Research Assistant Glasgow, Scotland
University of Glasgow
Full Time
Glasgow, Scotland
32332 - 36024 GBP ANNUAL Today
Job description
Job Purpose
The post holder will join the School of Infection and Immunity (https://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/infectionimmunity/), MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research (CVR) (http://www.cvr.ac.uk/), and take on a pivotal role as a key contributor to the CVR Genomics team. The CVR’s Viral Genomics unit has significantly expanded over the years, now equipped with state-of-the-art single-cell and spatial omics instruments, as well as Illumina and ONT sequencers.
As a highly skilled and experienced researcher, you will play a crucial role in contributing to conducting comprehensive research and analysis in the field of viral genomics and host transcriptomics. Your expertise in high-throughput sequencing, encompassing sample preparation and data analysis and interpretation, will be instrumental in uncovering intricate insights into the mechanisms of viral infections. By collaborating closely with other research teams, your mission will be to contribute to the advancement of knowledge in this specialized field, delivering sequencing data and integrating it with insightful analytical procedures.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Perform the following activities in conjunction with and under the guidance of the Principal Investigator (PI):
1\. Assist in the planning and conduct of assigned research individually or jointly in accordance with the project deliverables. This will include designing and performing relevant experiments to evaluate and implement high-throughput sequencing assays, with a focus on troubleshooting and improving sequencing protocols and their analysis.
2\. Create customised sequencing protocols, explore and implement bioinformatics tools to enhance viral genomics and transcriptomics research, and streamline sample-to-data processes.
3\. Survey the research literature and environment, understand the research challenges associated with the project and subject area and develop/implement a suitable research strategy.
4\. Present research findings effectively through preparation of graphical representations, tables and written reports**.**
5\. Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including virologists, molecular biologists, computational biologists, and statisticians and participate in regular team meetings to discuss research progress, findings, and challenges.
6\. Actively participate in group meetings and share relevant developments with the team.
7\. Document research output including analysis and interpretation of all data and maintain records and databases, following data management guidelines in place.
8\. Draft technical/progress reports and papers as appropriate.
9\. Contribute to data management plans applied to this area of research.
10\. Establish and maintain your research profile and reputation and that of the CVR, including establishing and sustaining a track record of joint 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.
11\. Present work at international and national conferences, at internal and external seminars, colloquia and workshops to develop and enhance our research profile.
12\. Assist in the development of proposals to secure funding from internal and external bodies to support future research.
13\. Support the development of collaborations with colleagues across the CVR and wider community (e.g. Academic and Industrial Partners), providing technical advice and support, as appropriate.
14\. Contribute to widening the knowledge of the team and CVR colleagues through group meetings/seminars/workshops and School research group activities.
15\. Participate 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.
16\. Perform administrative tasks related to the activities of the research group and School, including Budgets/Expenditure.
17\. Make a leading contribution to training activities (e.g. demonstrating etc) and associated administration as assigned by the CVR Director and in consultation with the PI.
18\. Engage in personal, professional and career development, to enhance both specialist and transferable skills in accordance with desired career trajectory.
19\. Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the PI/CVR Director.
20\. 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 below you will not be shortlisted for interview.
Qualifications
Essential:
A1 Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework 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 Molecular Biology or Virology.
Knowledge and Skills
Essential:
C1 Extensive and up-to-date theoretical and working knowledge in areas related to the field of research, namely high-throughput sequencing techniques and genomic data analysis.
C2 Demonstrable proficiency with technical software for next-generation sequencing data analysis.
C3 Demonstrable track record of creativity and innovation in hypothesis building, experimental design, and demonstration of an ability to troubleshoot in this area.
C4 Demonstrable proficiency in authoring and reviewing protocols and summary reports as well as the ability to document all work at a level of detail sufficient to reproduce experimental results.
C5 Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with a keen attention to detail.
C6 Excellent organizational skills, with meticulous attention to detail.
C7 Ability to implement a research project and work to deadlines to achieve its aims.
C8 Ability to prioritize and allocate effort and resources appropriately including in developing methods and evaluating criteria for obtaining definitive results.
C9 Excellent communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex material clearly, as well as a strong predisposition towards collaboration.
C10 Strong interpersonal skills with demonstrable ability to work well with others as well as independently.
C11 Demonstrated ability in consulting with the PI and proactively providing regular updates on plans and results.
Desirable:
D1 Demonstrable knowledge and understanding of single-cell, spatial transcriptomics or viral genomics.
D2 Demonstrable knowledge and understanding of molecular virology.
D3 Strong background in computational biology.
Experience
Essential:
E1 Breadth and/or depth of knowledge and direct-hands on experience with high-throughput sequencing, sample preparation and data analysis, demonstrated through relevant work experience.
E2 Experience in next-generation sequencing data analysis using programming languages commonly used in bioinformatics, such as Python and R.
E3 Demonstrable track record of developing new protocols, identifying/analysing challenges and proposing solutions.
E4 Experience in assessment of the literature, designing/analysing experiments, and drafting scientific publications.
E5 Experience submitting manuscripts to journals and a publication record in appropriate-impact international scientific journals.
E6 Ability to work independently and develop projects from broad concepts.
E7 Advanced theoretical and practical knowledge of next-generation sequencing, including developing new protocols, identifying/analyzing challenges and proposing solutions.
Desirable:
F1 Experience with complex library preparation methods (Single-Cell RNA-Seq, WGBS-Seq, ATAC-Seq, etc.).
F2 Experience working with viral systems.
Informal enquiries may be directed to Dr Ana da Silva Filipe ([email protected])
Terms and Conditions
Salary will be Grade 6, £32,332- £36,024 per annum.
This position is available on a full-time basis and is funded until 31 March 2027.
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.
