Research Associate

Job Purpose

This programme, funded by the UKRI-Medical Research Council for 3 years, is to investigate roles of the long chain fatty acid receptors FFAR1 and FFAR4, in the regulation of lung function. Working in collaboration with leading respiratory clinicians and closely with the biotechnology company KelticPharmaTherapeutics Ltd this project is aimed at validating FFAR1 and/or FFAR4 as a novel drug target in the treatment of severe asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The project builds from our discovery, published in Science Translational Medicine (12, aaw9009 (2020)) that activation of FFAR4 can relieve the symptoms and induce inflammation in pre-clinical mouse models of inflammatory lung disease. Moreover, by studying normal human lung samples and patient-derived lung tissue we have translated the mouse work to human studies that have provided the basis for our hypothesis that activation of FFAR4 can both relieve the symptoms and reduce inflammation in asthma and COPD..

This is an opportunity for a highly motivated Research Scientist to conduct basic research with an eye to clinical development. The candidate will be responsible for conducting ex vivo and in vivo mouse respiratory experiments using murine inflammatory models of lung disease. The programme will not only define the optimal pharmacological approach to targeting FFAR4 but also establish mechanisms by which FFAR4 can relax airway smooth muscle and reduce inflammation. The candidate will be based at University of Glasgow in state-of-the-art laboratories located in the newly built Advanced Research Centre (ARC) in the heart of the University campus. Working closely with the clinical team based in Leicester and with staff from KelticPharmaTherapeutics the candidate will gain experience in translating fundamental research into a drug discovery programme.

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 conducting assigned research individually or jointly in accordance with the project deliverables and project/group/School/College research strategy.

2.        Conduct ex vivo and in vivo mouse lung/respiratory measurements.

3.        Conduct biochemical and pharmacological experiments to establish optimum pharmacological properties of effective FFAR1/FFAR4-targeting drugs and determine mechanisms of action.

4.        Collaborate with clinical and industry colleagues to translate fundamental research into human studies and drug discovery.

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

6.        Establish and maintain your research profile and reputation and that of 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 refereed journals, enhancing the research impact in terms of economic/societal benefit, and gathering indicators of esteem.

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

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

9.        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.

10.     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).

11.     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.

12.     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.

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

14.     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 Investigators.

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

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

17.     Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the Head of School/ Principal Investigators.

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

Qualifications

Essential:

A1. Normally Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 12 (Ph.D.) in Biochemistry/Cell Biology or related discipline, or alternatively possess the equivalent in professional qualifications and experience, with experience of personal development in a similar or related role(s)

A2. BSc in Biochemistry/Cell Biology or a related discipline

Skills

Essential:

C1. Experience of ex vivo and in vivo mouse lung physiology measurements

C2. Strong interpersonal skills, confidence and experience in presenting data internally and externally

C3. Good computing skills in MS Office suite software

C4. Experience in using data analysis software packages, databases

C5. Diligent in documenting work and adherence to data integrity requirements

Experience

Essential:

E1. Proven ability to deliver quality outputs in a timely and efficient manner

E2. A track record of presentation and publication of research results in quality journals/conferences

E3. Experience of making a leading contribution in academic activities

E4. Ability to demonstrate a degree of independence as illustrated by identification of project objectives from assessment of the literature, design & analysis of experiments & drafting of papers.

E5. Experience in undertaking independent research

Informal enquiries may be directed to Professor Andrew Tobin, [email protected] or Professor Graeme Milligan, [email protected].  

Terms and Conditions

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

This post is full time, and has funding for up to 3 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.

Closing date : 20 July 2023