Research Assistant/Associate

Job title:

Research Assistant/Associate

Company

University of Glasgow

Job description

Job PurposeWe are seeking to recruit a motivated and creative Research Assistant/Associate (postdoctoral researcher) to work within an MRC-funded research programme https://gtr.ukri.org/projects?ref=MR%2FZ504762%2F1, focussed on understanding how blood-stage asexual replication is regulated in the malaria-causing parasite Plasmodium falciparum.The post holder will join the School of Infection and Immunity and work under the supervision of Dr Abhinay Ramaprasad (Principal Investigator).Malaria parasites proliferate within red blood cells through schizogony, a remarkable and unique process of cell division where the parasite first undergoes multiple rounds of DNA replication and nuclear division and then finally undergoes a specialised form of cytokinesis known as segmentation to produce several daughter parasites.This process is strikingly unconventional as malaria parasites lack the typical cell-cycle checkpoints and regulatory molecules known in model eukaryotes. The applicant will make essential contributions to the research programme focussed on elucidating the molecular mechanisms and regulators that orchestrate schizogony. The post holder will conduct inducible gene knockout screens on several candidate genes using SHIFTiKO, a scalable DiCre system (https://doi.org/10.1093/nar/gkae1274).The researcher will also closely work with labs of Dr. Virginia Howick and Prof. Thomas Otto to profile the single-cell transcriptomes of the knockout mutants towards identifying and characterising molecules that regulate schizogony.The successful candidate will have extensive skills in investigating gene function in Plasmodium falciparum using targeted gene knockout strategies and multi-omics approaches. They will be self-motivated and collaborative with good problem-solving skills and a track record of leading outstanding academic research.Main Duties and ResponsibilitiesPerform the following activities in conjunction with and under the guidance of the Principal Investigators (PI):1. Routinely generate inducible mutant P. falciparum lines by executing and improving upon existing workflows towards increased throughput and efficiency.2. Carry out systematic phenotyping of mutants by barcode sequencing, flow cytometry and imaging.3. Develop and establish tailored single-cell RNAseq protocols to study mutant parasite populations.4. Develop and enhance your research profile and reputation and that of the School, including contributing to 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.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 School and wider community.8. 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. Perform administrative tasks related to the activities of the research group and School, including Budgets/Expenditure.10. Carry out modest Teaching activities [e.g. demonstrating etc.] and associated administration as assigned by the Head of School and in consultation with the Principal Investigators.11. Keep up to date with current knowledge and recent advances in the field/discipline.12. Engage in continuing professional development activities as appropriate.13. Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the Head of School and/or Principal Investigators14. Contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University’s Strategic Plan, World Changers Together.For Appointment at Grade 7:15. 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. 16. Establish and sustain a track record of independent and joint published research to establish and maintain your expert reputation in the subject area.17. Survey the research literature and environment, understand the research challenges associated with the project and subject area, and develop/implement a suitable research strategy.These key tasks are not intended to be exhaustive but simply highlight a number of major tasks which the staff member may reasonably be expected to perform.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 criterion you will not be shortlisted for interview.Knowledge/QualificationsEssentialA1. Scottish Credit and Qualification level 10 (Honours degree or equivalent) in Parasitology or other relevant subject. May be working towards a post-graduate qualification such as a Masters (Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 11) or PhD (Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 12).A2. A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of current issues and future directions within the subject area of Parasitology.A3. Knowledge of functional genetics in malaria parasites including use of Cas9 and conditional gene knockout technologies.A4. Knowledge of intra-erythrocytic developmental cycle of malaria parasites and methods used to study gene function during parasite’s blood stages.For Appointment at Grade 7A5. Normally Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 12 [PhD] in Parasitology or a cognate discipline 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, with experience of personal development in a similar or related role(s).SkillsEssential:C1. Excellent skills and knowledge in culturing malaria parasites and generation of mutant lines using Cas9-mediated gene editing.C2. Extensive skills in studying and characterising mutant phenotypes using molecular techniques, imaging and multi-omics approaches.C3. Proficient in next-generation sequencing (NGS) workflows, including data analysis.C4. Research creativity and cross-discipline collaborative ability as appropriate.C5. Excellent interpersonal skills including team working and a collegiate approach. C6. Excellent communication skills (oral and written), including public presentation and the ability to communicate complex concepts clearly and concisely.C7. A high degree of competence in English scientific writing and speaking.C8. Appropriate workload/time/project/budget/people management skills. C9. IT and data analysis/interpretation skills as appropriate.C10. Highly motivated, able to use initiative and quick to learn new techniques.C11. Creative, flexible and pragmatic approach to solving research problems.Essential For Appointment at Grade 7C12. Good team leadership skills including demonstrable supervisory skills.Desirable at grade 6/7D1. Skills in single-cell RNAseq workflows.D2. Knowledge and demonstrable skills in inducible gene knockout or knockdown strategies.ExperienceEssential:E1. Sufficient breadth and/or depth of knowledge of investigating gene function in blood stages of malaria parasites, demonstrated through relevant work experience.E2. Extensive experience with design and application of gene manipulation strategies and phenotypic characterisation of knockout mutants.E3. Demonstrable experience in analysing large -omics datasets and in using R for data interpretation and visualization.E4. Proven ability to deliver quality outputs (such as publications) in a timely and efficient manner.E5. Experience preparing data for publication and writing publications.E6. Evidence of an emerging track record of publications in a relevant field.Essential For Appointment at Grade 7E7. In addition to above essential experience, demonstrable independence and creativity in leading a body of work from identification of project objectives, the design/analysis of experiments, and drafting of scientific publications.E8. 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 6/7F1. Experience with generating and/or analysing single-cell transcriptomics data.For enquiries regarding this post please contact Dr Abhinay Ramaprasad via email abhinay.ramaprasad@glasgow.ac.uk (www.parafugelab.com)Terms and ConditionsSalary will be Grade 6/7, £33,232 – £36,924/£40,247 – £45,163 per annum .This post is full time, and has funding for up to 12 months.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-visa.Closing date 23:45 on 14 February 2025

Expected salary

Location

Glasgow

Job date

Sun, 19 Jan 2025 02:39:52 GMT

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