Academic Researcher in Biomedical Science


Company:	University of Derby
Salary:	£29,588 - £44,746
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Derby, DE22 1GB
Working pattern:	On-site
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	19 Aug 2026
Closing date:	14 Sept 2026

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Summary

Here at the University of Derby, the College of Science and Engineering is the home of STEM: the skills that are essential to the UK’s Industrial Strategy. From digitisation to decarbonisation, we have an important role to play in shaping the future. And by researching or collaborating with us, you can too.

The College brings together a powerful combination of scientific expertise, technological innovation, and creative practice. With disciplines spanning computing, AI, data science, engineering, environmental sciences, built environments and psychology - we are uniquely positioned to solve real-world challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration.

Our courses are designed with employability and future industry needs in mind, supported by cutting-edge facilities, strong employer partnerships, and a commitment to sustainability. Through applied research and hands-on learning, we equip students and staff to drive progress in areas that matter most; from smart technology to clean energy, advanced manufacturing to immersive design.

School of Science

The School of Science brings together three key subject areas; Environmental Sciences, Biomedical and Forensic Science and Psychology. The School has strong links with key external agencies including the University Hospitals for Derby and Burton NHS Trust who support the Biomedical Sciences IBMS provision as well as research collaborations. The School also works with regional forensic science agencies including the police and private forensic science labs as well as numerous environmental agencies locally, nationally and internationally focusing on conservation, habitat management and environmental regeneration.

About the Role

We are seeking a highly motivated researcher with a relevant PhD and a strong track record in research to contribute to innovative projects focused on metabolism linked with neurodegeneration and breast cancer. The successful candidate will bring expertise in molecular biology, protein biochemistry, and advanced imaging techniques, playing a key role in developing research methodologies, generating impactful discoveries, and contributing original ideas to the research programme. The role also includes opportunities to supervise undergraduate and postgraduate students, support project-based learning, publish in high-quality peer-reviewed journals, and present findings at national and international conferences.

At University of Derby, we're dedicated to advancing knowledge and making ground-breaking discoveries that have the potential to transform healthcare and improve lives worldwide. As an Academic Researcher, you'll play a pivotal role in driving our research agenda forward and contributing to cutting-edge projects that address critical challenges in biomedicine. You will be expected to support research in relation to our REF submission themes and help us to gain international reputation. Your research should reflect interdisciplinary approaches in biomedical science research. Working collaboratively, you will take initiative, generate new ideas and play a key role in advancing research.

About You

You will hold a completed PhD in Biomedical Sciences or a closely related discipline, with expertise relevant to metabolism in breast cancer and/or neurodegeneration. You will have experience in conducting high-quality research, ideally including molecular biology, protein biochemistry, cellular and tissue-based models, and advanced imaging approaches, together with the ability to apply innovative methodologies to address complex biological questions.

You will demonstrate a strong publication record relative to career stage and a commitment to producing internationally excellent research. Evidence of contributing to research funding applications, working collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams, and building productive relationships with academic and external partners will be advantageous. You will be an effective communicator, capable of presenting research findings to a range of audiences and contributing to the supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate research projects.

Most importantly, you will be an ambitious and proactive researcher with the creativity, initiative and organisational skills to drive projects forward, generate impactful research outputs, and contribute to the University's research ambitions, including REF objectives and the wider College and University Research Strategy.

Key Contact

For further information and informal enquiries regarding the role, please contact Professor Myra Conway, Provost - Innovation and Research via m.conway2@derby.ac.uk

For enquiries regarding your application and for sponsorship eligibility, please contact the recruitment team via recruitment@derby.ac.uk

Important Information

This role may be eligible for sponsorship by the University.

The offered salary for this role is less than the going rate for the occupation and the minimum salary threshold for the Skilled Worker route (£41,700 per annum, as of 22nd July 2025). Therefore you will only be eligible to apply for a Skilled Worker visa subject to your individual circumstances which must meet one of the following criteria set out by UKVI:

Your job is on the Immigration Skills List

You’re under 26, studying or a recent graduate, or in professional training

You have a PhD level qualification that’s relevant to your job

You have a postdoctoral position in science or higher education

You must also meet the English Language requirement.

Please note that the University will assess your individual eligibility for sponsorship at the shortlisting stage.

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