Jobs at Aston | College of Health & Life Sciences

Lecturer in Biochemistry (1775-26)

Wed, 21 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT

The Department of Biosciences is driven by an ambitious research and teaching strategy within the School of Medicine, Pharmacy & Biosciences, the Aston Centre for Health in Ageing and the Aston Institute for Membrane Excellence. We are seeking to build upon and develop our established research strengths and wish to appoint a new colleague to contribute to the research, impact and teaching profile within Biosciences at Aston University. As a successful School we offer a friendly, supportive and vibrant community to enable world-leading research.

Applicants must have a PhD in a Biosciences-related area that will complement our School’s excellent research. They will be able to evidence an independent and strongly developing research programme, preferably including securing external research funding and publications in high-ranking, peer-reviewed journals. Applicants must have the ability to develop internationally recognised activity.

The Department has a strong focus on the application of fundamental research. We are particularly interested in receiving applications from individuals who can demonstrate research excellence focused on the use of molecular and biochemical approaches to understand health and disease or biotechnological processes. Applicants with a research profile focused on biochemistry, biophysics and/or engineering biology are particularly encouraged to apply. All applicants must demonstrate an alignment with our existing research programmes and ideally be able to strengthen our research through their addition to our team.

Applicants should also be able to demonstrate a developing track record of effective teaching and an enthusiasm for delivering flexible education across the range of programmes within the School of Medicine, Pharmacy and Biosciences. Previous experience of teaching Biochemistry and/or Biotechnology would be advantageous. Any application must be able to demonstrate your necessary teamwork skills to foster collaboration with existing Biosciences colleagues and to build links both within the University and externally, including the aptitude and ability to engage in continuous professional development.

You should clearly state how your appointment will build further critical mass within the School and support the University mission through high quality, exploitable research that is accessible for business and has a positive impact on society.

Potential applicants may wish to contact the Head of Biosciences, Professor Alan Goddard (a.goddard@aston.ac.uk), the Director of Research, Dr Alice Rothnie (a.rothnie@aston.ac.uk) and/or the Director for Education Dr Charlotte Law (c.law@aston.ac.uk) for informal discussion about the post before applying.

Our web site at http://www1.aston.ac.uk/ provides further details of Medicine, Pharmacy and Biosciences, Aston Research Centre for Health in Ageing and the new Aston Institute for Membrane Excellence(https://www.aston.ac.uk/research/aime).

Aston University is committed to the principles of the Athena SWAN Charter, recognised by a Gold award. We pride ourselves on our vibrant, friendly, supportive working environment and collaborative atmosphere.

Please visit our website http://www.aston.ac.uk/jobs for further information and to apply online.

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

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: 04 Dec 2026

Unit: Teaching & Research

Salary: £39,560 to £57,666 per annum

Postdoctoral Research Associate - Membrane Protein Folding (1648-26)

Mon, 12 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT

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)

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

Lecturer/ Senior Lecturer in Optometry (1623-26)

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Aston School of Optometry is one of the UK's longest-established optometry schools, and in 2026 we are proudly celebrating 100 years of Optometry at Aston. The School offers outstanding modern teaching, clinical and research facilities, alongside a supportive, collaborative and well-established academic community. We are seeking a Lecturer or Senior Lecturer in Optometry to join us in advancing our ambitions across research, enterprise, education and the student experience. We are particularly interested in candidates with expertise in Vision Science, binocular vision and paediatrics, or posterior eye care.

In this role, you will contribute to, shape and lead areas of research, scholarship and teaching within the School, working both independently and collaboratively with colleagues across disciplines. Through your professional expertise and commitment to excellence, you will help create an engaging and inclusive learning environment that supports student success and academic achievement. The role also offers opportunities to develop meaningful partnerships with regional, national and international stakeholders, including government agencies, schools, colleges, professional bodies, industry partners and community organisations, helping to strengthen the School's impact and reach.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and student-focused optometry academic who combines subject expertise with a passion for education and research. You will have relevant teaching experience, a strong academic background, and either a developing or established research profile. The successful candidate will demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills, a genuine commitment to supporting students and colleagues, and the ability to build positive and productive relationships both within and beyond the University.

For appointment at Senior Lecturer level, we are particularly interested in candidates with an established research profile, experience of securing external funding, and a proven ability to mentor, inspire and support others. You will play an important role in providing academic leadership, fostering collaboration, and contributing to the strategic development and future success of the subject area and School.

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

Closing Date: 08 Nov 2026

Unit: Teaching & Research

Salary: £39,560 to £67,468 per annum

Clinical Fellow (1473-26)

Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Aston University is developing a Dispensing Optician Apprenticeship and a BSc (Hons) Ophthalmic Dispensing programme; these exciting new programmes involve the apprentice/student obtaining patient facing clinical experience in practice integrated throughout the course at all stages. This new role will principally involve supporting, remote asynchronous tutoring, face-to-face teaching, and assessing students to enable them to meet all of the GOC Outcomes for Registration and to foster an inquisitive, knowledgeable, evidence-based, professional mindset.

The Clinical Fellow will be responsible for carrying out teaching activities within Degree Apprenticeship and Undergraduate programmes and for maintaining and advancing their own and their subject’s scholarly and professional capabilities. The Clinical Fellow will actively promote the programme by establishing and maintaining memberships, links and partnerships with academic, industry and professional communities. They will be expected to work collaboratively and collegiately with fellow academics within the teaching team, and to update colleagues and students on developments in their subject area, particularly in relation to practice and professional expectations and requirements.

We are seeking an experienced GOC-registrant with relevant qualifications and substantial experience in dispensing optics and professional practice. You will have excellent knowledge of contemporary optical practice and the ability to translate professional expertise into engaging, inclusive teaching and learning. Experience of curriculum development, assessment, student supervision and supporting student outcomes is desirable, alongside an understanding of professional body requirements and quality assurance. You will demonstrate strong communication, organisation and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with students, colleagues, professional bodies and external partners. A commitment to scholarship, continuing professional development, equality, diversity and inclusion is essential.

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

This role does not meet the eligibility criteria for new applicants to the Skilled Worker visa route.

See here for information about Skilled Worker eligibility criteria: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa

Closing Date: 25 Oct 2026

Unit: Teaching & Research

Salary: £47,389 to £56,535 per annum (pro-rata)