Job Purpose

We are seeking to appoint a research assistant in immunology to join the research group of Dr Jennifer Malcolm [Principal Investigator] based in the University of Glasgow Dental School. The study will focus on identifying MHCII neoepitopes linking bacterial infection with the loss of CD4 T cell tolerance and susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis.

The post-holder will be responsible for the development, design, and execution of experiments to map antigen characteristics and investigate their functions, using cutting edge immunological techniques, including MHCII immunopeptidomes, T cell functional assays, multicolour flow cytometry and in vivo transgenic models. This research could deepen fundamental knowledge and promote translational/preclinical development.

The successful candidate will have extensive skills and a proven track record of designing and executing immunological experiments, including immune cell culture, T cell functional assays and multi-parameter flow cytometry.

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 exciting 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/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 in high profile/quality refereed publications, 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. Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the Head of School/Director of Research Institute.

13.  Contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University Strategy.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills, and Experience  

Knowledge/Qualifications  

A1: SCQF Level 10 (Honours degree) in immunology or other relevant subject.

A2: 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: Excellent project or subject specific skills, including processing of primary tissues, immune cell culture, T cell functional assays and/or multi-colour flow cytometry.

C2: Excellent communication skills (oral and written), including public presentations and ability to communicate complex data/concepts clearly and concisely

C3: Excellent interpersonal skills including team working and a collegiate approach

C4: Appropriate workload/time/project/budget/people management skills

C5: Self-motivation, initiative and independent thought/working

C6: Problem solving skills including a flexible and pragmatic approach

Experience

Essential 

E1 Extensive IT and data analysis/interpretation skills as appropriate

Desirable:

D1: Experience of bioinformatics

D2: Experience of animal work

Informal Enquiries should be directed Dr Jennifer Malcolm, Jennifer.Malcolm@glasgow.ac.uk 

Terms and Conditions

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

This post is full time (35 hours per week) and has funding until 31 May 2027.

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.

Closing date: 2 March 2026 at 23:45