Postdoctoral Research Associate

Job Purpose

To make a leading contribution to a project “Cell biology of migration: implications of the Scar/WAVE complex structure” working with Profs Robert Insall and Paula da Fonseca. The successful candidate will also be expected to contribute to the formulation and submission of research publications and research proposals as well as help manage and direct this complex and challenging project as opportunities allow.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1.        Take a leading role in the planning and conduct of assigned research individually or jointly in accordance with the project deliverables and research strategy.

2.        Document research output including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, drafting technical/progress reports and papers as appropriate.

3.        Establish and maintain your research profile and reputation and that of the Insall lab, including establishing and sustaining a track record of independent and joint publications of international quality in high profile/quality refereed journals, enhancing the research impact in terms of economic/societal benefit, and gathering indicators of esteem.

4.        Survey the research literature and environment, understand the research challenges associated with the project & subject area, & develop/implement a suitable research strategy.

5.        Presentation of work at international and national conferences, at internal and external seminars, colloquia and workshops to develop and enhance our research profile.

6.        Take a leading role in the identification of potential funding sources and to assist in the development of proposals to secure funding from internal and external bodies to support future research.

7.        Take a leading role in developing and maintaining collaborations with colleagues across the research group/School/College/University and collaborators in the UK and internationally.

8.        Take a leading role in team/group meetings/seminars/workshops and School research group activities to enhance the wider knowledge, outputs and culture of the School/College.

9.        Take the lead in the organisation, supervision, mentoring and training of undergraduate and/or postgraduate students and less experienced members of the project team to ensure their effective development.

10.     Perform administrative tasks related to the activities of the research group and School, including Budgets/Expenditure.

11.     Contribute to teaching activities (e.g. demonstrating) and associated admin in consultation with Principal Investigator.

12.     Keep up to date with current knowledge and recent advances in the eukaryotic cell migration field.

13.     Engage in personal, professional and career development, to enhance both specialist and transferable skills in accordance with desired career trajectory.

14.     Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the Head of School/Director of Research Institute.

15.     Contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University’s Strategic Plan, Inspiring People Changing The World.

Knowledge/Qualifications

Essential

A1. Normally Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 12 (PhD), or alternatively possess the equivalent in professional qualifications and experience.

Skills

Essential

C1. A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of current issues and future directions within the cell migration and actin biology fields

C2. Knowledge of the microscopy and computing sufficient to plan, design and execute future experiments as microscopy technology evolves

C3. Sufficient depth of relevant research experience appropriate to an early career researcher

Experience 

Essential

E1. Substantial demonstrated experience in cell biology techniques such as different modes of fluorescence microscopy, cell culture and transfection of different eukaryotic cells

E2. Proven ability to deliver quality outputs in a timely and efficient manner

E3. A track record of presentation and publication of research results in quality journals/conferences

E4. Experience of making a leading contribution in academic activities

E5. Ability to demonstrate a degree of independence as illustrated by identification of project objectives from assessment of the literature, design & analysis of experiments & drafting of papers.

E6. Experience in undertaking independent research.

Desirable

F1. Demonstrated experience in cell migration assays, including direct view chambers, under agar assays, etc.

F2. Knowledge of the protein degradation field, and experience in protein degradation assays

F3. Expertise in protein purification

Please visit our website for further information on The University of Glasgow’s School of Cancer Sciences,  https://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/cancersciences/

Informal enquiries should be directed to Professor Robert Insall, [email protected] 

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 7, £37,474 – £42,155 per annum.

This post is full time, and has funding for up to 5 years

As part of Team UofG you will be a member of a world changing, inclusive community, which values ambition, excellence, integrity and curiosity.

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.

2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension – pensions handbook https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/, benefits and discount packages.

3 A flexible approach to working.

4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University  https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/.

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.

We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.

We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.