Research Fellow (SMQB) - Department of Metabolism and Systems Sciences - 97465 - Grade 7

Position Details

Department of Metabolism and Systems Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine and Health

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £35,880 to £45,163 with potential progression once in post to £47,874

Grade: 7

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to March 2027

Closing date: 8th January 2025

Background

This 2-year role is funded through an EPSRC Established Career Fellowship to Professor John Terry, the Director of the Centre for Systems Modelling and Quantitative Biomedicine (SMQB) at the University of Birmingham. The purpose of the role is to develop and apply mathematical models and computational algorithms to understand how perturbations to dynamic brain networks impact upon seizure likelihood. With an emphasis on the emerging field of digital twins for personalised health, the ultimate aim is to enable translation of this understanding into more accurate, diagnosis, prognosis and management of epilepsy. There is a particular interest in solutions that enable community-based care, in keeping with the priorities of the EPSRC/MRC-funded Network+ N-CODE. 

Working collaboratively with Professor Terry, other postdocs and PhD students within the SMQB, clinicians and people will lived experience of epilepsy, projects will be shaped around the skills and experience of the successful candidate. Examples of possible projects include:

• How does electrical stimulation reduce seizure frequency?
• Why does photic stimulation affect some people with epilepsy?
• Can we predict the likelihood of seizure recurrence post epilepsy surgery?

The SMQB is a strategic research centre, that combines interdisciplinary expertise across mathematics, computer science and medicine, using techniques from mathematical and statistical modelling, data science, machine learning and artificial intelligence. Currently comprising 4 Professors, 1 Associate Professor, 4 Assistant Professors, alongside several postdoctoral researchers and PhD students.

Role Summary

The primary focus of the work will be to develop mathematical models that describe perturbations to brain networks due to internal (e.g. hormones, drugs, sleep) and external (e.g. stimulation, surgery or the light-dark cycle) factors. Developed models will be calibrated using a variety of clinical data sets. Made available through an international network of collaborators, these data have been collected from a variety of sources including brain imaging, wearable technologies and smart-phone apps. Models should have both explanatory and predictive capacity and working with the wider team, they will be translated into prototype decision support systems enabling better diagnosis, prognosis and management for people with epilepsy.

As the successful candidate you will be educated to PhD level (or near to completion) in mathematics, computer science, biomedical engineering or a closely related area. You will have experience in one or more of the following areas: (nonautonomous) dynamical systems, complex networks, bifurcation theory, numerical continuation, data analytics and signal processing. You will be a proficient programmer, ideally with expertise in both Matlab and Python. Having relevant research experience applying mathematical or computational methods in biology or medicine will be advantageous to you.

Curiosity led, with exceptional communication skills, you will thrive working in a highly interdisciplinary environment. You will be equally happy communicating with theoreticians, clinicians, industrialists and people with lived experience of epilepsy. Finally, you will possess a demonstrable ability to write up scientific findings for publication in a timely and succinct manner.

As the successful candidate, you will join a dynamic research environment and receive strong mentoring, training and support, contributing to writing grants and generating research awards. You will: 

• 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 impact, for example licensing or spin out deals with demonstrated commercial success (such as revenues, asset or company sales, IP generated) and/or public understanding of the discipline or similar.

Main Duties

To plan and carry out research, using appropriate methodology and techniques. The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.

• Develop mathematical models for own or joint research, with assistance of a mentor if required
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods
• Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods
• Analyse and interpret data
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
• Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding
• Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline
• 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 under supervision of a project leader
• 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

• First degree in area of specialism and a higher degree relevant to research area (Mathematics, Computer Science or a closely aligned area)
• Research experience and scholarship within the areas of nonautonomous dynamical systems, complex networks, bifurcation theory, numerical continuation, data analytics and signal processing
• Programming experience, ideally with expertise in both Matlab and Python
• 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 
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes
• 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
• 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.

Further particulars can be found here

Informal enquiries to Professor John Terry, email: j.r.terry@bham.ac.uk 

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.