Find More Than 10K+
United Kingdom Jobs

The School of Infection and Immunity, MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research (CVR) (http://www.cvr.ac.uk/) is seeking to appoint a Research Technician to support research on virus-host interactions using structural virology and imaging methods. The post holder will work with Dr Swetha Vijayakrishnan to support in situ imaging pipelines during viral entry.

Arboviruses are enveloped viruses that cause significant disease in humans and livestock. Transmitted by mosquitoes they include several prominent members like Dengue virus, Chikungunya virus, Yellow Fever virus and African swine fever virus. The process of viral entry is a complex multi-step process, orchestrated by several viral and cellular proteins that work synchronously. Understanding the structural and molecular mechanisms that mediate this intricate process informs on fundamental biology and vaccine design.

The postholder will manage the day-to-day running of the laboratory such as managing reagents, health and safety etc., and conduct independent research. The postholder will perform cell culture, basic molecular virology, virus purifications, immunofluorescence, cryogenic correlative light and electron microscopy (cryo-CLEM), cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) and downstream computational image processing and analyses of virus infected cells. Training will be provided where necessary.

The postholder will be fully mentored and supported to develop their role as a research technician. They will be working in an environment where they will be encouraged to network, collaborate, present at conferences and meetings, contribute to publications and otherwise develop their imaging credentials. They will be encouraged in their continual professional development (CPD) and have opportunities to expand their experiences and train in new skills.

1. Oversee/carry out general laboratory maintenance. This will include, but it is not limited to stock checking and ordering, preparation of reagents, curating of laboratory archives/records, co-managing and policing of laboratory health and safety (e.g. writing/updating risk assessments), maintenance and care of laboratory equipment.

2. Perform research on the entry mechanisms of arboviruses, under the direct supervision of Dr Swetha Vijayakrishnan, with the goal of producing high-quality data for grants, fellowships and publication.

3. Maintain an up-to-date and thorough knowledge of the literature and developments in the in situ imaging field using advanced microscopy tools such as CLEM, cryo-EM and cryo-ET, and apply this knowledge to further enhance the learning experience and/or contribute to the delivery of research aims.

4. Develop, create and test new equipment, systems, procedures, protocols, models and/or techniques. Diagnose faults and troubleshoot day-to-day problems carrying out appropriate maintenance as required.

5. Participate and organise laboratory housekeeping operations in CL2 laboratories and participate in the performance of routine communal tasks required for the smooth running

of the laboratories. 5. Collect, analyse and interpret data using standard procedures and ensure that accurate records are kept, and databases are updated accordingly.

6. Where relevant, maintain appropriate stock levels, including appropriate preparation of specialised media and samples as required. Ensure safe implementation and ongoing storage of potentially hazardous materials.

7. Present research findings and contribute to scientific discussion through laboratory meetings, institutional seminars, and national/international conferences.

8. Collaborate fully and productively with team members and other laboratories across the CVR/University of Glasgow/scientific community.

9. Seek professional development through engaging with the scientific literature/community, training in new techniques and approaches, and identifying opportunities for growth.

10. Support and foster a healthy, productive and inclusive research environment.

11. Contribute to the enhancement of the CVR’s/University’s international profile in line with the University’s Strategic Plan, World Changers Together.

The above duties are not exhaustive and the postholder will be required to undertake any other relevant duties as required by the PI/line manager which are commensurate with the

grade of the post.

A1 Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework Level 7 (Advanced Higher/Scottish Vocational Qualification Level 3, HNC) or equivalent in relevant subject/s such as Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics, and experience of personal development in a similar role.

Or

Ability to demonstrate the competencies required to undertake the duties associated with this level of post having acquired the necessary knowledge and skills in a similar role.

B1 Extensive knowledge or qualifications pertaining to the area of research in virology/ /biophysics/ biochemistry/ molecular biology/ cell biology or related (such as a BSc or MSc degree or equivalent).

C1 Technical knowledge and skills in cell culture and molecular biology.

C2 Sound skills with immunofluorescence staining and light microscopy.

C3 Highly motivated with demonstrable enthusiasm for imaging.

C4 Excellent technical and IT skills including proficient use of relevant specialist and standard software packages.

C5 Reliable production of routine reagents, solutions, aliquots that the laboratory depends upon.

C6 Well-developed analytical and creative problem solving capability, including high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
C7 Highly organised with a meticulous approach to recording information.

C8 Ability to work independently and troubleshoot problems.
C9 Good interpersonal, communication and writing skills to liaise with internal/external staff.

C10 Ability to use initiative and judgement to plan and progress work.
C11 Demonstrate ability to learn and adapt to rapidly changing protocols and technologies.

C12 Ability to plan and prioritise workload to meet competing demands.

D1 Up-to-date knowledge in virology research

D2 Up-to-date knowledge and ability to use light microscopy, confocal microscopy, cryo-EM, CLEM and cryo-ET.

D3 Knowledge of image processing software packages e.g. FIJI or Photoshop.

D4 Up to date knowledge of relevant laboratory Health and Safety practices.

D5 Knowledge of Equality and Diversity policy.

E1 Significant work experience within a similar environment, including evidence of previous professional development.
E2 Demonstrable relevant work experience in using light microscopy.

E3 Experience of understanding and interpreting the technical requirements of staff and students.
E4 Downstream processing of image analyses including statistics.

F1 Research experience in experimental virology.

F2 Research experience in cell biology.

F3 Experience in cell culture.

F4 Research experience in multimodal imaging with light microscopy – widefield, super resolution, confocal, lightsheet microscopy.

F5 Experience in structural methods: cryo-EM, cryo-ET, CLEM.

The MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research (CVR) is the UK's largest grouping of human and veterinary virologists. Its mission is to carry out fundamental research on viruses and viral diseases, translating the knowledge gained for the improvement of global health. The CVR sits within the School of Infection and Immunity in the College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences and is located in a purpose-built research complex at the Garscube campus of the University of Glasgow, with excellent facilities for conducting research in virology and molecular biology.

Bioimaging is a core component in the CVR’s structural biology and imaging platform. The CVR has a suite of advanced imaging equipment encompassing cryo-CLEM, confocal, lightsheet, widefield and super-resolution modalities. It is also home to the state-of-the-art national electron microscopy imaging facility, Scottish Centre for Macromolecular Imaging (SCMI) that houses 200 kV JEOL F200 and 300 kV JEOL GrandARM transmission electron microscopes.

For informal enquiries regarding this post please contact Dr Swetha Vijayakrishnan ([email protected]).

Salary will be Grade 5, £25,138 - £29,605 per annum.

This post is full time (35 hours per week) and is open ended with funding available for up to 1 year.

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.