Assistant or Associate Professor; Research and Education - School of Biosciences - Grade 8

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: 14 April 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 advertised post will be of 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.

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.

Informal enquiries to James McDonald, email:

We want to understand your genuine interest in the role and for the written elements of your application to accurately…