Research Assistant/Associate

RESEARCH ASSISTANT/ASSOCIATE

INSTUITE OF CARDIOVACULAR MEDICINE

COLLEGE OF MVLS

GRADE 6/7

Job Purpose

You will contribute to the project “The development of a smart self-reporting vascular device” working with Dr John Mercer’s research group at the University of Glasgow and in collaboration with Dr Steve Neale at Glasgow. The successful candidate will also be expected to contribute to the formulation and submission of research publications and research proposals as well as help develop 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:

Plan and conduct assigned research individually or jointly in accordance with the project deliverables and project/group/School/College research strategy.

Contribute to the set-up and development of vascular implant technologies, and experimental apparatus and help to develop their suitability as effective implantable devices.

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

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

For appointment at Grade 7

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.

Establish and sustain a track record of independent and joint published research to establish and maintain your expert reputation in the subject area.

Develop expertise in the research literature and environment, understand the research challenges associated with the project & subject area and develop/implement a suitable research strategy.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Knowledge/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 implantable medical devices for cardiovascular disease

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

A4 Knowledge of specialist IT software (eg. Matlab, Fusion 360) as appropriate.

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

Desirable:

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

B2 Industrial experience or equivalent.

For appointment at grade 7:

Essential:

A4 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(s)

Skills

Essential:

C1 Prototyping, test and measurement of biomedical sensors.

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

For appointment at grade 7:

Essential:

C9 A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of current issues and future directions within the wider subject area or subject specialism

C10 Knowledge of project specific technical models, equipment or techniques

C11 Sufficient depth of relevant research experience, normally including sufficient postdoctoral experience in a related field, appropriate to an early career researcher

Experience

Essential:

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

E2 Experience of in-vitro, ex-vivo or in-vivo experimental studies.

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

For appointment at grade 7:

Essential:

E6 A track record of presentation and publication of research results in quality journals/conferences

E7 Experience of making a leading contribution in academic activities

E8 Ability to demonstrate a degree of independence as illustrated by identification of project objectives from assessment of the literature, design & analysis of experiments & drafting of papers.

E9 Experience in undertaking independent research

E10 Commitment to open research, as appropriate to the discipline, through open data, open code, open educational resources and practices that support replication

E11 Proven commitment to supporting the career development of colleagues and to other forms of collegiality appropriate to the career stage.[EB1]

Desirable :

F1 An emerging national or international reputation

Job Features

The aspects described below will be performed in conjunction with and under the guidance of the Principal/Co Investigator.

Dimensions

To carry out a range of research activities and functions within academic environments of the highest national or international quality

Publish as appropriate to subject specialism within agreed timescales

Informal supervision and support of less experienced members of the project team e.g. postgraduate and project students

Undertake teaching or other duties in accordance with school policy

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

Planning and Organising

Management of time and prioritisation of research, teaching and administrative duties

Planning, organisation and implementation of research project on a weekly/monthly basis

Plan research directions that are within the available budget

React to varying project needs and deadlines

Decision Making

Undertake decision making on all aspects of research project/activities

Prioritise own, and where appropriate delegate to junior team members’, workload

Decide on research directions and goals within remit of original project proposal

Adjust research approaches to meet project outcomes

Identify best journals for publication and meetings/conferences to attend

Purchase of equipment and materials

Internal/External Relationships

University colleagues: to exchange information to ensure efficient working and to facilitate cross disciplinary working

External bodies/collaborators: proactively maintain co-operation and links at all levels to enhance profile and reputation

Dissemination: Preparation and presentation of reports/results and participation in meetings and conference calls

Problem Solving

Research including technical and theoretical aspects/problem solving and development of novel ideas

Be aware of project and budgetary issues, equipment lead times

Assistance of undergraduate/postgraduate students and junior team members with problems relating to research project

Other

Representation of the University/College/School through presentation at national and international events

Attendance at training events to learn and implement new research technologies

Prepared to travel to meetings in the UK/Europe and elsewhere as required by the University

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 6/7, £32,332 – £36,024/£39,347 – £44,263 per annum

This post is full time, and has funding for up to 24 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.