Research Assistant

Job title:

Research Assistant

Company

University of Stirling

Job description

Applications are invited for x2 Research Assistants (RA) positions to work on “Human Pathogens in the Environment”. We are seeking highly motivated individuals specialising in environmental science and/or environmental microbiology. The successful candidates will be based in Stirling and become part of a wider interdisciplinary team aiming to understand the persistence, survival, and cycling of human pathogens in the environment.Our research projects focus on quantifying the effects of pollution and climate change for increasing the routes of exposure to pathogens in the environment. The successful candidate will also join the teams of two of our current research projects (Plastic Vectors Project and the SPACES Project), which are quantifying human pathogens on the surfaces of plastic pollution and the increased habitat provision provided by plastics in the environment for medically important species of mosquitoes. The successful candidates will work closely with post-doctoral researchers and PhD students to conduct a range of manipulative lab and field experiments in Stirling in highly controlled conditions. The successful candidates will also carry out field work sampling and surveillance at a range of field sites, including coastal waters and sandy beaches, freshwater rivers and lakes, and agronomic field sites.The successful candidates will become embedded within a thriving research environment in the Division of Biological and Environmental Sciences (BES), with more than 40 principal investigators, postdoctoral researchers and 60 PhD students.Informal enquiries may be made to Prof. Richard Quilliam, Biological and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences (richard.quilliam@stir.ac.uk).Description of Duties

• Develop microcosm systems to quantify human pathogen persistence in a range of environmental conditions
• Use molecular and culture-dependent approaches to quantify concentrations of human bacterial and fungal pathogens in environmental sample
• Contribute to the intellectual development of research projects, including analysing data
• Participate in project meetings
• Where appropriate, help supervise students working on related research

Essential Criteria

• BSc and/or MSc in a relevant discipline, such as, environmental science, biology, microbiology, molecular biology, or ecology
• Experience of using aseptic technique and microbiological techniques Experience in culturing bacteria and/or fungi
• Standard molecular techniques, e.g., DNA extraction and experience with PCR
• Evidence of excellent time management
• Evidence of problem-solving capacity
• Evidence of being able to work with minimal supervision

Desirable Criteria

• Experience in working with Hazard Group 2 microorganisms (human pathogens)
• Knowledge of the behaviour of human enteric pathogens in the environment
• Knowledge of risk assessment approaches
• Skills in statistical analysis
• Experience of field work, and sample collection from different environments
• Driving licence

Behaviours and CompetenciesThe role holder will be required to evidence that they can meet the qualities associated with the following behavioural competencies, as detailed within the AUA Competency Framework.

• Managing self and personal skills

Being aware of your own behaviour and mindful of how it impacts on others, enhancing personal skills to adapt professional practice accordingly. * Delivering excellent serviceProviding the best quality service to external and internal clients. Building genuine and open long-term relationships in order to drive up service standards.

• Finding solutions

Taking a holistic view and working enthusiastically to analyse problems and to develop workable solutions. Identifying opportunities for innovation. * Embracing changeBeing open to and engaging with new ideas and ways of working. Adjusting to unfamiliar situations, shifting demands and changing roles. * Using resources effectivelyIdentifying and making the most productive use of resources including people, time, information, networks and budgets. * Engaging with the wider contextEnhancing your contribution to the organisation through an understanding of the bigger picture and showing commitment to organisational values. * Developing self and othersShowing commitment to own ongoing professional development. Supporting and encouraging others to develop their professional knowledge, skills and behaviours to enable them to reach their full potential. * Working togetherWorking collaboratively with others in order to achieve objectives. Recognising and valuing the different contributions people bring to this process. * Achieving ResultsConsistently meeting agreed objectives and success criteria. Taking personal responsibility for getting things done.About UsThe Faculty of Natural Sciences (FNS) encompasses the Divisions of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Computing Science and Mathematics, Psychology and the Institute of Aquaculture. FNS is a distinctive academic arena where new fundamental understandings of the complex and challenging inter-relationships between human behaviours, technologies, biological and environmental systems are created, explored and tested. The most recent national assessment of research – REF2021 -confirmed that 80% of our research is classed as world leading and internationally excellent. It is supported through UK Research Councils, European Union and a range of research charities We work with businesses and public service organisations both at home and overseas to achieve direct and positive outcomes for society across a range of critical problems. Substantial investment aligned with the City, Region, and Growth deals is supporting major new infrastructure developments linked to the Faculty including Scotland’s International Environment Centre and the National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub.Biological and Environmental Sciences (BES)Our research interests are broad, ranging from conservation and evolutionary ecology to environmental processes including carbon and nutrient cycling, aquatic and catchment sciences, landscape and forest ecology, evolutionary biology, environment and human health, energy and environmental sustainability. Research activities are led by principal investigators who seek to understand the fundamental processes driving the evolution and maintenance of the natural environment and its interactions with human populations. We develop and exploit a range of technologies from Earth observation through to molecular techniques to understand how environments function and ecosystems are impacted from local to global scales and over annual to millennial timescales. Our research and impacts are found in all continents of the world and position us as a leading institution in Environmental Protection and Biological Conservation. In REF2021 all 100% of our research was rated as having either outstanding or very considerable impact.The UniversityThe University of Stirling is committed to providing education with a purpose and carrying out research which has a positive impact on communities across the globe – addressing real issues, providing solutions, and helping to shape society. Stirling is 4th in Scotland and 43rd in the UK for research impact, with 87% of its research having an outstanding or very considerable impact on society – and more than 80% rated either world leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework 2021).The University of Stirling is ranked among the top 30 UK universities for student satisfaction (National Student Survey) and top 30 in the UK for postgraduate student experience (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey), and has an overall five-star rating in the QS Stars University Ratings.More than 17,000 students study with the University of Stirling globally, with over 140 nationalities represented on its scenic central Scotland campus alone. The University – also home to 1,700 staff – is ranked first in the UK and top three in the world for its campus environment (International Student Barometer 2022, wave two). Ranked first in the UK and top five in the world for its sports facilities (International Student Barometer 2022, wave two), Stirling is Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence. Its world-class facilities provide the perfect training environment for the University’s sports scholars – many of whom compete at the highest level, including at the Olympics and Commonwealth Games – and for students, staff, and the wider community.The University has twice been recognised with a Queen’s Anniversary Prize – the first for its Institute for Social Marketing and Health (2014) and the second for its Institute of Aquaculture (2019).The University is a signatory to the £214 million Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal and a central partner of the Forth Valley University College Health Partnership.

Expected salary

Location

Stirling

Job date

Sat, 10 Aug 2024 04:45:30 GMT

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