"Research Associate"

University of Birmingham - Department of Immunology and Immunotherapy

Location: Birmingham

Salary: £33,002 to £35,608

Hours: Full Time

Contract Type: Fixed-Term/Contract

Placed On: 17th February 2026

Closes: 3rd March 2026

Job Ref: 107035

Salary: Full time starting salary is normally in the range £33,002 to £35,608 with potential progression once in post to £39,906

Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract (2 years)

Job description

We are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic researcher to work with Dr. Jake P. Mann (Birmingham Health Partners Clinician Scientist and Honorary Consultant Paediatric Hepatologist) in the paediatric metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) research programme based at the Centre for Liver and Gastrointestinal Research in the Department of Immunology & immunotherapy, University of Birmingham. Birmingham Children’s Hospital is a national paediatric liver centre with one of the UK’s largest paediatric MASLD cohorts. This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the interface of children’s liver pathology, transcriptomics, and clinical insight. The postholder will contribute to a comprehensive characterisation of the paediatric MASLD liver transcriptome, leveraging established European collaborations and cutting-edge molecular and computational approaches to address a major unmet need in child liver health.

Background

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the most common cause of abnormal liver enzymes in children. There is still relatively little known about hepatic transcriptional changes in paediatric MASLD and how it correlates with liver histology.

Birmingham is a national paediatric liver centre, which includes one of the country’s largest paediatric MASLD cohorts. Dr. Jake P. Mann chaired the European Paediatric MASLD Specialist Interest Group for three years. This project will leverage this network to deliver a comprehensive characterisation of paediatric MASLD liver transcriptome.

Person specification

Essential:

• Degree or equivalent in relevant subject area (biomedical or biological sciences)
• Demonstrates understanding of ethical and legal implications of working with human biomaterials and research participants
• Practical experience of applying the relevant skills and techniques, including RNA extraction, and staining of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded slides
• Ability to analyse information and communicate effectively, including analysis of RNA sequencing data using R and high-performance computing servers
• Proven to be self-motivated and able to effectively generate plan of work on consultation with supervisor
• Demonstrates being organised with a plan of work, yet flexible to unpredictable arrival of data or samples
• Good written and verbal communication skills

Desirable:

• PhD in a relevant subject area
• Practical experience of laboratory research using human liver tissue
• Experience of team working and networking skills
• Ability to access and organise resources successfully, including co-ordination of data & sample transfer, and use of funds
• 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
• Track record of independent research capacity

Informal enquiries can be made to Dr. Jake Mann – j.p.mann@bham.ac.uk

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the 'Apply' button above.