Research Fellow (Bioimaging Developer) – Department of Metabolism & Systems Science – 104752 – Grade 7

Position Details

Department of Metabolism and Systems Science

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

As this vacancy has limited funding the maximum salary that can be offered is Grade 7, salary £45,163

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to June 2026

Closing date: 4th November 2024 

Background

Our interdisciplinary team at the Centre for Membrane Proteins and Receptors (COMPARE) brings together experts in advanced microscopy, computer vision/deep learning and cell signalling to clarify the mechanisms of cell communication in physiology and disease to inform the development of innovative therapies. As part of these efforts, we are developing highly innovative hardware and software for advanced microscopy and using them to investigate the mechanisms of receptor signalling with unprecedented detail. Using such approaches, including single-molecule methods pioneered by our team, we have clarified some of the fundamental mechanisms involved in signalling by G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), the largest family of cell receptors and major drug targets (see e.g. Grimes et al. Cell 2023  PMID: 37146613; Sungkaworn et al. Nature 2017  PMID: 29045395).

Role Summary

We are seeking a highly motivated scientist to join our interdisciplinary team at the University of Birmingham to develop “An AI-driven Automated Platform for High-Throughput 5D Fluorescence Imaging and Data Analysis Applied to Cell Signalling and Drug Discovery”.

The project is funded by a Wellcome Trust Bioimaging Technology Development Award  (Foundation Phase). The project is led by Prof. Davide Calebiro and Dr Hector Basevi, Department of Metabolism and Systems Science, Prof. Ales Leonardis, School of Computer Science, and Dr Edalat Radfar, COMPARE Advanced Imaging Facility, and is part of our efforts to democratise access to advanced microscopy through innovative solutions for remote access and automation such as those we developed as part of Midlands Open Bioimaging.

The goal of the project is to develop a highly innovative fully automated microscopy and image analysis platform capable of generating large 5D datasets of living cells with high spatiotemporal resolution, use the data to extract quantitative information, and build generative models of cell signalling dynamics. We will apply the new platform to investigate how GPCR signals are encoded in space and time, addressing fundamental questions about GPCR signalling and unlocking novel avenues for drug development.

The position will be initially for up to 18 months. In October 2025, the project lead will apply for the Bioimaging Technology Development Scale-Up phase, which, if successful, could extend the project funding for up to an additional 6.5 years.

The successful candidate will develop software for hardware control and novel deep learning-based automation and image analysis solutions, and contribute to hardware development and integration. They will have access to dedicated high performance computing GPU nodes on the University’s BEAR cluster for machine learning development.

Main Duties

• Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with assistance of a mentor if required
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding
• Analyse and interpret data
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
• Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars, etc.
• Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods 
• Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities
• Collect research data
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters 
• Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research 
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
• Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture

Person Specification

• Bachelor’s and/or master’s degree in computer science, physics, engineering or equivalent field and, normally, a PhD or equivalent qualifications on a relevant topic.
• High level analytical capability
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly
• Fluency in relevant models, techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively 
• Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project
• Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort
• Proficiency in scientific software and programming languages (Python, LabVIEW, etc.) and, ideally, machine learning frameworks such as PyTorch and JAX
• Enthusiasm for interdisciplinary experimental research and teamwork
• Drive to learn new skills
• 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

Please note shortlisted candidates will be asked to give a 10 minute presentation on your current/ previous research and how you would fit into the role

Further particulars can be found here

Informal enquiries to Professor Davide Calebiro [email protected]

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.