Postdoctoral Research Associate - Membrane Protein Folding (1648-26)
Aston UniversityBirmingham, West Midlands
Overview
This is a university role with Aston University based in Birmingham. The advertised salary is £41,064 to £46,970. Applications close on 9 November 2026. GovJobs has indexed this vacancy from its official source — use the apply button to view the full advert and apply directly.
Job description
We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to join a newly funded BBSRC Pioneer Award exploring the fundamental principles that govern mammalian membrane protein folding and assembly during biogenesis using dynamic mass photometry (DMP), a label-free single particle tracking technique.
This position is embedded within the vibrant, collaborative environment of the Aston Institute for Membrane Excellence (AIME). AIME is a first-of-its-kind institute that synergistically combines world-leading expertise in membrane biology and novel polymer chemistries.
In this highly collaborative project, the successful candidate will combine cell-free methodologies to track mammalian membrane protein synthesis on ribosomes, using DMP to visualise membrane protein insertion, folding, and assembly within artificial lipid bilayers which mimic mammalian lipid composition.
We are looking for candidates with a strong background in membrane biology protein and lipid biochemistry, or microscopy and image analysis, and a passion for applying multidisciplinary methods to understand de novo membrane protein folding. The ability to rapidly learn new techniques is highly desirable, and enthusiasm for working across disciplinary boundaries is essential. Full training will be provided where needed. Prior experience in independently driving research projects on a day‑to‑day basis is required.
Applicants who have recently submitted their PhD and are awaiting award are welcome to apply.
This is a 22‑month fixed‑term post, commencing in January 2027.
To apply, please upload an up-to-date CV and covering letter outlining your motivation for applying.
What we offer:
- Aston University is a dynamic and vibrant campus located within Birmingham city centre, which has excellent transport links via bus or train.
- Excellent training and development opportunities.
- A generous annual leave scheme with 30 days bookable leave and a further 13 days bank holiday and University Closure days.
- Everyday discounts to a number of activities and retailers
- Great family friendly policies
- On site gym and pool with discounted staff membership available
- Further information on our Benefits and Rewards can be found here
For further information, please contact Dr Grant Pellowe (g.pellowe@aston.ac.uk) or Dr Manish Singh Kushwah (m.kushwah@aston.ac.uk)
This role is likely to qualify for endorsement under the Endorsed Funder route of the Global Talent visa. This visa is for talented or promising individuals in academia or research in fields such as science, engineering, medicine, social sciences, or humanities.
See the Home Office guidance: https://www.gov.uk/global-talent
Closing Date: 09 Nov 2026
Unit: Teaching & Research
Salary: £41,064 to £46,970
How this role compares
We hold 40 university vacancies in West Midlands that publish a salary, and their median advertised starting figure is £38,784. This role pays more than about 75% of them.
There are 609 university roles open across the UK on GovJobs right now, 49 of them in West Midlands.
You have 19 days left to apply. University adverts we hold typically run for around 21 days, so this is about the usual amount of time.
Aston University has 16 other vacancies open on GovJobs, with a breakdown of what they pay and the kinds of roles they recruit for.
These figures are calculated from the vacancies GovJobs currently holds, not from official pay statistics. They are a guide to the market, not a valuation of this post.
How to apply
GovJobs does not take applications or send your details to the employer. Use the apply button to open the official Stonefish Aston advert, then check the employer's instructions, attachments, person specification and closing time before applying.
This listing was last checked on 21 Oct 2026, 04:45. If the official advert has changed or closed, report it and we will review the listing.
Why this listing is on GovJobs
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The source for this role is Stonefish Aston. Applications stay on the official employer or source website, not on GovJobs.