Research Associate

Job Purpose

The post holder will join the School of Infection and Immunity, MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research (CVR), working with the Principal Investigator, Prof Emma Thomson on research into AAV2 and paediatric hepatitis and other emerging viral infections.

The successful candidate is also expected to actively participate in related research and to contribute to help manage and direct this complex and challenging project as opportunities allow.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. Take a leading role in planning, designing and implementation of the AAV2 and AVI research projects within NHS GG&C and the MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research with a view to identification of clinically relevant viruses.

2. Analyse next generation sequencing data, to identify viral reads using established bioinformatics methods, including de novo assembly, mapping and phylogenetic analysis.

3. Document research output including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, drafting technical/progress reports and papers as appropriate.

4. Establish and maintain your research profile and reputation and that of the CVR, 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.

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

6. Presentation of work at international and national conferences, at internal and external seminars, colloquia and workshops to develop and enhance our research profile.

7. 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.

8. Take a leading role in developing and maintaining collaborations with colleagues across the CVR and wider community (e.g. Academic and Industrial Partners).

9. Take a leading role in team/group meetings/seminars/workshops and Institute research group activities to enhance the wider knowledge, outputs and culture of the CVR.

10. 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.

11. Perform administrative tasks related to the activities of the research group and Institute, including Budgets/Expenditure.

12. Make a leading contribution to Teaching activities (e.g. demonstrating etc) and associated administration as assigned by the CVR Director/PI.

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

14. Engage in personal, professional and career development, to enhance both specialist and transferable skills in accordance with desired career trajectory.

15. Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the CVR Director/PI.

16. Contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University’s Strategic Plan, World Changers Together.

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Experience

Qualifications

Essential:

A1 Normally Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 12 (PhD) in a relevant subject, or alternatively possess the equivalent in professional qualifications and experience, with experience of personal development in a similar or related role(s).

A2 Primary medical qualification.

Desirable:

B1 GMC registration and licence to practice.

Knowledge and Skills

Essential:

C1 Extensive and up-to-date theoretical and practical knowledge in next generation sequencing analysis.

C2 Extensive and up-to-date knowledge of clinical issues and future directions within the wider subject area or subject specialism.

C3 Excellent interpersonal skills including team working and a collegiate approach.

C4 Excellent communication skills (oral and written), including public presentation and the ability to communicate complex concepts clearly and concisely.

C5 Appropriate workload/time/project/budget/people management skills.

C6 IT and data analysis/interpretation skills as appropriate.

C7 Self-motivation and the ability to lead a clinical research team independently (under the supervision of the PI).

Desirable:

D1 Ability to deliver research that can be published in leading academic publications.

D2 Successful record of writing and presenting research. D3 Proactive and efficient administrative ability.

Experience 

Essential:

E1 Experience and/or interest in basic and clinical infectious disease research.

E2 Ability to contribute to a defined project and develop research potential.

Desirable:

F1 Experience in undergraduate teaching or postgraduate teaching.

F2 Publication record.

Additional Details

Informal enquiries may be directed to Prof Emma Thomson ([email protected])

This position is available on a full-time basis and is funded until 30 September 2023.

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 7, £38,474 – £43,155 per annum.

This post is full time and fixed term for up to 3 months

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.