Research Fellow (Postdoctoral) - School of Biosciences - 107244 - Grade 7

Position Details

School of Biosciences

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £36,636 to £46,049 with potential progression once in post to £48,822. As this vacancy has limited funding the maximum salary that can be offered is Grade 7, salary £46,049.

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to May 2027

Closing date: 19th April 2026

Background

To create and contribute to the creation of knowledge by undertaking a specified range of activities within an established research programme and/or specific research project.

The Aneika Leney Laboratory is seeking an enthusiastic and talented Postdoctoral Researcher to join our dynamic and expanding team at the University of Birmingham. Our group specialises in advanced native mass spectrometry, HDX‑MS, cross‑linking mass spectrometry, and structural proteomics for interrogating protein complexes and assemblies. We use state‑of‑the‑art instrumentation and integrated biochemical workflows to define stoichiometry, map interaction interfaces, and monitor conformational dynamics across diverse macromolecular systems. These complementary structural MS approaches allow us to capture assemblies in their native states, quantify dynamic changes, and generate high‑resolution insights into protein organisation and function.

The Leney laboratory applies structural mass spectrometry to investigate diverse and impactful problems—from designing and analysing coiled‑coil architectures and developing molecular glues that reprogramme protein interactions, to resolving the structure and dynamics of photosynthetic complexes in cyanobacteria. Our work also extends into environmental proteomics, where we have pioneered native mass spectrometry for the rapid detection of cyanobacteria and their toxins from fresh water lakes. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to these interdisciplinary research areas while working within a collaborative, well‑resourced mass spectrometry environment within the Advanced Mass Spectrometry Facility.

Please attach to your application the following:

• Cover letter (1 page max outlining your motivations and suitability for the post)
• CV, which should include a full publication list.
• Letters of recommendation or contact details of potential referees

Further information on the research group can be found at: http://www.leney-mass-spectrometry.com. Selected research publications include:

• Hydrogen‐Deuterium Exchange Mass Spectrometry for Molecular Glue Characterization. Advanced Sci. https://advanced.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/advs.202508543
• Mass spectrometry reveals the evolutionary conservation of phycobiliprotein complexes. Nature Commun. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-026-69558-y
• A protein-centric mass spectrometry approach for species identification within harmful algal blooms. J.Am.Chem.Soc.https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/jacs.5c07419

Role Summary

• Work within specified research grants and projects and contribute to writing bids 
• Operate within area of specialism
• Analyse and interpret research findings and results 
• Contribute to generating funding 
• Contribute to public understanding of the discipline or similar

Main Duties

The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.

• 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 where appropriate to the discipline
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods 
• Undertake management/administration arising from research
• Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration
• Contribute to enterprise, business development and/or public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University, often un