Research Assistant / Associate

Job Purpose

To make a leading contribution to a project entitled “Validation of an in vitro humanised 3D haematopoietic system to investigate haematological malignancies”. This project will create an innovative long-term fully humanised in vitro haematopoietic system to model the bone marrow and splenic microenvironments to study leukaemia. The technology aims to drive the replacement of animals used for patient-derived xenograft studies and ultimately aid knowledge and treatment of leukaemia. The project will involve microscopy, advanced cell culture techniques, microfluidics and biological assays, working with Professors Helen Wheadon, Matthew Dalby and Manuel Salmeron-Sanchez. The successful candidate will also help manage and direct this multi-disciplinary project and contribute to the formulation and submission of research publications as opportunities allow.

For informal discussions about the role, please contact Prof Helen Wheadon ([email protected])

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. 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, Inspiring People Changing The World.

http://www.gla.ac.uk/about/strategy/people/

For appointment at grade 7:

14. 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.

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

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

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

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

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.

Desirable:

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

For appointment at grade 7:

Essential:

A2. 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. A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of current issues and future directions within the wider subject area or subject specialism (haematology/leukaemia/cancer biology/tissue microenvironment/bioengineering research).

C2. Experience/knowledge of flow cytometry and fluorescent microscopy beyond single colour analysis.

C3. Ability and experience of mammalian cell culture, cell lines, and primary cells from human.

C4. Ability and experience in experimental techniques such as immunofluorescent imaging, western blotting, molecular biology techniques, qRT-PCR, proteomics, Luminex.

C5. Experience/knowledge of 3D culture techniques; cell culture in biomaterials/hydrogels, knowledge of synthesis and understanding properties of 3D hydrogels.

C6. Research creativity and cross-discipline collaborative ability as appropriate.

C7. Excellent communication skills (oral and written), including public presentations and ability to communicate complex data/concepts clearly and concisely.

C8. Excellent interpersonal skills including team working and a collegiate approach.

C9. Appropriate workload/time/project/budget/people management skills

C10. Extensive IT and data analysis/interpretation skills as appropriate.

For appointment at grade 7:

Essential:

C11. Sufficient depth of relevant research experience, this may also include sufficient postdoctoral experience in a related field, appropriate to an early career researcher.

C12.  Good Team Leadership skills.

C13. C1-10 at a higher number of skills or deeper specialisation.

Desirable:

D1. Broad theoretical knowledge of bioengineering and/or practical experience in using hydrogels and microfluidic technology.

D2. Understanding of intellectual property protection.

D3. Understanding of applying 3R principles in research.

D4. Experience of haemopoietic stem cell assays.

Experience

Essential:

E1. Proven ability to deliver quality outputs in a timely and efficient manner.

E2. Experience of making a leading contribution in academic activities.

E3. 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.

E4. Experience in undertaking independent research.

Desirable:

F1. A track record of presentation and publication of research results in quality journals/conferences.

F2. Experience working with industrial partners (vis-à-vis record keeping and timelines).

F3. An emerging national or international reputation in the field of haematology, leukaemia research or bioengineering.

F4. A track record of winning research funding.

F5. Experience in public engagement activities.

Terms and Conditions

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

This post is full time and fixed term for up to 18 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.