Research Associate/Assistant

Research Assistant/Associate

COLLEGE OF MVLS

SCHOOL: School of Molecular Biosciences

GRADE 6/7

Job Purpose

To make a leading contribution to a project ‘Investigating the role of synovial glycome in the interplay between systemic and joint inflammation’ working with Dr. Miguel Pineda. 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.

The postdoctoral research associate is expected to have specialist knowledge in chronic inflammatory research, cell biology, glycobiology and molecular biology. Experience in MS-based glycomics and stromal immunology is desirable.

The aim of this 36-months project is to describe glycosylation signatures associated to distinct clinical phenotypes in Rheumatoid Arthritis patients. The project will follow up previous results from the group in the glycomics of experimental model of arthritis. The research associate will work with clinical samples, conducting a series of cellular and molecular analysis to identify glycosylation markers for disease pathotypes, patient groups and novel mechanisms of local and systemic inflammation.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. Plan and conduct 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. Develop and enhance 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. 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. Collaborate with colleagues and participate in team/group meetings/seminars/workshops

and School research group activities to enhance the wider knowledge, outputs and culture of the School/College.

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

12. Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the Head of School/Director of Research Institute.

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

For appointment at Grade 7:

A3 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 and Experience

Essential:

C1 Project or subject specific skills

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: 

Essential:

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

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

Experience

Essential:

E1 Sufficient relevant research experience [or equivalent] appropriate to an early career researcher

E2 Project or subject specific experience

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:

Essential:

E6 Proven ability to deliver quality outputs in a timely and efficient manner

E7 A track record of presentationand publication of research results in quality journals/conferences

E8 Experience of making a leading contribution in academic activities

E9 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.

E10 Experience in undertaking independent research

E11 Commitment to open research, as appropriate to the discipline, through open data, open code, open educational resources and practices that support replication.

E12 Proven commitment to supporting the career development of colleagues and to other forms of collegiality appropriate to the career stage.

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 7, £39,347 - £44,263 per annum.

This post is full time, and has funding for up to 36 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.