Research Associate

Job Purpose

To make a leading contribution to a research project entitled “How does the Scar/WAVE complex control actin protrusions and cell migration? A combined cell biology and cryo-EM approach” working with Professor Paula da Fonseca, at the University of Glasgow School of Molecular Biosciences, in collaboration with Professor Robert Insall, at the University of Glasgow School of Cancer Sciences. 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 project/group/School/College 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/ School/ Research Group, including establishing and sustaining a track record of independent and joint publications of international quality in high profile/quality peer‑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 wider community (e.g. Academic and Industrial Partners).

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.     Make a leading contribution to Teaching activities (e.g. demonstrating etc) and associated admin as assigned by the Head of School and in consultation with the Principal Investigator.

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

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.

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

Qualifications

A1 Normally 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 & Skills
Essential: 

C1 A comprehensive and up-to-date theoretical and practical knowledge in areas related to the field of research.

C2 Knowledge of and practical experience on current protein biochemistry and molecular biology techniques and approaches.

C3 Knowledge of current structural biology methodologies applied to study proteins complexes.

C4 Initiative and ability to learn new techniques.

C5  Collaborated with others within the research team or externally.

C6 Aptitude to work in a multidisciplinary environment.

C7 High motivation, with a strong desire for self and team development.

C8 Excellent oral and written communication.

Desirable:

D1 Familiarity with the mechanisms of cell Scar/WAVE complex control actin protrusions and cell migration.

Experience
Essential:

E1 Hands-on experience in the preparation/characterization and/or structural biology of multi-subunit protein complexes.

E2 Experience in molecular biology/recombinant protein expression.

E3 Ability to carry out an experimental project and to identify project specific experimental/technical requirements.

E4 Conducted research work independently, within a team environment, including experimental design, data analysis and data presentation.

E5 A track record of publication and presentation of research results in relevant high-quality journals/conferences.

Desirable:

F1 Experience in structural electron microscopy and image analysis.

F2 Experience in using the baculovirus expression system for recombinant protein expression in insect cells.

F3 At least one peer-reviewed publication in a relevant journal.

Closing date:  29 March 2023

Terms and Conditions

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

This post is full time and fixed term for up to 5 years

Relocation assistance will be provided where appropriate

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.