Research Assistant/Associate

Job title:

Research Assistant/Associate

Company

University of Glasgow

Job description

Job PurposeYou will contribute to a project within our research programme on the role of parasite mitochondria during Toxoplasma gondii infection.The purpose of this role is to carry out cutting-edge research to understand mitochondrial biology in Toxoplasma gondii and discover the mitochondrial processes underpinning progression of infection. The first core approach will be to carry out genetic modification of genes encoding mitochondrial proteins. You will design and generate the vectors needed to modify the Toxoplasma genome, transfect and genotype modified lines,The second core approach will be to carry out cell biology and biochemical phenotyping of mutants, via an array of assays that can be find in our recent papers.A potential third approach for interested and suitable candidates will be to perform animal studies with selected mutants, including animal infection, tissue harvesting and analysis of parasite spread and burden and immune response.Post holder will be working primarily in the Glasgow Centre for Parasitology within the School of Infection and Immunity under the supervision of Prof. Lilach Sheiner. The job requires good knowledge of molecular and cellular biology and of biochemistry, with substantial experience of genetic manipulation, cell culture and biochemical methods. 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 Responsibilities1. Assist and contribute to individual and joint research objectives in accordance with the project deliverables.2. Design, generate and validate genome modification vectors using molecular biology techniques3. Routinely culture Toxoplasma parasites and carry out transfections to generate modified lines4. Genotype modified lines and clone by limiting dilution5. Phenotype lines using an array of cell biology and biochemical techniques, such as co-immunoflourescence, western blotting, flow cytometry, fractionation, co-immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry.6. Provide support and guidance for other members of the team, including graduate students and research assistants, as required7. Contribute to the lab working environment, contributing in a collegial and active manner to matters of organisation and health and safety8. Contribute to 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.9. Document research output including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, drafting technical/progress reports and papers as appropriate.10. Contribute to the presentation of work at international and national conferences, at internal and external seminars and workshops.11. Establish and maintain your research profile and reputation and that of The University of Glasgow, including establishing and sustaining a track record of independent and joint publications of international quality in high quality refereed journals, enhancing the research impact in terms of societal benefit, and gathering indicators of esteem.12. Survey the research literature and environment, understand the research challenges associated with the project and subject area, and implement a suitable research strategy.13. Contribute to the identification of potential funding sources and assist in the development of proposals to secure funding from internal and external bodies to support future research.14. Perform administrative tasks related to the activities of the research group and Institute including stock control.15. Carry out modest teaching activities (e.g. demonstrating etc) and associated administration as assigned by the Director of Institute and in consultation with the PI.16. Be responsible for safety management related to the organisation and running of laboratory and/or experimental techniques, equipment and processes as appropriate.17. Keep up to date with current knowledge and recent advances in the field/discipline.18. Engage in personal, professional and career development to enhance both specialist and transferable skills in accordance with desired career trajectory.19. To contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University’s Strategic Plan – Inspiring People – Changing the World http://www.gla.ac.uk/about/strategy/people/.For Appointment at Grade 7:20. Perform the above duties with a higher degree of independence, leadership, and responsibility, particularly in relation to planning, funding, collaborating and publishing research, and mentoring colleagues.21. Take a leading role in developing and maintaining collaborations with colleagues across the organisations and wider parasitology and cell biology communities.22. Take a leading role in group meetings and organisation research activities to enhance the wider knowledge, outputs and culture of the organisation.Please note that as part of your application you must address and demonstrate how you meet EACH of the essential / desirable criteria. If you do not address each criteria in the format explained above you will not be shortlisted for interview.Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and ExperienceKnowledge/QualificationsEssential:A1. SCQF level 10 (Honours Degree). May be working towards PhD (SCQF level 12) in Cell biology, Microbiology or Parasitology or other relevant subject. OR equivalent professional qualifications in relevant academic / research discipline, and experience of personal development in a similar role.A2. Knowledge of molecular and cellular biology techniques.For Appointment at grade G7:A3. Normally Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 12 [PhD] in Microbiology, Parasitology, cell-biology, or other related fields; with at least 2 years’ post-doctoral experience in a similar or related role(s), or alternatively possess the equivalent in professional qualifications and experience.A4. Theoretical and practical knowledge in a research related field.A5. A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of the wider subject area or subject specialism.SkillsEssential:C1.Excellent skills of culturing parasites or other sterile eukaryotic cultures, as evidenced through publication.C2. Skills in cell biology and microscopy phenotyping as evidenced through publication.C3. Ability to deliver high-quality scientific outputs, as evidenced through publication.C4. Excellent interpersonal skills, including working within a team and a collegiate approach.C5. Appropriate workload/time/project/budget/people management skills.C6. Extensive IT and data analysis/interpretation skills as appropriate.C7. Self-motivation, initiative and independent thought/working.C8. Problem solving skills, including a flexible and pragmatic approach.For Appointment at Grade 7C9. Good team leadership skills including demonstrable supervisory skills.Desirable at grade 6/7: D1. Skills in multiple biochemical techniques (cell fractionation, immunoprecipitation, enzyme activity assays).C10. Skills with bioinformatic analyses (e.g. analysis of metabolomics data).ExperienceEssential:E1. Experience in the collection and analysis of dataE2. Experience of scientific writingE3. Proven ability to deliver quality outputs in a timely and efficient mannerE4. A track record of presentation and publication of research results in quality journals/conferencesE5. Experience of making a leading contribution in academic activitiesE6. Ability to demonstrate a degree of independence as illustrated by identification of project objectives from assessment of the literature, design and analysis of experiments and drafting of papersE7. Experience in undertaking independent researchFor Appointment at Grade 7:E9. Sufficient breadth and/or depth of knowledge in the specialist subject/discipline and of research/teaching methods and techniques to work within the subject area, as demonstrated through relevant post-doctoral work experience. This will include independence illustrated by identification of project objectives from assessment of the literature, the design/analysis of experiments, and the drafting of scientific publications.E10. Established publication track record in a relevant field of research, including at least one as first author, in appropriate-impact international scientific journals.Desirable at grade 6/7:F1. Experience and understanding of UK biological safety regulations and procedures involved in culturing human Plasmodium parasites.Further EnquiriesInformal enquiries should be directed to Professor Sheiner via email lilach.sheiner@glasgow.ac.ukTerms and ConditionsSalary will be Grade 6/7, £33,232 – £36,924 / £40,247 – £45,163 per annum.This post is full time (35 hours per week) with funding available for up to 3 years.The University of Glasgow has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK. If you require a Skilled Worker visa to work in the UK, you will be required to meet the eligibility requirements of the visa route to be assigned a Certificate of Sponsorship.Please note that this post may be eligible to be sponsored under the Skilled Worker visa route if tradeable points can be used under the Skilled Worker visa rules. For more information please visit: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visaClosing date: 23:45 on 11th February 2025

Expected salary

Location

Glasgow

Job date

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 03:22:33 GMT

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