Research Assistant

Job Purpose

You will contribute to a Department of Defence, Defence Treat Reduction Agency (DTRA) funded project titled ‘Iterative simulation, artificial intelligence and machine learning-guided design of cyclic peptide aptamers based on structural characterisation of alpha-conotoxin/nAChR interactions’ working with Professor Andrew Jamieson. Specifically, the job requires expert knowledge in solid phase peptide synthesis and characterisation of peptides. The successful candidate will also be expected to help manage and direct this complex and challenging project as opportunities allow.

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 project deliverables and project/group 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 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.             Collaborate with colleagues and participate in team/ group/ meetings/ seminars/ workshops across the research Group/School/College/University and wider community.

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 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, World Changers Welcome

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Knowledge and 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 peptide chemistry.

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

A4 Theoretical and practical knowledge and of automated solid phase peptide synthesis

A5 Knowledge of disulfide bond rich peptide synthesis, including protecting group chemistry and oxidative cyclisation methodology.

A5 Specialist theoretical and practical knowledge of synthetic peptide research

A6 Knowledge of peptide characterisation (HPLC, MS, NMR and CD) as appropriate

A7 Knowledge of specialist IT software (eg. Chemdraw, PyMol, Scifinder) as appropriate

Desirable

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

Skills

Essential:

C1 Excellent skills in lab safety (COSHH, Risk assessment) and effective lab management

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.

Experience

Essential:

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

E2 Experience of the design, synthesis and application of peptide tools in chemical biology

E3 Experience of solid phase synthesis of disulfide bond rich peptides

E4 Experience of milestone driven research and working to deadlines

E5 Experience of scientific writing

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

E7 Evidence of an emerging track record of publications in a relevant field

Closing date:  4 March 2024

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 6, £32,332 - £36,024 per annum.

This post is full time, and has funding for up to 1 year (with a further 2 years funding subject to milestones).

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.