Assistant Professor (Research and Education) in Inflammation in Acute Care - College of Medical and Dental Sciences - 102630 - Grade 8

Position Details

College of Medical and Dental Sciences

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £45,585 to £54,395 with potential progression once in post to £61,198

Grade 8

Full Time, Fixed Term contract for up to 5 years

Closing date: 7th April 2024

Academic Development Programme - 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.  

Summary of Role

This post is a new 5-year Assistant Professor (Discovery Scientist) in Acute Care within the Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham (UoB).

The post holder should contribute to advancement of research in our theme by employing innovative/ emerging technologies and techniques in discovery and/or data science (e,g. Inflammation biology, immunology, cellular or molecular biology or bioinformatics).

Acute care is any unplanned health care event or care escalation, including specialities of acute medicine, emergency medicine, respiratory medicine, intensive care, anaesthesia and thoracic surgery.  The inflammatory basis of acute challenges (including infections, exacerbations of chronic illnesses and responses to surgery and injury) are increasingly understood, and these pathways and cellular responses, as well as the role of chronic inflammatory responses to long term conditions, form potentially novel therapeutic targets. 

The Acute Care theme within Inflammation and Ageing currently encompasses expertise in (i) Acute care/ trauma science (ii) critical/perioperative care (iii) Respiratory Science. We seek to expand and strengthen our world-leading research and education on the inflammatory basis of health care challenges, with the development of this new, 5-year position, to be appointed within one of these core research areas.  

Key aims of the post are to:

1. Develop and deliver a portfolio of world class research in acute care processes and diseases at UoB.
2. Deliver research-led education in the underlying, cellular and inflammatory mechanisms of acute care challenges. 

The candidate

We will consider applications from discovery scientists with both wet-lab and data science expertise.

The successful candidate will have an interest in the broad areas of our key research areas in (i) Acute care/ trauma science (ii) critical/perioperative care (iii) Respiratory Science. Within these areas the candidate will contribute to, and lead aspects of, our work to investigate fundamental mechanisms underlying inflammatory diseases using relevant modelling strategies; ex vivo, in vivo modelling or bioinformatic approaches.

The candidate will be required to deliver novel discovery science, translational research projects, deliver teaching through a range of modalities and contribute to administration, management and community building within the theme and institute. 

You will be supported to develop and deliver a programme of research in inflammation and cellular dysfunction in disease, focusing on understanding the causes of disease, and / or new approaches to treating these conditions. The specific portfolio of research that you will deliver will be informed by your research background however the candidate’s expertise should complement one of the core themes identified. 

You will contribute to research, administration and teaching.  In addition, you will be expected to contribute to academic citizenship, likely to be demonstrated through generous, mutually respectful and supportive working relationships with all staff and students.

Research will involve building (with support) national and ideally international reputation through initiating, conducting and disseminating significant original research with a clear record of impact.

Teaching is likely to include contribution to: (a) the management, development (including programme/module review) and delivery of teaching and assessment; and (b) enhancement of the student experience or employability.  The role will typically also involve developing and advising others, including: (a) providing expert advice to staff and students, (b) supervising and examining PhD students, and (c) developing and advising others on learning and teaching tasks and methods. 

Management and administration is likely to involve contributions at Departmental and School level, and/or making an important contribution to some managerial/leadership activities (e.g. working groups) within the University.  This may include developing and making substantial contributions to knowledge transfer, enterprise, business engagement, public engagement, widening participation, schools’ outreach, or similar activities at Department/School level or further within the University.

In addition, you will be expected to demonstrate academic citizenship, developing and maintaining generous, mutually respectful and supportive working relationships with all staff and students, and ensuring the way you carry out your role impacts positively on how others can carry out theirs.

Upon completion of the mandatory probational period the post holder will be supported for progression through the Birmingham academic careers framework (BACF).

Interested applicants are strongly advised to contact Dr Dhruv Parekh ( ) or Dr Aaron Scott ( ) to discuss the role further. 

