Job Purpose

You will contribute to an Impact Acceleration Award project working with Dr William Peveler and a major Italian foodstuff manufacturer. Based on our work in this area (ACS Appl Nano Matter 2022, 10.1021/acsanm.2c03406) we have developed a chemical assay coupled with a machine learning algorithm to measure the impact of wood-aging on a range of foodstuffs. The project involves undertaking final validation experiments and refining the statistical methods before creating a final useable assay for accreditation. The successful candidate will explore a range of industrial partnerships to tailor the final assay product; contribute to the formulation and submission of research reports and research proposals; as well as help manage and direct this complex and challenging project as opportunities allow. The project will likely involve some partner visits to sites in the UK and northern Italy.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Perform the following activities in conjunction with and under the guidance of the Principal Investigator:

1.             Plan and conduct assigned research individually or jointly in accordance with the project deliverables and project/group/School/College 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/School/Research Group, including contributing to publications of international quality as well as intellectual property, enhancing the research impact in terms of economic/societal benefit, and gathering indicators of esteem.

4.             Contribute to the presentation of work at international partner meetings, 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, meetings, seminars and 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.             Keep up to date with current knowledge and recent advances in the field/discipline.

10.         Engage in continuing professional development activities as appropriate.

11.         Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the Head of School.

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 Analytical Chemistry or a relevant subject/discipline. Or equivalent specialist theoretical and practical knowledge of food testing and statistical analysis.

A2 A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of the approaches to molecular analysis of complex samples and relevant data analysis methods.

Desirable:

B1 An awarded (or recently submitted or near completion) PhD in analytical chemistry or equivalent

Skills

Essential:

C1 Knowledge of current methods for the analysis of small molecules in complex samples by Liquid/Gas Chromatography with Mass Spectrometry (LC/GC-MS) and/or optical analyses (Raman, Absorbance, Luminescence).

C2 Research creativity and cross-discipline collaborative ability

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 and time management skills on a fast-paced project

C6 Excellent IT and data analysis/interpretation skills

C7 Self-motivation, initiative and independent thought/working

C8 Problem solving skills including a flexible and pragmatic approach

Desirable:

D1 Experience in a professional analytical chemistry environment

Experience

Essential:

E1 Sufficient relevant research experience (or equivalent) appropriate to an early career researcher

E2 Experience of data handling and multivariate analysis of complex NMR, LC/GC-MS or optical spectroscopy data sets

E3 Some prior experience of data analysis in R, Python, JMP or similar, to create data pipelines

E4 Experience of scientific writing

E5 Proven ability to deliver quality outputs in a timely and efficient manner

Desirable:

F1 Experience of low-volume liquid handling and high throughput experimentation in well plates or similar formats.

Closing date:  28 January 2026

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 6, £33,951 - £37,694 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.