Research Fellow - Department of Immunology and Immunotherapy - 107732 - Grade 7

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 £36,636 to £46,049 with potential progression once in post to £48,822

Grade: 7

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to July 2027

Closing date: 4th August 2026

Background

The research project is designed to help us understand how Epstein Barr virus drives (EBV) the pathogenesis of EBV-associated haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (EBV-HLH). EBV-HLH is a rare but life-threatening hyperinflammatory disease that is poorly recognised clinically, often diagnosed late and has poor clinical outcomes. The EBV-HLH patients harbour large numbers of myeloid-derived suppressor cells that inhibit cytotoxic T cell growth and function, enabling the survival and expansion of the EBV-infected T/NK cell clones. However, we don’t yet understand how these MDSCs are generated, how they inhibit CTL function or how they alter the immune microenvironment to perpetuate the disease. This project has four key aims: (i) to determine how the EBV-infected cells drive the generation of PMN-MDSCs; (ii) to identify the key differences in the immune microenvironment compared to healthy controls; (iii) to use the metagenomics performed by the Breuer lab in UCL to design FlowRNA assays for the different viruses; (iv) to compare and contrast the changes to the immune microenvironment including MDSCs that are driven by different viruses. 

Role Summary

• To plan and deliver research in line with the University of Birmingham research strategy.
• To carry out research described in the Histionode grant.
• Analyse and interpret research findings and results. 
• Contribute to generating funding. 
• Contribute to patient and public understanding of EBV-associated HLH.

Main Duties

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

• 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 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 

Person Specification

• First degree in biological or biomedical sciences and a PhD (or near to completion) in immunology or virology
• Extensive experience working with myeloid-derived suppressor cells, neutrophils and Epstein Barr virus
• Fluency in optimising and performing high dimensional multicolour flow cytometry, culture of primary human lymphocytes and analysis of large data sets. 
• Programming is desirable but not essential 
• High level analytical capability
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly
• 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 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

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.