Main Duties

Research

Develop, plan and lead research activities/programmes in  with one of the core disciplinary areas of the theme: (i) Acute care/ trauma science (ii) critical/perioperative care (iii) Respiratory Science.

including (as appropriate):

• Develop novel research proposals, including winning financial support as principal investigator, and in collaboration with internal and external collaborators. 
• Sustain high quality, REF-returnable publications though delivery of innovative, distinctive and significant outputs in terms of originality, significance and rigour.
• Regularly contribute to other research-related activities such as conference papers and speaker invitations at conferences such that the theme and institutes reputation is enhanced.
• Manage research budgets and timelines to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget. 
• Supervise and direct research staff, providing coaching and opportunity for development where appropriate.
• Provide appropriate supervision for post graduate students; MSc/MRes, MD, PhD and early career researchers.
• Lead the development of strategies, policies and procedures which have a positive and quantifiable impact on equality, diversity and inclusion in research.
• Participate actively in the development of the research strategy in the theme and Institute as appropriate; contribution to the development of research projects related to Acute care and infection BRC theme.
• Participating in research-related enabling activities such as adding value to a cross disciplinary network.
• Applying knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding; developing and making substantial contributions to knowledge transfer, and enterprise (including business engagement, public engagement) and similar activity that is of benefit to the Institute, College and the University, including ensuring that the impact of your activities is realised fully, and the impact is documented.

Education 

Using a variety of methods in teaching and advising individuals and groups of undergraduates, postgraduates, or CPD students, including (as appropriate):

• Teaching and examining courses at a range of levels.
• Planning and reviewing your own teaching approaches and encouraging others to do the same.
• Designing contemporary, inclusive, engaging and academically challenging curriculum content.
• Working collaboratively with colleagues to design and deliver teaching, learning and assessment.
• Use digital resources/environments effectively to support learning and assessment.
• Developing programme proposals and making substantial contributions to the design of teaching programmes more widely.
• Where appropriate, undertaking and developing the full range of responsibilities in relation to supervision, marking and examining.
• Developing and advising others on learning and teaching tasks and methods.
• Devising and providing outstanding supervision of projects, student dissertations and practical work. 

Citizenship

Contributing to an inclusive working environment:

• Demonstrating a willingness to be involved in a variety of activities supporting University life (e.g., participation in graduation, Departmental/School committees);
• Demonstrating support for colleagues, such as sharing resources, providing advice. 
• Willingness to volunteer for one-off duties (such as supporting School, Institute, and Departmental projects).
• Positively engaging in School strategic initiatives.
• Proactive support and involvement in activities specifically contributing to a positive and inclusive community spirit across the School/College/University.
• Contribute to the college outreach strategy for public understanding of science.

Person Specification

• PhD or equivalent qualification 
• A minimum of three years’ research experience at postdoctoral level in a relevant field to the acute care theme through technical expertise or specialty. 
• Proven expertise in relevant discovery or data science.
• Track record of devising, project managing and leading high quality research projects through to completion.
• Experience and achievement reflected in a growing reputation, 
• Record of securing external funding commensurate with experience
• Recent peer-reviewed publications that are recognised nationally/internationally as being high quality, consummate with experience.
• Teaching experience at University Level commensurate with the level of the post

Research

• Experience of developing/applying research methodologies, models, approaches and techniques.
• Experience of omics platforms and analysis/integrating large datasets relevant to discovery science
• Experience of presentations and chairing at national and international meetings and conferences.
• Relevant academic administrative/management experience, including national and international committees.
• Ability to liaise and develop translational programmes with clinical colleagues to deliver translational science.
• Experience of supervising research activities of other Post-Doctoral Fellows, Post-graduate and undergraduate Students.
• Experience and achievement in knowledge transfer, enterprise and similar activity.
• Ability to strengthen the institutes national and international research networks.
• Ability to negotiate contracts independently or as a leader of a section in major projects.

Teaching

• Ability to design, deliver, assess and revise teaching programmes.
• Completion of a PGCERT (or equivalent) or HEA membership
• Extensive experience and demonstrated success in developing appropriate approaches to learning and teaching and advising colleagues. 
• Experience and success in knowledge transfer, enterprise and similar activity that enhances the student experience or employability.

Leadership/Management

• Ability to contribute to School/Departmental management processes.
• Ability to assess and organise resources effectively.
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes.
• Experience of championing Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in own work area
• Ability to monitor and evaluate the extent to which equality and diversity legislation, policies, procedures are applied. 
• Ability to identify issues with the potential to impact on protected groups and take appropriate action.
• Well-developed/ proven written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to organise workload and prioritise competing demands.
• Ability to manage resources and staff.
• A team player who can develop effective internal and external links.
• Clear commitment to interdisciplinary working including clinical translation of research.
• Skills in managing, motivating and mentoring others successfully at all levels.

OH and DBS required  

The University is committed to safeguarding and we promote safe recruitment practice, therefore all associated pre-employment checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed. Due to the nature of the work undertaken in this role all successful applicants will be subject to a satisfactory Occupational Health and DBS clearance prior to appointment.

Further particulars can be found here

Informal enquires to Dr Dhruv Parekh ( ) or Dr Aaron Scott ( )

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 one of our values. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone  on our website .