Research Assistant/ Associate

Job Purpose

You will make a signficiant contribution to the US National Institutes of Health project Optimising Singlet Oxygen Dosimetry for Photodynamic Therapy working with Professor Robert Hadfield and international partners at the University of Pennsylvania, USA and the University of Toronto Canada. The project concerns design, engineering and delivery of advanced medical instrumentation for laser cancer treatment. 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

Under the guidance of the PI:

1. Plan and conduct assigned research individually or jointly in accordance with the project deliverables and project 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 University of Glasgow/ James Watt School of Engineering/ Quantum Sensors Research Group, 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. Consolidate links with the NIH project partners, the University of Pennsylvania USA and University of Toronto Canada.

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

6. Contribute to 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. Collaborate with colleagues and participate in team/group meetings/seminars/workshops across the research Group/School/College/University and wider community.

8. Keep up to date with current knowledge and recent advances in the field/discipline.

9. Engage in continuing professional development activities as appropriate.

For appointment at grade 7

10. Perform the above duties with a higher degree of independence, leadership and responsibility, particularly in relation to planning, funding, collaborating and publishing research.

11. Establish and sustain a track record of independent and joint published research to establish and maintain your expert reputation in the subject area.

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

Qualifications,  Knowledge, Skills & Experience

Qualifications

Essential:

A1 SCQF Level 10 [Honours degree] in in Computer Science, Data Science, or a cognate discipline, or equivalent.

Desirable:

B1 An expected award of PhD [thesis submitted or near completion] in subject specialism or equivalent

For appointment at Grade 7:

Essential:

A2  Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 12 (PhD) or alternatively possess the equivalent in professional qualifications and experience, with experience of personal development in a similar or related role(s)

Knowledge and Skills

Essential:

C1 A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of current issues and future directions within the wider subject area of biomedical optics and instrumentation development.

C2 Knowledge of specialist equipment and techniques, including fluorescence lifetime measurements, time-correlated single-photon counting, photosensitizer preparation, optical system modelling & design, design of fibre optic probes, data acquisition instrumentation, software programming skills, CAD design.

C3 Proven ability to deliver quality outputs in a timely and efficient manner.

C4 Excellent communication skills (oral and written), including public presentations and ability to communicate complex data/concepts clearly and concisely

C5 Extensive data analysis/interpretation skills.

C6 Self motivation, initiative and independent thought/working

For appointment at grade 7:

Essential:

C7 Technical knowledge and skills meeting and exceeding the essential requirements above

Experience

Essential:

E1 Experience of scientific writing

E2 Experience of designing and implementing web-based research prototypes

E3 Experience of developing machine learning systems

E4 Experience of running research user studies

For appointment at grade 7:

Essential:

E5 A track record of presentation and publication of research results in quality journals/conferences

E6 Experience in undertaking independent research

Closing date – 3 April 2023

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 6/7, £31,502 –  £35,308 / £38,474 – £43,155 per annum

This post is full time, and has funding for up to two 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.