Research Associate

The post holder will join the School of Infection and Immunity, MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research (CVR) and will make a leading contribution to a multidisciplinary research programme focused on understanding the factors that lead to virus adaptation to new host species, using avian influenza adaptation to mammals as a natural model system. The post holder will be working with the Principal Investigator, Prof Pablo Murcia.  The project will focus on quantifying viral traits from experimental data (experimental infections of cells, explants and animals) and to use obtained data to develop mathematical approaches to model virus adaptation.

The successful candidate will be self-motivated in designing and executing experiments, and analysis of the data, collected using cutting edge image analysis, classical virology (plaque assays) and quantitative PCR. The candidate will also present updates to collaborators at the University of Georgia.

The successful candidate is also expected to contribute to the formulation and submission of research publications and funding proposals as well as to participate in the training and supervision of students in the laboratory.

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.

2.  Document research output, including analysis and interpretation of 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 Murcia laboratory and 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.

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

5.  Present 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, managing and maintaining internal and external collaborations.

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 CVR.

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. Generate, manage, document, maintain and store the data generated with the standards described in the project.

11.  Perform administrative tasks related to the activities of the project, including Budgets/Expenditure/ordering, and contribute to laboratory management and general laboratory duties.

12.  Make a leading contribution to teaching activities (e.g. demonstrating etc) and outreach in consultation with the PI.

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

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

These key tasks are not intended to be exhaustive but simply highlight a number of major tasks which the staff member may reasonably be expected to perform.

Please note that as part of your application you must address and demonstrate how you meet EACH of the essential/desirable criteria. If you do not address each criteria in the format explained below you will not be shortlisted for interview.

Qualifications
Essential:

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

Knowledge and Skills
Essential:

C1 Extensive knowledge in virus-host interactions associated with host shifts.

C2 A strong background in experimental virology, preferably working with influenza viruses.

C3 A strong background on quantitative biology.

C4 Highly motivated, able to use initiative and quick to learn new techniques.

C5 Research creativity and cross-discipline collaborative ability as appropriate.

C6 Excellent interpersonal skills including reliability, team working and a collegiate approach.
C7 Excellent communication skills (oral and written), including public presentation and the ability to communicate complex concepts clearly and concisely.

C8 Appropriate workload/time/project/budget/people management skills.

C9 Ability to design effective experiments.

C10 Excellent organisation and data management skills.

C11 IT and data analysis/interpretation skills as appropriate.

C12 Ability to demonstrate a degree of independence, illustrated by identification of project objectives from assessment of the literature, the design and analysis of experiments and drafting of papers.

C13 Creative, flexible and pragmatic approach to solving research problems.

Desirable:

D1 Knowledge in within-host mathematical models of infection.

Experience

Essential:

E1 Sufficient depth of relevant research experience, normally including sufficient postdoctoral experience in research related to virus host range.

E2 Substantial experience in working with image analyses.

E3 Substantial experience in classical virology and molecular biology techniques (e.g., virus titrations, immunostaining, qPCR).

E4 Relevant experience in virology.

E5 Experience on evolutionary biology and complex statistical analyses.

E6 Experience in scientific writing, including research manuscripts or/and funding applications.

E7 Publications, including at least one as first author, in appropriate-impact international peer-reviewed scientific journals.

Desirable:

F1 Experience with mathematical modelling.

F2 Experience with experimental virus infections using in vivo model systems.

F3 Experience with integrating data from multiple sources.

F4 Experience in working under BSL-2 conditions.

Further Enquiries

Informal enquiries may be directed to Prof Pablo Murcia ([email protected])

This position is available on a full-time basis and is funded for up to 12 months. Ideal start date March 2024.

Terms and Conditions

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

This post is full time, and has funding for until 31/03/25.

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.