Assistant or Associate Professor; Research and Education - School of Biosciences Gr

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

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.

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 any of the 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 role holder will be based in Edgbaston. Key duties and responsibilities include:

• Giving lectures and seminars and supervising undergraduate/post‑graduate students
• Course development and innovation
• Active participation in examinations
• Carrying out innovative research and writing papers (journals, books, other material)
• Obtaining research grant funding

Applicants must have a PhD in a relevant specialist subject area and post‑doctoral experience. We look for candidates who will actively contribute to our portfolio and community, through pursuit of research that will bring new opportunities, synergies, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Successful candidates will also have a track record in teaching at a higher education institution.

Appointments will be at either an Assistant Professor or Associate Professor level; specify which role you are applying for in your application.

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.

Informal enquiries:
James McDonald, email:

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.