Research Assistant/Associate Grade 6/7

Job Purpose

To make a leading contribution to a project applying microspectroscopy techniques to characterise the mechanical and chemical properties of the bone marrow niche, working with Professor Massimo Vassalli. 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

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 duties of equivalent standing as assigned 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, World Changers Together.
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. Take a leading role in team/group meetings/seminars/workshops and School research group activities to enhance the wider knowledge, outputs and culture of the School/College.

For appointment at Grade 7:
16. Establish and maintain your research profile and reputation and that of the University of Glasgow/School/Research Group/area, including establishing and sustaining a track record of independent and joint publications of international quality, enhancing the research impact in terms of economic/societal benefit, and gathering indicators of esteem.
17. Survey the research literature and environment, understand the research challenges associated with the project and subject area, and develop/implement a suitable research strategy to deliver project/area requirements and opportunities.
18. Take a leading role in 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 and impact.
19. Take a leading role in developing and maintaining collaborations with colleagues across the research group/area/School/College/University and wider community (e.g. academic and industrial partners).
20. Take a leading role in team/group meetings/seminars/workshops and School research group/area activities to enhance the wider knowledge, outputs and culture of the School/College.
21. Take the lead in 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.

Knowledge and Qualifications

Essential:
- SCQF Level 10 (Honours degree) in a relevant subject or equivalent.
- A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge in Brillouin and Raman microspectroscopy applied to biological systems, mechanobiology, and biomaterials. Experienced in investigating mechanical properties of cells and engineered microenvironments, including linear elastic and viscoelastic behaviour, and understanding how biomechanical cues regulate cell function in both 2D and 3D culture models.
- Practical experience in developing and working with hydrogel-based 2D and 3D culture systems and engineered microenvironments, alongside a strong publication record demonstrating mechanical characterisation of biomaterials and biological tissues using advanced biophysical approaches.

For appointment at Grade 7:
- 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).

Desirable:
- An awarded (or recently submitted or near completion) PhD in subject specialism or equivalent.

Skills

Essential:
- Experience in techniques routinely used in mechanobiology studies, such as confocal microscopy, live microscopy, immunofluorescence etc.
- Experience in generating minimal models to drive and control cell behaviour using micropatterning approaches.
- Research creativity and cross-discipline collaborative ability as appropriate.
- Excellent communication skills (oral and written), including public presentations and ability to communicate complex data/concepts clearly and concisely.
- Excellent interpersonal skills including team working and a collegiate approach.
- Appropriate workload/time/project/budget/people management skills.
- Extensive IT and data analysis/interpretation skills as appropriate.
- Self-motivation, initiative and independent thought/working.
- Problem solving skills including a flexible and pragmatic approach.

For appointment at Grade 7:
- Ability to communicate material of a specialist or highly technical nature and to be effective both orally and in writing at a level appropriate to the activity.
- Developing track record of research outputs compatible with enhancing the School's research profile in accordance with School objectives.
- Proven commitment to supporting the career development of colleagues and to other forms of collegiality appropriate to the career stage, including some experience of research project supervision.
- Effective organisation skills to manage time, prioritise and deliver appropriate research, teaching and administrative responsibilities.
- Commitment to open research, as appropriate to the discipline, through open data, open code, open educational resources and practices that support replication.

Experience

Essential:
- Sufficient relevant research experience (or equivalent) appropriate to an early career researcher.
- Proven ability to deliver quality outputs in a timely and efficient manner.
- A track record of presentation and publication of research results in quality journals/conferences.
- Experience of making a leading contribution in academic activities.
- Ability to demonstrate a degree of independence as illustrated by identification of project objectives from assessment of the literature, design and analysis of experiments and drafting of papers.
- Experience in undertaking independent research.
- Commitment to open research, as appropriate to the discipline, through open data, open code, open educational resources and practices that support replication.

For appointment at Grade 7:
- Experience of making distinct contributions to identifying and pursuing research funding (or equivalent business development) applications.
- Experience of planning and progressing work activities within professional guidelines or organisational policy, applying initiative and independent judgement.
- Sufficient depth of relevant research experience, normally including sufficient postdoctoral experience in a related field, appropriate to an early career researcher.

Desirable:
- Experience of participating in activities that translate research into impact to benefit the economy and wider society.
- Experience of contributing to the design and delivery of teaching and assessment in higher education or other relevant environments.

Terms and Conditions

This post is full time (35 hours per week) and has funding until 30 September 2028 in the first instance.

As a valued member of our team, you can expect: a warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared; an excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension, benefits and discount packages; a flexible approach to working; and a commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University.

All applicants must have the right to live and work in the UK or be eligible to obtain permission to work in the UK. This role may be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route, subject to meeting the relevant Home Office requirements. For research and academic roles, the Global Talent visa route may also be available, subject to individual eligibility.