Research Assistant/Research Associate

College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences

School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine

Research Assistant (G6)/Research Associate G7)

Job Purpose

You will contribute/make a leading contribution to two related projects: (1) TICKSOLVE (75%) and (2) EEID US-UK Collaboration: Disentangling transport and trophic effects of animal movement on infectious disease (25%) and work closely with Dr. Thomas Morrison at the University of Glasgow. The ideal candidate will have experience in movement ecology of large mammals, particularly deer, and will have experience in the analysis of animal-borne accelerometer data. The post-doc will lead efforts to understand how landscape structure impacts deer movement ecology, and consequently how deer habitat selection and connectivity contributes to the spread and dynamics of pathogens and vectors (i.e. ticks). The candidate will also oversee the deployment and data analysis of accelerometers on migratory wildebeest in Tanzania to understand ecological consequences of parasitism related to resting, moving and foraging.

The post-holder will be encouraged to contribute to an international team working movement ecology through annual project meetings, international conferences and collaborative project work. The post-holder will tailor research and models to the needs of cross-sectoral decision makers in health and environment sectors. 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 these complex and challenging projects as opportunities allow. The post will be based at University of Glasgow with possibilities of fieldwork in the UK and Tanzania.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Perform the following activities in conjunction with and under the guidance of the Principal/Co Investigator:

1. Plan and conduct assigned research individually or jointly in accordance with the TICKSOLVE and EEID deliverables and The University of Glasgow and School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine research strategy.

2. Lead and contribute to the analysis and interpretation of deer movement data, maintaining records and databases, drafting technical/progress reports and papers as appropriate.

3. Develop and enhance your research profile and reputation and that of The University of Glasgow and School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. Develop and maintain collaborations with colleagues across the two projects. Strengthen international collaborations with other large mammal researchers, such as the Eurodeer network.

7. 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.

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

9. Carry out modest Teaching activities (e.g. demonstrating etc) and associated admin as assigned by the Head of School and in consultation with Principal Investigator.

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

11. Engage in continuing professional development activities as appropriate.

12. Undertake any other duties of equivalent standing as assigned by the Director of School/PI.

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

For appointment at grade 7:

14. 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.

15 Establish and sustain a track record of independent and joint published research to establish and maintain your expert reputation in the subject area.

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

Qualifications

Essential:

A1 SCQF Level 10 (Honours degree) in a relevant subject or a cognate discipline, or equivalent.

A2 Specialist theoretical and practical knowledge of some of infectious disease.

A3 A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of the wider subject area or subject specialism

For appointment at grade 7:

A4 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)

Desirable:

B1 An awarded (or recently submitted or near completion) PhD in subject specialism or equivalent.

Knowledge and Skills

Essential:

C1 Comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of current issues and future directions within the wider subject area of large mammal movement ecology and analysis of animal activity data.

C2 Research creativity and cross-discipline collaborative ability as appropriate

C3 Excellent communication skills (oral and written), including public presentations and ability to communicate complex data/concepts clearly and concisely

C4 Excellent interpersonal skills including team working and a collegiate approach

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

C6 Extensive IT and data analysis/interpretation skills as appropriate

C7 Self motivation, initiative and independent thought/working

C8 Problem solving skills including a flexible and pragmatic approach

For appointment at grade 7:

C9 A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of current issues and future directions within the wider subject area of the ecology of sleep

C10 Knowledge of project specific technical models, equipment or techniques

C11 Sufficient depth of relevant research experience, normally including sufficient postdoctoral experience in a related field, appropriate to an early career researcher

C12 Technical skills to apply machine learning techniques to classify animal behaviour from accelerometer data

Experience

Essential:

E1 Sufficient relevant research experience (or equivalent) appropriate to an early career researcher

E2 Experience in the capture and handling of wild mammals

E3 Experience of scientific writing

E4 Proven ability to deliver quality outputs in a timely and efficient manner

E5 Evidence of an emerging track record of publications in a relevant field

For appointment at grade 7:

E6 A track record of presentation and publication of research results in quality journals/conferences

E7 Experience of making a leading contribution in academic activities

E8 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.

E9 Experience in undertaking independent research

Desirable :

F1 An emerging national or international reputation

Please note that as part of your application you must address and demonstrate how you meet EACH of the essential/desirable criteria.

Additional Information

Our School is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. As we are a merging of two Athena Swan Silver award winning bodies (the School of Veterinary Medicine and the Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health & Comparative Medicine) we aim to achieve an Athena Swan award for the School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine

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. https://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/bohvm/athenaswan/

The College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences was re-shaped to create 8 new Schools that bring staff together around thematic strengths, across the strategic pillars of education, research and innovation.  More information on the College re-shape can be accessed here: MVLS 2025 with further plans mapped out in our MVLS 2033 strategy.  The new College shape took effect from August 2022 and this post will be based in the School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine.

http://www.gla.ac.uk/colleges/mvls/mvls2025/

Terms and Conditions

Salary: Grade 6/7, £32,332 - £36,024/£39,347 - £44,263 per annum

This post is full time, and has funding for up to 12 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/.

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 

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.