Research Associate

Job Purpose

To make a leading contribution to the Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) funded project “A vaccinology approach to control scour worms in small ruminants” working with Prof Collette Britton. 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 drive forward this fascinating and challenging project as opportunities allow. The post-holder will be based in the School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, Garscube campus.

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 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 and subject area, and 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 where appropriate [e.g. demonstrating etc.] and associated admin as assigned by the Head of School and in consultation with 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/Director of Research Institute.

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

Knowledge/Qualifications

Essential:

A1. Normally Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 12 [PhD] in Immunology, Parasitology, Molecular Biology, or alternatively possess the equivalent in professional qualifications and experience, with experience of personal development in a similar or related role[s].

Skills

Essential:

C1 Practical knowledge of in vitro cell or parasite culture and RNAi gene silencing

C2 Practical knowledge of molecular biology, including PCR, gene cloning and RNA work

C3 Excellent interpersonal skills including team working and a collegiate approach

C4 Appropriate workload and time management skills

C5 IT and data analysis skills

C6 Self-motivation, initiative and independent thought/working

C7 Problem solving skills including a flexible and pragmatic approach

Desirable

D1. Practical knowledge of RT-qPCR

D2. Practical knowledge of DNA and protein sequence analysis

D3. Practical knowledge of transfection of parasitic organisms

D4. Practical knowledge of CRISPR

D5. Practical knowledge of in vitro phenotypic analysis

Experience

Essential:

E1 Experience of in vitro cell or parasite culture and RNAi gene silencing

E2 Experience of PCR, gene cloning, working with RNA

E3 Proven ability to deliver quality outputs in a timely and efficient manner

E4 A track record of presentation and publication of research results in quality journals/conferences

E5 Experience of making a leading contribution in academic activities

E6 Ability to demonstrate a degree of independence as illustrated by identification of project objectives from assessment of the literature, design and analysis of experiments and drafting of papers

E7 Experience in undertaking independent research

Further Enquiries

This is a full time post [35 hours per week] and has funding available until March 2028. Informal enquiries should be directed to Prof Collette Britton via email [email protected]

The School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine has been awarded for the second time an Athena SWAN Silver departmental award. The award demonstrates our commitment to best practice in recruiting and supporting the career development and progression of female scientists, addressing gender inequalities in higher education.  The Athena SWAN Charter recognises commitment to advancing gender equality in Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths and Medicine (STEMM) employment in academia. http://www.gla.ac.uk/researchinstitutes/bahcm/institute/athenaswan/

Terms and Conditions

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

This post is full time, and has funding up to the end of February 2028.

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