Job Description

Position Details

Department of Metabolism and Systems Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine and Health

University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

As this vacancy has limited funding the maximum salary that can be offered is Grade 6, salary £35,608.

Grade:6

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to July 2028

Closing date: 18th November 2026

Background

We are seeking a motivated Research Associate to join the Department of Metabolism and Systems Science (MSS) at the University of Birmingham. This post is available from 1st February 2027 to support and deliver a translational research programme that seeks to develop more effective treatments for patients with adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) through the study of tumour metabolism, epigenetic dysregulation and tumour immunity. This research programme is led by Dr Vasileios Chortis and Dr Cristina Ronchi, and funded by the Medical Research Council and the Nefkens Adrenal Cancer Foundation. The successful candidate will provide experimental support for an 18-month period, with the possibility to extend the project for one more year.

Role Summary

In this highly collaborative project, you will undertake experimental research using established ACC cell lines, patient-derived primary tumour cultures and organoid culture systems. The work will focus on identifying and investigating druggable metabolic and epigenetic vulnerabilities in ACC and their interplay with tumour immunity. You will also contribute to in vivo experiments evaluating novel therapeutic approaches using mouse models of ACC. You will have opportunities to use and receive training in a range of cutting-edge molecular, metabolic and immunological techniques, working closely with leading experts in cancer metabolism, immunometabolism and in vivo modelling of adrenal tumourigenesis.

As part of your role, you will contribute to experimental design, data analysis and interpretation, development and troubleshooting of experimental approaches, and dissemination of research findings through presentations and scientific publications. This post provides an excellent opportunity to develop expertise in translational cancer biology at the interface of tumour metabolism, epigenetics and tumour immunity. Previous hands-on experience in mammalian cell culture is particularly important for this role. Experience working with mouse disease models and a personal licence from the Home Office to work with mice in the UK would be an asset but not essential, as training can be provided for candidates who do not hold a personal licence.

Main Duties

• Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews
• Analyse research data as directed
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters
• Develop or adapt techniques, models and methods
• Provide guidance as required to support staff and any students who may be assisting with research
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
• Carry out administrative tasks related directly to the delivery of the research
• Fosters a fair and equitable workplace for all staff
• Identify and respond to equality and diversity issues in line with relevant university policies and procedures
• Other relevant criteria from our equality and diversity duties document.

Person Specification

• Degree or equivalent in relevant subject area
• Practical experience of applying the relevant skills and techniques
• Ability to analyse information and communicate effectively
• Ability to access and organise resources successfully
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics and duties under the Equality Act 2010. Including fostering good relations and advancing the universities Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED).
• Other relevant criteria from our equality and diversity knowledge, skills and experience document.

Further particulars can be found here

Informal enquiries to Cristina Ronchi, email: Position Details

Department of Metabolism and Systems Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine and Health

University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

As this vacancy has limited funding the maximum salary that can be offered is Grade 6, salary £35,608.

Grade:6

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to July 2028

Closing date: 18th November 2026

Background

We are seeking a motivated Research Associate to join the Department of Metabolism and Systems Science (MSS) at the University of Birmingham. This post is available from 1st February 2027 to support and deliver a translational research programme that seeks to develop more effective treatments for patients with adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) through the study of tumour metabolism, epigenetic dysregulation and tumour immunity. This research programme is led by Dr Vasileios Chortis and Dr Cristina Ronchi, and funded by the Medical Research Council and the Nefkens Adrenal Cancer Foundation. The successful candidate will provide experimental support for an 18-month period, with the possibility to extend the project for one more year.

Role Summary

In this highly collaborative project, you will undertake experimental research using established ACC cell lines, patient-derived primary tumour cultures and organoid culture systems. The work will focus on identifying and investigating druggable metabolic and epigenetic vulnerabilities in ACC and their interplay with tumour immunity. You will also contribute to in vivo experiments evaluating novel therapeutic approaches using mouse models of ACC. You will have opportunities to use and receive training in a range of cutting-edge molecular, metabolic and immunological techniques, working closely with leading experts in cancer metabolism, immunometabolism and in vivo modelling of adrenal tumourigenesis.

As part of your role, you will contribute to experimental design, data analysis and interpretation, development and troubleshooting of experimental approaches, and dissemination of research findings through presentations and scientific publications. This post provides an excellent opportunity to develop expertise in translational cancer biology at the interface of tumour metabolism, epigenetics and tumour immunity. Previous hands-on experience in mammalian cell culture is particularly important for this role. Experience working with mouse disease models and a personal licence from the Home Office to work with mice in the UK would be an asset but not essential, as training can be provided for candidates who do not hold a personal licence.

Main Duties

• Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews
• Analyse research data as directed
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters
• Develop or adapt techniques, models and methods
• Provide guidance as required to support staff and any students who may be assisting with research
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
• Carry out administrative tasks related directly to the delivery of the research
• Fosters a fair and equitable workplace for all staff
• Identify and respond to equality and diversity issues in line with relevant university policies and procedures
• Other relevant criteria from our equality and diversity duties document.

Person Specification

• Degree or equivalent in relevant subject area
• Practical experience of applying the relevant skills and techniques
• Ability to analyse information and communicate effectively
• Ability to access and organise resources successfully
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics and duties under the Equality Act 2010. Including fostering good relations and advancing the universities Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED).
• Other relevant criteria from our equality and diversity knowledge, skills and experience document.

Further particulars can be found here

Informal enquiries to Cristina Ronchi, email: c.l.ronchi@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.

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.