Research Technologist

Job Purpose

The post-holder will contribute to the support and development of the SeaHorse and Mitochondrial Analysis Facility (SMAF) of the School of Molecular Biosciences working under the supervision of Professor Kostas Tokatlidis (Academic Lead of SMAF) at the SMB/MVLS. The post holder will provide support in research projects by developing respiration assays using the SeaHorse and related technologies (oxygen consumption, Oroboros) and analysing mitochondrial protein complexes and the biophysical basis of their interaction using a broad range of biochemical, biophysical and proteomic analyses.

The post-holder will be expected (i) to lead the development of the recently established SMAF and drive support and collaborations within the MVLS College and with external Academic and Industrial partners and (ii) to help in the formulation and submission of research applications providing the relevant expertise and (iii) help manage and support relevant aspects of the broader mitochondria biology research area as opportunities allow.

The post is open-ended and the successful candidate will be appointed to Grade 6 or Grade 7 depending on their experience (see below).

Main Duties and Responsibilities

To perform the following activities in conjunction with and under the guidance of Professor Tokatlidis who is the Academic Lead of SMAF and is leading the Mitochondria Integrative Research Centre at the UofG.

1.       To provide a high level of technical expertise and assist in developing protocols, help other users run, provide training and develop the webpage and further expansion of the SeaHorse Facility.

2.       To support development of an integrated analysis flow for mitochondrial function in several types of cells by combining high resolution respirometry via SeaHorse analysis combined with other available technologies in the SMB (Oroboros, oxygen electrode and blue native complexome assays)

3.       To provide a high level of technical expertise in the analysis of the biophysical basis of mitochondrial protein-protein interactions underpinning alterations of mitochondrial function (as evidenced by SeaHorse repiration assays and/or membrane potential measurement and/or mtROS measurements in intact cells, isolated organelles and reconstituted systems with purified recombinant proteins. This will include using and developing a broad range of structural and biophysical analyses (for example isothermal titration calorimetry, circular dichroism, light scattering, alpha fold structural predictions)

4.       To provide support for the expression and purification of tagged proteins from bacteria and in cell culture combined with confocal Imaging and purification of mitochondria

5.       To collaborate with both the College Imaging Facility and the Protein Characterisation and Biophysical Facility.

6.       To develop and update regularly the webpage of the SeaHorse Facility and steer its applications towards establishing this as the first designated reference centre for Mitochondria Analysis in collaboration with Agilent (the SeaHorse provider), in collaboration with the other SeaHorse users across the College.

7.       To help establish robust protocols for the use of the Facility and records relating to all experimental procedures performed and obtained results, and to prepare data to publication standard.

8.       Contribute to the organisation, supervision, mentoring and training of new users (together with the Tokatlidis lab manager) to ensure their effective development.

9.       To monitor, maintain and upgrade lab equipment and liaise with engineers as required.

10.   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.

11.   Perform administrative tasks related to the activities of the SMAF user group and including budget and expenditure monitoring, and stock control.

12.   Contribute to outreach and recruitment activities of SMB/MVLS in the mitochondrial research area.

13.   Be responsible for safety management related to the organisation and running of laboratory and/or experimental techniques, equipment and processes as appropriate.

14.   Keep up to date with current knowledge and recent advances in the field/discipline. To engage in continual professional development as appropriate, developing research skills and updating knowledge through training and attending seminars and courses.

15.   Undertake any other duties of equivalent standing as assigned by the Academic Lead of SMAF and/or their line manager.

16.   Contribute to the enhancement of the University’s International profile in line with the Strategic Plan of the UofG and MVLS2033.

For appointment at Grade 7:

17.   Perform the above duties with a higher degree of independence, leadership and responsibility, particularly in relation to developing protocols, providing technical expertise, planning, funding, collaborating and mentoring colleagues.

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.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Knowledge/Qualifications

Essential:

A1. Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 8 (Scottish Vocational Qualification level 4, Higher National Diploma) or equivalent, and experience of personal development in a similar role. A2. Up-to-date knowledge of relevant laboratory Health and Safety legislation.

A3. Extensive and theoretical knowledge of biochemistry. Knowledge in respiration assays using a variety of material (isolated proteins and organelles, intact cells ranging from yeast to a broad range of cultured mammalian cells) and expertise in investigating protein complexes and interactome analysis using reconstitution methods with purified proteins, biophysical methods (for example ITC, DSC, CD, NMR, SPR) Fluorescence, confocal Imaging, blue native complex analysis and mass spectrometry.

For appointment at Grade 7:

Essential:

A4. Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 9, (Ordinary Degree, Scottish Vocational Qualification level 4), or equivalent (including professional accreditation with relevant formal training), and experience of personal development in a similar or related role(s)

Desirable: B1. Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 10 or 11 (Honours Degree, Post Graduate Qualification)

B2. Relevant years experience or Master level work in relevant Biological Science

B3. Home Office Personal Licence

Skills

Essential:

C1. Excellent technical skills C2. Excellent organisational skills

C3. Excellent IT skills including familiarity with Microsoft Office, image processing and data analysis. C4. Excellent communication skills, both orally and written.

C5. Excellent interpersonal skills. C6. Excellent presentation skills.

C7. Ability to work with a high level of independence and as part of a team. C8. Ability to use initiative and judgement to plan and progress work.

C9. Ability to work independently and unsupervised to accomplish tasks and solve problems. C10. Ability to impart knowledge, skill and guidance to a wide range of staff groups when necessary.

C11 Scientific creativity.

Experience

Essential:

E1. Significant relevant work experience in mitochondria biology to the level of a Master degree work or equivalent

E2. Strong theoretical and practical background in molecular sciences and biophysical anlayses.

E3. Experience in mitochondrial membrane and protein complex analysis, confocal fluorescence microscopy, respirometry assays E4. Experience in sterile microbiological techniques and/or yeast or other eukaryotic model organism and/or mammalian tissue culture.

E5. Experience of and ability to understand, conceptualise and interpret the technical requirements of staff, students and other customers.

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 6, £32,332 - £36,024 per annum or Grade 7, £39,347 - £44,263 per annum.

This post is full time (35 hour per week) and open ended.

Relocation assistance will be provided where appropriate.

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.