Research Assistant in Immunology

University of Glasgow; Glasgow; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 37,000

Job description

Research Assistant

COLLEGE OF MEDICAL VETERINARY & LIFE SCIENCES

SCHOOL OF INFECTION AND IMMUNITY

Research and Teaching

GRADE 6

Job Purpose

We are seeking to appoint a Research Assistant to work within the School of Infection and Immunity under the supervision of Professor Gwo-tzer Ho [Principal Investigator].

This post forms the exciting new Gut Translational Research Group led by Professor Ho in the School of Infection and Immunity. This project will focus on the role of host danger associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) and their importance in driving inflammation in the human Inflammatory Bowel Diseases as part of the Scottish-wide MUSIC IBD study (Glasgow, Edinburgh and Dundee) into mucosal healing (www.musicstudy.uk). The postholder will work within a multidisciplinary team to deliver the objectives of this project and closely with a postdoctoral research associate in the Ho-lab.

The project

The Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, Crohn’s and Ulcerative colitis are lifelong immune-conditions that affect ~300,000 individuals in the UK. The MUSIC study is a prospective cohort study in Scotland incorporating molecular and clinical markers in understanding the key biological processes involved in mucosal healing and wellbeing. A particular focus of this project is to investigate the clinical utility of mitochondrial and metabolic biomarkers in IBD, these studies are in progress. The RA postholder will play a key role in coordinating the day-to-day aspects of the study, performing biomarker studies (mitochondrial DNA) and collating data and performing analysis under supervision from Professor Ho. The postholder is expected to have good leadership, communication and organisational skills. He/she is expected to work in a multidisciplinary team of clinicians and scientists and demonstrate willingness to learn. This post will offer career development opportunities; previous postholders have progressed to PhD studies, as an example.

You will also be expected to contribute to the formulation and submission of reports, research publications and research proposals as well as help manage and direct this exciting project as opportunities allow.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. Plan and conduct biomarker typing of clinical biosamples from IBD patients (mitochondrial DNA and metabolic biomarkers).
2. Plan and conduct day-to-day running of the lab – ordering, maintaining stock and liaising with different centres.
3. Document research output including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, drafting progress reports and papers as appropriate and in a timely manner.
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 publications, enhancing the research impact in terms of economic/societal benefit, and gathering indicators of esteem.
5. Assist in the teaching and in experimental studies of Ho-lab for students and PhD candidates, where relevant.
6. Assist in developing and maintaining collaborations with colleagues across the School and wider community.
7. Liaise and work with the clinical research team to process clinical samples according to Standard Operating Procedures.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. Perform administrative tasks related to the activities of the research group and School, including Budgets/Expenditure.
11. Keep up to date with current knowledge and recent advances in the field/discipline.
12. Engage in continuing professional development activities as appropriate.
13. Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the Head of School.
14. Contribute to the enhancement of the University's international profile in line with the University's Strategic Plan – World Changers Together.

Please note that as part of your application you must address and demonstrate how you meet EACH of the essential / desirable criteria. If you do not address each criterion in the format explained above you will not be shortlisted for interview.

Knowledge /Qualifications

Essential:

1. A1. Scottish Credit and Qualification level 10 (Honours degree or equivalent) in Immunology or other relevant subject. May be working towards a post-graduate qualification such as a Masters (Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 11) or PhD (Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 12).
2. A2. A good and up-to-date knowledge in gut biology and immunology more generally.

Skills

Essential:

1. C1. Skills in generic laboratory techniques such as DNA extraction, cell isolation, tissue culture, qPCR, immunostaining and tissue culture.
2. C2. Skills in data recording, statistical analysis and data presentation.
3. C3. Research creativity and cross-discipline collaborative ability as appropriate.
4. C4. Excellent communication skills [oral and written], including public presentations and ability to communicate complex data/concepts clearly and concisely.
5. C5. Excellent interpersonal skills including team working and a collegiate approach.
6. C6. Appropriate workload/time/project/budget/people management skills.
7. C7. Extensive IT and data analysis/interpretation skills as appropriate.
8. C8. Self-motivation, initiative and independent thought/working.
9. C9. Problem solving skills including a flexible and pragmatic approach.

Desirable:

1. D1. Skills in coding, database handling and bioinformatics.
2. D2. Skills in working with human bio samples.
3. D3. Demonstrate willingness to learn new techniques as the project develops.

Experience

Essential:

1. E1. Sufficient breadth and/or depth of knowledge in gut biology and immunology and of research / teaching methods and techniques, demonstrated through relevant work experience.
2. E2. Experience in generic laboratory techniques such as DNA extraction, cell isolation, tissue culture, qPCR, immunostaining and tissue culture.
3. E3. Proven ability to deliver quality outputs in a timely and efficient manner.
4. E4. Commitment to generating and maintaining a positive research environment and contribution to the wider research community.
5. E5. Experience of scientific writing.

Further Information

Informal enquiries should be directed to Professor Gwo-tzer Ho via email [e-mail].

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 6, £33,232 - £36,924 per annum.

This post is full time and has funding for up to 3 years from start date.

The University of Glasgow has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK. If you require a Skilled Worker visa to work in the UK, you will be required to meet the eligibility requirements of the visa route to be assigned a Certificate of Sponsorship.

Please note that this post may be eligible to be sponsored under the Skilled Worker visa route if tradeable points can be used under the Skilled Worker visa rules. For more information please visit: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa.

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 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.

Closing Date: 28 April 2025 at 23:45