Research Associate

Job Purpose

Stem cell therapies offer a new therapeutic paradigm in regenerative medicine. Bioengineering approaches can help to deliver specialised cells targeting specific clinical challenges and materials which drive in situ regeneration. Based in the Centre for the Cellular Microenvironment (https://glasgow.thecemi.org/) at the University of Glasgow, you will make a leading contribution to a cross-disciplinary Horizon 2020 project, HEALIKICK, which is aiming to translate a combined material and cellular solution for orthopaedic repair. You will work with a collaborative team across the Universities of Glasgow, Strathclyde and Navarra, the Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces and Histocell - an industrial partner specialising in cell therapies and medical devices.

This post advertised is under the supervision of Professor Manuel Salmeron-Sanchez, working in collaboration with Professor Matt Dalby. The successful candidate will work on the development and testing of 3D printed scaffolds, which drive bone regeneration through improved presentation of growth factors. 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 translational project, as opportunities allow.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Perform the following activities in conjunction with 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 preparation and characterisation of cellular implant materials.
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 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.
17 Establish and sustain a track record of independent and joint published research to establish and maintain your expert reputation in the subject area.

18 Survey the research literature and environment, understand the research challenges associated with the project & subject area, & develop/implement a suitable research strategy.
19. To 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 be reasonably expected to perform.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience 

Knowledge/Qualifications

Essential:

A1. 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.

A2. Extensive and up-to-date theoretical and practical knowledge of biomaterials, 3D printing, delivery of growth factors and mesenchymal stem cell biology.

A3. Understanding of relevant pre-clinical assessment methods for implantable biomaterials.

A4. A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of the wider subject area of implantable orthopaedic materials.

A5. Knowledge of relevant specialist IT software (eg. ImageJ, Origin, Graphpad) as appropriate.

Desirable:

B1. Knowledge of clinical therapeutic or medical device translation (e.g. GMP manufacturing and medical device regulation).

B2. Understanding of Intellectual Property protection.

Skills

Essential:

C1. Good skills in 3D printing, optical and fluorescence microscopy, biochemical analysis of proteins, mesenchymal cell biology at the interface with material systems.

C2. Research creativity and strong cross-discipline collaborative ability as appropriate.

C3. Highly motivated, ability to use initiative and quick to learn new techniques.

C4. Excellent communication skills (oral and written), including public presentations and ability to communicate complex/specialist concepts clearly and concisely.

C5. Excellent interpersonal skills including team working and a collegiate approach.

C6. Willingness and aptitude to work in a multidisciplinary environment, across partner institutions.

C7. Appropriate workload and time management skills.

C8. Extensive IT and statistical data analysis/interpretation skills.

C9. Problem solving skills including a flexible and pragmatic approach.

C10. Good team leadership skills including demonstrable supervisory skills.

Experience

Essential:

E1. Sufficient experience of research methods and techniques relevant to characterising cellular interactions with materials  normally including sufficient postdoctoral experience in a related field,

E2. Proven ability to deliver quality outputs in a timely and efficient manner

E3. A track record of presentation and publication of research results in quality journals/conferences.

E4. Experience of making a leading contribution in academic activities.

E5. Experience in undertaking independent research including project and experimental design.

Desirable:

F1. An emerging national or international reputation.

F2. Experience of commercialisation and translational activities for biotechnologies.

Closing date:  21 March 2024

Terms and Conditions

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

This post is full time, and has funding up to 31 May 2025.

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.