Research Fellow (111444-0326)

About The Role

Informal Queries

For informal queries, please contact Jake Brooks, Assistant Professor, at Jake.Brooks@warwick.ac.uk.

Flexible Working

We will consider applications for employment on a part-time or other flexible working basis (e.g. job share), despite the position being advertised as full-time.

We are seeking to appoint a Research Fellow for a Race Against Dementia–funded project, led by Principal Investigator Dr Jake Brooks, titled “Metal nanoparticles in the olfactory bulb: investigating origins, impact, and implications for tackling dementia.” The project aims to use advanced chemical imaging techniques to study the presence of metal-rich particles in olfactory bulb tissue and examine how they interact with key neuropathological features such as amyloid plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, and Lewy bodies. The research will help improve understanding of how air pollution may contribute to different forms of dementia.

You will carry out both independent and collaborative research, focusing on histological and/or immunohistochemical staining of postmortem brain tissue to identify regions of neuropathology. The role involves developing protocols, preparing samples, and characterising tissue features in mouse and human brain samples using techniques such as light and fluorescence microscopy, along with advanced methods including electron microscopy, X-ray fluorescence, and synchrotron X-ray spectromicroscopy. You will be a key member of the research team, helping manage the laboratory environment and essential materials. This includes maintaining laboratory equipment, overseeing chemical and tissue inventories in line with HTA regulations, managing safety documentation, supporting the training of junior lab members, and contributing to tissue requests from partner brain banks. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who has prior experience in histology and is interested in applying it within an exciting and developing field.

About You

You will have a PhD (or be near completion) or equivalent in a relevant discipline and will have the knowledge and capacity to work with the project team to undertake original research. The role requires proven experience in tissue handling and histology. The role also requires strong analytical skills, such as experience analysing spectroscopy data. You will possess both quantitative and qualitative research skills in physical experimental work in both laboratory and fieldwork environments. Strong communication skills including the ability to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing is essential. You will have excellent time management and IT skills. Under the guidance of your line manager, you will also support management and administrative tasks within your area, helping the team deliver high-quality research outcomes while maintaining research integrity and prioritising health, safety, and wellbeing. You may bring the following specific expertise, which while not essential, will be advantageous to the role: knowledge of neuropathology, experience in using different types of microscopy, experience with HTA-relevant material, and custodianship of a relevant laboratory environment (e.g. microscopy / wet lab / histology / cell culture / tissue culture). For details on the experience and skills required, please refer to the job description attached as a PDF below.

PhD Status

If you are near submission of your PhD, or have not yet had it conferred, any offers of employment will be made at Research Assistant level, at the highest spinal point of pay grade 5 (£34,610 per annum). Upon receipt of evidence confirming the successful award of your PhD, you will be promoted to Research Fellow , at the lowest spinal point of grade 6 (£35,608 per annum).

About The Department

The post will be based at University of Warwick within the Trace Metals in Medicine Laboratory, located in the School of Engineering: one of the leading unified Engineering schools in the UK. University of Warwick ensures access to an integrated network of world-class analytical technologies campus-wide, through our Research Technology Platforms that support users from all departments. Occasional offsite visit to synchrotron facilities (e.g. Diamond Light Source, ESRF, MaxIV) and Tissue Banks (e.g. Newcastle Brain Tissue Resource) may be required. The University aims to promote work life balance for all employees, and the School of Engineering will consider a range of possible flexible working arrangements in order to recruit the best candidate. The School of Engineering is committed to the principles of the Athena SWAN Charter, which recognises work undertaken to address gender equality, representation and progression for all staff working in an academic environment. The School currently holds the Athena SWAN Gold award and the University holds an Institutional Silver award. Further information about the work of the School in relation to Athena SWAN can be found at the following link; Athena SWAN - School of Engineering - University of Warwick

About The University

We are a world-leading research-intensive university founded in 1965. We are ranked 74th in the world and 9th in the UK. * Additionally, 92% of our research is rated world-leading or internationally excellent .** Find out more about us at warwick.ac.uk/about/. World University Ranking 2026, Complete University Guide 2026 Research Excellence Framework 2021

How to Apply

CLOSING DEADLINE: Wednesday 15 April 2026 at 11:55pm (UK Time)

To apply, please click APPLY below and submit your application by the closing deadline. You will be asked to include a CV and cover letter. Within these documents, please: Outline your employment and education history (including your most recent employment). Outline the reasons for your interest in this position. Demonstrate how you meet the requirements of the role with clear reference to each of the essential and desirable criteria in the Job Description (PDF attached below).

Interview Date: To be confirmed

Start Date: 12 June 2026

Applications must be submitted by the closing deadline. Only applications submitted through our Careers Portal will be considered. You are welcome to include any careers breaks you may have taken (e.g. parental/caring/long-term sick leave). Please note that if you do not evidence the essential criteria, the hiring panel may not be able to shortlist your application. For guidance on how to format a cover letter, see here.

What we Offer

We Provide a Comprehensive Range Of Benefits, Including An attractive pension scheme. 30 days holiday plus University Christmas closure. Generous parental/adoption leave policy. Onsite childcare facilities. Excellent learning and development opportunities. We recognise the importance of a healthy work/life balance and offer access to flexible working arrangements. For more information, see here. We are proud to be a Living Wage employer.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

Equality, Diversity, & Inclusion

Warwick is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive and respectful community where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, cultures, and communities, and actively encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply. Find out more about our Social Inclusion work at Warwick. Find out more about our awards and accreditations. We are also one of the six founder institutions of the EUTOPIA European University Alliance.

Safeguarding & DBS

The University of Warwick is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those we work with. Roles involving regulated activity are subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at the appropriate level, in line with the DBS Code of Practice. The University will ensure that anyone subject to a barring order does not undertake any work with the barred group (children and/or adults). All employees, volunteers, and partners are expected to share our commitment to safeguarding.

Rehabilitation of Ex-Offenders

The University will not discriminate against applicants who make a disclosure relating to a conviction. Disclosures at application stage are only visible to the DBS team, not to hiring panels. This ensures fairness and removes bias from the shortlisting process.

Job Description JD - Research Fellow (111444).pdf – 114KB Opens in a new window

Right to Work in the UK

If you do not yet have the right to work in the UK and/or are seeking sponsorship for a Skilled Worker visa, please follow this link which contains further information about obtaining the right to work in the UK.