role holder will be based in Edgbaston. The key duties and responsibilities will include but not be limited to: giving lectures and seminars and supervising undergraduate / post graduate students, course development and innovation, taking an active part in examinations, carrying out innovative research and writing papers on topics relevant to the specialist subject area (this will include journals, books and other material), and obtaining research grant funding. The successful applicant will have a PhD in a relevant specialist subject area, as well as postdoctoral experience. We are looking for candidates who will actively contribute to our portfolio and community, through pursuit of research that will bring new opportunities, synergies, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The successful candidate will also have a track record in teaching at a higher education institution. Appointments will be made at either an Assistant Professor or Associate Professor level please specify which role you are applying for in the application. 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. Diversity, Equality and Sustainability 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. Informal enquiries to James McDonald, email: