We have an exciting opportunity for a Research Assistant to contribute to multiple veterinary parasitology projects, working with Professor James Cotton and Dr Roz Laing. The successful candidate will be expected to make a substantial contribution to general lab management in addition to specific research projects, including the formulation and submission of research publications and research proposals as opportunities allow.

We welcome applications from candidates who hold an SCQF Level 10 (Honours degree) in veterinary biosciences, zoology, genetics, biochemistry, or a relevant subject and ideally a PhD or additional relevant experience of working in parasitology or molecular biology laboratories, pathogen genomics research groups, or other relevant areas.

Job Purpose

You will contribute to multiple veterinary parasitology projects, working with Professor James Cotton and Dr Roz Laing. You will be expected to make a substantial contribution to general lab management in addition to specific research projects, including the formulation and submission of research publications and research proposals 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 MVLS 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 veterinary parasitology 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 group meetings, seminars and workshops across the 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 MVLS, including budgets/expenditure.

9. Carry out modest teaching activities e.g. demonstrating 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 genetic and genomic techniques and analyses, and in anthelmintic resistance research.

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’s Strategic Plan, World Changers Together.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills & Experience

Knowledge & Qualifications

Essential:

A1 SCQF Level 10 [Honours degree] in veterinary biosciences, zoology, genetics, biochemistry, or a relevant subject.

A2 Specialist theoretical and practical knowledge of parasitology, nematode biology or other relevant subject.

Desirable:

B1 An awarded [or recently submitted or near completion] PhD in molecular parasitology or other relevant subject, or equivalent experience.

B2 A clean UK driving licence.

Skills

Essential:

C1 Basic molecular biology skills e.g. DNA and RNA isolation, PCR, gel electrophoresis.

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 Excellent workload, time, and people management skills.

C6 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 Expertise in gross parasitology techniques.

D2 A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of the issues of sustainable parasite control and anthelmintic resistance.

Experience

Essential:

E1 Experience of working in parasitology or molecular biology laboratories, pathogen genomics research groups, or other relevant areas.

E2 Experience of working in international and multidisciplinary teams.

E3 Experience of scientific writing.

E4 Proven ability to deliver quality outputs in a timely and efficient manner.

Desirable:

F1 Evidence of an emerging track record of publications in a relevant field.

Additional Information

Our School is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion.

Our Athena Swan Silver award demonstrates our commitment to best practice in recruiting and supporting the career development and progression of female scientists, addressing gender inequalities in higher education.  The Athena SWAN Charter recognises commitment to advancing gender equality in Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths and Medicine (STEMM) employment in academia. https://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/bohvm/athenaswan/

The College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences (MVLS) has 8 Schools that bring staff together around thematic strengths, across the strategic pillars of education, research and innovation.  More information on the College can be accessed here: MVLS College Futures 2033.

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 for up to 18 months in the first instance.

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, 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.

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 here.

We endorse the principles of Athena Swan 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.

Informal Enquiries should be directed Professor James Cotton, James.Cotton@glasgow.ac.uk

Closing Date: 23 March 2026 at 23:45