Academic Researcher in Biomedical Science

We are seeking a highly motivated researcher with a relevant PhD and a strong track record in research to contribute to innovative projects focused on metabolism linked with neurodegeneration and breast cancer. The successful candidate will bring expertise in molecular biology, protein biochemistry, and advanced imaging techniques, playing a key role in developing research methodologies, generating impactful discoveries, and contributing original ideas to the research programme. The role also includes opportunities to supervise undergraduate and postgraduate students, support project-based learning, publish in high-quality peer-reviewed journals, and present findings at national and international conferences.

At University of Derby, we’re dedicated to advancing knowledge and making ground-breaking discoveries that have the potential to transform healthcare and improve lives worldwide. As an Academic Researcher, you’ll play a pivotal role in driving our research agenda forward and contributing to cutting-edge projects that address critical challenges in biomedicine. You will be expected to support research in relation to our REF submission themes and help us to gain international reputation. Your research should reflect interdisciplinary approaches in biomedical science research. Working collaboratively, you will take initiative, generate new ideas and play a key role in advancing research.

You will hold a completed PhD in Biomedical Sciences or a closely related discipline, with expertise relevant to metabolism in breast cancer and/or neurodegeneration. You will have experience in conducting high-quality research, ideally including molecular biology, protein biochemistry, cellular and tissue-based models, and advanced imaging approaches, together with the ability to apply innovative methodologies to address complex biological questions.

You will demonstrate a strong publication record relative to career stage and a commitment to producing internationally excellent research. Evidence of contributing to research funding applications, working collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams, and building productive relationships with academic and external partners will be advantageous. You will be an effective communicator, capable of presenting research findings to a range of audiences and contributing to the supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate research projects.

Most importantly, you will be an ambitious and proactive researcher with the creativity, initiative and organisational skills to drive projects forward, generate impactful research outputs, and contribute to the University’s research ambitions, including REF objectives and the wider College and University Research Strategy.

Principal accountabilities

1. Under the direction of the Principal Investigator, contribute to the development of new knowledge and techniques to the research project(s).
2. Contribute to the determination of appropriate research methodologies for the project(s).
3. Analyse research findings and determine the need for further investigation.
4. Contribute to the writing up of research findings and dissemination through publications or seminar and conference presentations.
5. Assist with the preparation of proposals and applications to both external and/or internal bodies for funding, contractual or accreditation purposes.
6. Support the supervision of undergraduate projects and postgraduate research students in conjunction with other staff, and provide training and limited teaching as appropriate.
7. Assist in the development of student research skills, for example as part of a postgraduate supervision team.
8. Plan and manage own research activity and initiate research relevant to the discipline or research project(s).
9. Where opportunities exist within the research project(s), support the development and delivery of business engagement activities, developing entrepreneurial links with external organisations.
10. Contribute to the writing of collective bids for funding, and, where funders permit, write individual bids for funding with appropriate support.
11. Undertake appropriate training and staff development.
12. Provide guidance as required to other colleagues working on related research project(s).
13. Assist and help informally students working in the same research discipline.
14. Develop internal and external contacts with other academic staff to form collaborative relationships and assist with their research project(s).
15. Understand own development needs and formulate a personal development plan.
16. Observe and implement University policies and procedures.

Essential Criteria

Qualifications

• PhD (pending or awarded) in biomedical or relevant field

Experience

• Significant experience of own discipline to enable the development of new knowledge and understanding within the field
• Evidence of sufficient breadth or depth of research methodologies and techniques to work in research area
• Evidence of engagement in high-quality research activity
• Evidence of active publishing in high quality journals or other outputs in research or practice that will contribute to the REF or other areas identified in the College / University Research Strategy

Skills, knowledge & abilities

• An appropriate level of digital capability and aptitude with practical experience of applications
• Developing research skills, with the ability to creatively apply relevant research approaches, models, techniques and methods
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly both in writing and presentations
• Analytical ability to facilitate conceptual thinking, innovation and creativity
• Ability to build relationships and work collaboratively with colleagues, internally and externally
• Ability to use initiative and creativity to solve problems in a research context
• Self-motivated and able to work independently and as part of a team
• Able to work with competing priorities and to tight deadlines

Business requirements

• Demonstrate competences, core behaviours and supplementary behaviours that support and promote the University’s core value
• Flexible to the needs of others
• Committed to ensuring a high quality student experience
• Committed to a high-performance culture, fostering continuous improvement and driving quality
• Able to take a flexible approach to work
  • Travel between sites and occasionally overseas for work
  • Some evening and occasional weekend teaching
  • A commitment to own professional development

Desirable Criteria

Qualifications

• Fellowship Status with the Higher Education Academic (HEA)

Experience

• Experience of assisting with grant applications
• Experience of writing publications for journals and presenting research at conferences
• Experience of generating research or knowledge exchange income

  Benefits

• Generous annual leave entitlement of 47 days inclusive of bank holidays and concessionary days (pro rata)
• Teacher’s Pension Scheme
• Suite of holistic wellbeing benefits and support including family-friendly policies, generous sick pay provision and comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to a variety of staff discounts at high street retailers
• Discounted onsite gym
• Cycle to Work scheme
• A flexible working environment
• A commitment to personal and professional development

For further information and informal enquiries regarding the role, please contact Professor Myra Conway, Provost – Innovation and Research via m.conway2@derby.ac.uk

For enquiries regarding your application and for sponsorship eligibility, please contact the recruitment team via recruitment@derby.ac.uk.