Position Details
School of Biosciences
Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK
Full time starting salary is normally in the range £33,002 to £35,608, with potential progression once in post to £39,906
Grade: 6
Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to September 2029
Closing date: 27 April 2026
This role is also open as an internal secondment opportunity which would need to be agreed by your current line manager.
Background
To assist in research (by carrying out data collection or analyses) to create knowledge through providing research support for projects and research groups.
Role Summary
A Research Assistant position is available in the research group of Prof. Carolina Rezaval at the University of Birmingham, UK. The successful candidate will contribute to research investigating how the brain prioritises behaviour when animals face conflicting internal needs and changing environmental demands.
This position forms part of the Wellcome Trust Discovery Award programme “Decoding Competition in the Brain”, which builds on recent advances revealing how neuromodulatory circuits reshape decision-making under conflict (Cazalé-Debat, Scheunemann et al., Nature 2024; Day & Rezaval, Curr. Opin. Neurobiol. 2026). Using Drosophila melanogaster, we combine behavioural assays, neural circuit mapping, advanced genetics, two-photon imaging, and molecular approaches to uncover fundamental principles of behavioural choice.
The postholder will work closely with members of the Rezaval lab. They will support experimental work including behaviour, microscopy, molecular biology, and Drosophila genetics, as well as routine fly work and laboratory organisation. The role will also involve analysing data and contributing to publications.
The position offers broad training in neurogenetics and behaviour and is well suited to candidates wishing to develop towards a PhD. The post is available for an initial period of three years, with the possibility of extension.
Main Duties
• Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews, under the supervision of Prof. Rezaval.
• 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
• Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture
Person Specification
• First degree or equivalent professional qualification in an appropriate science subject (e.g. Life Sciences/Biological Sciences/Genetics/Cell Biology/Neuroscience/ Biochemistry or related disciplines).
• 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 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
Informal enquiries to Olga Procenko, email: p.olga@bham.ac.uk
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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.