Research Assistant
- Posted 12 June 2025
- Salary Grade 6: £33,482 - £37,174 per annum
- LocationGlasgow
- Job Type Research and Teaching
- Reference175696
- Expiry 10 July 2025 at 23:45
Job description
Job Purpose
Based in the Centre for the Cellular Microenvironment (https://glasgow.thecemi.org/) at the University of Glasgow, you will contribute to a cross-disciplinary EPSRC project Nanovibrational control of chondrogenic differentiation working with Prof Manuel Salmeron-Sanchez and in collaboration with Prof Matt Dalby. 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
Perform the following activities in conjunction with and under the guidance of the Principal/Co Investigator:
1. Plan and conduct assigned research individually or jointly in accordance with the project deliverables and project 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 and 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. Contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University’s Strategic Plan
Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience
Knowledge and Qualifications
Essential:
A1: SCQF Level 10 [Honours degree] in a relevant subject or a cognate discipline, or equivalent.
A2: Knowledge of project-specific technical models, equipment or techniques. In particular Brillouin microscopy traction force microscopy, 3D culture, mechanical characterisation of hydrogels and biological systems.
A3: A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of the wider subject area or subject specialism.
Desirable:
B1: An awarded [or recently submitted or near completion] PhD in subject specialism or equivalent.
Skills
Essential:
C1: : Experience in cell culture, hydrogels synthesis and characterisation, measurement of mechanical properties at all scales, microscopy (including confocal microscopy and Brillouin microscopy), 3D vitro models.
C2: Research creativity and cross-discipline collaborative ability as appropriate.
C3: Excellent communication skills [oral and written], including public presentations and ability to communicate complex data/concepts clearly and concisely.
C4: Excellent interpersonal skills including team working and a collegiate approach.
C5: Appropriate workload/time/project/budget/people management skills.
C6: Extensive IT and data analysis/interpretation skills as appropriate.
C7: Self-motivation, initiative and independent thought/working.
C8: Problem solving skills including a flexible and pragmatic approach.
Experience
Essential:
E1: Sufficient relevant research experience [or equivalent] appropriate to an early career researcher.
E2: Experience of scientific writing.
E3: Proven ability to deliver quality outputs in a timely and efficient manner.
E4: Evidence of an emerging track record of publications in a relevant field.
Closing date: 10 July 2025
Terms and Conditions
Salary will be Grade 6, £33,482 - £37,174 per annum.
This post is full time, and has funding for up to 11 months
The University of Glasgow has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK. If you require a Skilled Worker visa to work in the UK, you will be required to meet the eligibility requirements of the visa route to be assigned a Certificate of Sponsorship.
Please note that this post may be eligible to be sponsored under the Skilled Worker visa route if tradeable points can be used under the Skilled Worker visa rules. For more information please visit: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa.
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.