Research Assistant

Job Purpose

You will contribute to a project focused on the asymmetric synthesis of PET imaging agents of the SV2A receptor working with Professor Andrew Sutherland. Specifically, the job requires expert knowledge in synthetic organic chemistry. 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.

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/School/College research strategy.

2. Contribute to the acquisition, set up, maintenance and integration of experimental apparatus or computational kit, or in setting up theoretical models or analysis strategies.

3. Document research output including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, drafting technical/progress reports and papers as appropriate.

4. 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.

5. 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. 6. 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.

7. Collaborate with colleagues and participate in team/group meetings/seminars/workshops across the research Group/School/College/University and wider community (e.g Academic and Industrial Partners).

8. 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.

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

10. Contribute to outreach and recruitment activities of The University of Glasgow.

11. 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.

12. Be responsible for safety management related to the organisation and running of Laboratory and/or Experimental techniques, equipment and processes as appropriate.

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

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

15. Undertake any other duties of equivalent standing as assigned by the Head of School and/or PI.

16. To contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University’s Strategic Plan - Inspiring People – World Changers Together

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Knowledge/Qualifications

Essential

A1 Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 10 (Honours Degree). May be working towards post-graduate qualification such as a Masters (Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 11) or PhD (Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 12). Or Equivalent professional qualifications in relevant academic/research discipline, and experience of personal development in a similar role.
A2 Specialist theoretical and practical knowledge of synthetic organic chemistry

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

A4 Knowledge of specialist IT software (eg. Chemdraw, Mnova) as appropriate

A5 Knowledge of project-specific technical models, equipment or techniques

Desirable

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

Skills

Essential

C1 Expertise in standard experimental techniques used in synthetic organic chemistry

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 breadth and/or depth of knowledge in specialist subject/discipline and of research/teaching methods and techniques to work within the subject area.

E2 Experience of handling organic compounds and intermediates, working with air and moisture sensitive reagents and use of standard purification techniques such as flash chromatography.

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

Desirable

F1 An emerging national or international reputation

Closing date:  12 January 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 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/.

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.