Research Associate Glasgow, Scotland
University of Glasgow
Full Time
Glasgow, Scotland
38474 - 43155 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) and will make a leading contribution to a multidisciplinary research programme focused on assessing the risk of mosquito vector-borne diseases in Scotland and their response to environmental change (Consortium funded by UKRI DEFRA One Health Approach to Vector Borne Diseases) working with the Principal Investigator, Dr Emilie Pondeville (https://www.gla.ac.uk/researchinstitutes/iii/cvr/aboutus/people/researchgroups/pondevillegroup/)
The project will focus on identifying pathogens and their prevalence in mosquito vectors and avian reservoirs in Scotland, host preference of mosquitoes, as well as evaluating the vector competence of Scottish mosquitoes for arboviruses.
The successful candidate will be self-motivated in designing and executing experiments, and analysis of the data, collected using cutting edge metagenomics, high throughput microfluidics and state-of-the-art infrastructures (CL2/CL3 insectaries). The candidate will also present updates to collaborators at UoG, UKHSA, UKCEH and stakeholders from Public Health Scotland, the Scottish Government and environmental agencies. The successful candidate is also expected to contribute to the formulation and submission of research publications and funding proposals as well as to participate in the training and supervision of students in the laboratory.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
1. Take a leading role in the planning and conduct of assigned research individually or jointly in accordance with the project deliverables.
2. Document research output, including analysis and interpretation of data, maintaining records and databases, drafting technical/progress reports and papers as appropriate.
3. Establish and maintain your research profile and reputation and that of the Pondeville laboratory and CVR, including establishing and sustaining a track record of independent and 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.
4. Survey the research literature and environment, understand the research challenges associated with the project and subject area, and develop/implement a suitable research strategy. Keep up to date with current knowledge and recent advances in the field/discipline.
5. Presentation of work at international and national conferences, at internal and external seminars, colloquia and workshops to develop and enhance our research profile.
6. 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.
7. Take a leading role in developing, managing and maintaining internal and external collaborations.
8. 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 CVR.
9. 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.
10. Generate, manage, document, maintain and store the data generated with the standards described in the project.
11. Perform administrative tasks related to the activities of the project, including Budgets/Expenditure/ordering, and contribute to laboratory management and general laboratory duties.
12. Make a leading contribution to Teaching activities (e.g. demonstrating etc) and outreach in consultation with the PI.
13. Engage in personal, professional and career development, to enhance both specialist and transferable skills in accordance with desired career trajectory.
14. 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.
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 criteria in the format explained below you will not be shortlisted for interview.
Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills and Experience
Qualifications
Essential:
A1 Normally Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 12 (PhD) in Molecular entomology, Molecular biology or other relevant subject, or alternatively possess the equivalent in professional qualifications and experience, with experience of personal development in a similar or related role(s)
Knowledge and Skills
Essential:
C1 Extensive knowledge in vector-pathogen interactions.
C2 A strong background in molecular biology, and insect biology and/or virology.
C3 Good team leadership skills including demonstrable supervisory skills.
C4 Highly motivated, able to use initiative and quick to learn new techniques.
C5 Research creativity and cross-discipline collaborative ability as appropriate.
C6 Excellent interpersonal skills including reliability, team working and a collegiate approach.
C7 Excellent communication skills (oral and written), including public presentation and the ability to communicate complex concepts clearly and concisely.
C8 Appropriate workload/time/project/budget/people management skills.
C9 Ability to design effective experiments.
C10 Excellent organisation and data management skills.
C11 IT and data analysis/interpretation skills as appropriate.
C12 Ability to demonstrate a degree of independence, illustrated by identification of project objectives from assessment of the literature, the design and analysis of experiments and drafting of papers.
C13 Creative, flexible and pragmatic approach to solving research problems.
Desirable:
D1 Knowledge in metagenomic data analyses.
Experience
Essential:
E1 Sufficient depth of relevant research experience, normally including sufficient postdoctoral experience in a related field.
E2 Substantial experience in working with insects/mosquitoes.
E3 Substantial experience in molecular biology techniques (e.g., Nucleic acid extraction, RT, primer and probe design, qPCR)
E4 Relevant experience in virology.
E5 Experience working with cultured cells.
E6 Experience in scientific writing, including research manuscripts or/and funding applications.
E7 Publications, including at least one as first author, in appropriate-impact international peer-reviewed scientific journals.
Desirable
F1 Experience with metagenomic data analyses.
F2 Experience with high throughput microfluidics PCR.
F3 Experience with colonization of field collected mosquitoes/insects.
F4 Experience in working under BSL-3 conditions.
Further Enquiries
Informal enquiries may be directed to Dr Emilie Pondeville via email [email protected]
This position is available on a full-time basis and is funded for 33 months. Ideal start date July-August 2023 (negotiable).
Terms and Conditions
Salary will be Grade 7, £38,474 - £43,155 per annum.
This post is full time, and has funding for up to 33 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.
