Research Assistant Glasgow, Scotland
University of Glasgow
Full Time
Glasgow, Scotland
31502 - 35308 GBP ANNUAL Today
Job description
Job Purpose
The post holder will join the School of Infection and Immunity, MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research (CVR) (http://www.cvr.ac.uk/) and will play a key role in a research project that aims to evaluate the efficacy of an RNA biomarker matrix on self-taken “cervical smear samples” to identify cases of human papillomavirus-associated cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) at risk of progression to cancer. This project is funded by the Chief Scientist Office. The aim is totest if self-taken samples are suitable to be used in quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) tests and to develop a novel cellular biomarker panel that can be used as a triage test, alongside viral nucleic acid testing, to accurately predict regression or progression of cervical disease.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Perform the following activities in conjunction with and under the guidance of the research team comprising Prof Sheila Graham and Dr Kate Cuschieri (NHS Lothian and University of Edinburgh).
1. Plan and conduct assigned research individually or jointly in accordance with the project deliverables.
2. Document research outputs including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining clear records and databases, drafting technical/progress reports and papers as appropriate.
3. Develop and enhance your research profile and reputation and that of CVR, 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 CVR 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 administration as assigned by the CVR Director and in consultation with the Principal Investigators.
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 Director of the CVR and/or Principal Investigators.
13. 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 reasonably be expected to perform.
Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills and Experience
Qualifications
Essential
A1 Scottish Credit and Qualification level 10 (Honours degree or equivalent) in a biological science 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).
Or
Equivalent professional qualifications in a relevant academic/research discipline, and experience of personal development in a similar role.
Desirable
B1 Working towards or completed a PhD in virology or related field.
Knowledge and Skills
Essential
C1 A strong background in molecular/clinical virology.
C2 Research creativity and cross-discipline collaborative ability as appropriate.
C3 Excellent interpersonal skills including team working and a collegiate approach.
C4 Excellent communication skills (oral and written), including public presentation and the ability to communicate complex concepts clearly and concisely.
C5 Appropriate workload/time/project/budget/people management skills.
C6 IT and data analysis/interpretation skills as appropriate.
C7 Highly motivated, able to use initiative and quick to learn new techniques.
C8 Creative, flexible and pragmatic approach to solving research problems.
C9 Experience preparing data for publication and writing publications.
Desirable
D1 Experience with statistical analysis.
D2 Experience with quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). D3 Data handling and management skills.
Experience
Essential
E1 Sufficient breadth and/or depth of knowledge in the specialist subject discipline and of research/teaching methods and techniques to work in clinical virology, demonstrated through relevant work experience (including experience gained throughout PhD).
E2 Experience with the collection and analysis of data.
E3 Experience of scientific writing.
E4 Proven ability to deliver quality outputs (such as publications in appropriate international research journals) in a timely and efficient manner. E5 Evidence of an emerging track record of publications in a relevant field.
Desirable
F1 Experience with handling and cataloguing clinical samples.
Terms and Conditions
Salary will be Grade 6, £31,502 - £35,308 per annum.
This post is full time and has funding for up to 23 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.
Informal Enquiries should be directed to Professor Sheila Graham, [email protected]
Vacancy Ref: 111988, Closing Date: 10 April 2023.
