Research Assistant/Associate

COLLEGE OF MVLS

School of Infection & Immunity

Research and Teaching

GRADE 6/7

Job Purpose

The post holder will join the School of Infection & Immunity, MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research (CVR) (http://www.cvr.ac.uk/) and will play a leading role in a UKRI-funded research programme focussed on identifying, characterising and manipulating host enzymes that hinder or support viral replication. In particular, we aim to characterise components of the ubiquitin system during viral replication.

The post-holder will lead the biochemistry arm of the laboratory and have significant biochemical or structural biology research experience. The post-holder will assist in the triaging and characterisation of recently identified infection-sensitive E3 ubiquitin ligases. The post-holder will 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 Investigator (PI), Dr Adam Fletcher.
1. Plan and conduct assigned research individually or jointly in accordance with the project deliverables and CVR 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 CVR, 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 CVR/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 administration as assigned by the CVR Director and in consultation with the 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 CVR Director or Principal Investigator.

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

For Appointment at Grade 7:

14. Perform the above duties with a higher degree of independence, leadership and responsibility, particularly in relation to planning, executing, sourcing funding, collaborating and publishing research, and mentoring colleagues.
15. Establish and sustain a track record of independent and joint published research to establish and maintain your expert reputation in the subject area.

16. Survey the research literature and environment, understand the research challenges associated with the project and subject area, and develop/implement a suitable research strategy.

These key tasks are not intended to be exhaustive but simply highlight a number of major tasks which the staff member may reasonably be expected to perform.

Please note that as part of your application you must address and demonstrate how you meet EACH of the essential/desirable criteria. If you do not address each criterion in the format explained below you will not be shortlisted for interview.

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Qualifications/Knowledge

Essential:

A1. Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 10 (Honours Degree or equivalent) in a biological science, or other relevant subject. May be working towards a post-graduate qualification such as a Masters (Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 11) or PhD (Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 12). Or Equivalent professional qualifications in a relevant academic/research discipline, and experience of personal development in a similar role.

A2. Extensive and up-to-date theoretical and practical knowledge in biochemistry, or related field.

For Appointment at Grade 7:

A3. Normally Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 12 (PhD) in a relevant biological, computational, or statistical discipline in a similar or related role plus track record of emerging independence within a research/professional environment or alternatively possess professional qualifications and experience equivalent to PhD level plus the requisite experience.

Desirable at Grade 6:

B1. Working towards or completed a PhD in biochemistry, structural biology, or related field.

Skills

Essential

C1. A strong background in biochemistry and molecular biology.

C2. A strong background in working with proteins and/or nucleic acids, and designing biochemical assays to measure enzyme behaviour in vitro (e.g. ubiquitination assays, fluorescence polarisation).

C3. Research creativity and cross-discipline collaborative ability as appropriate.

C4. Excellent interpersonal skills including team working and a collegiate approach.
C5. Excellent communication skills (oral and written), including public presentation and the ability to communicate complex concepts clearly and concisely.

C6. Appropriate workload/time/project/budget/people management skills.
C7. IT and data analysis/interpretation skills as appropriate.

C8. Highly motivated, able to use initiative and quick to learn new techniques.
C9. Creative, flexible and pragmatic approach to solving research problems.

For Appointment at Grade 7

C10. Good team leadership skills including demonstrable supervisory skills.

C11. Initiative to survey the research literature and environment, understand the research challenges associated with the project and subject area, and develop/implement a suitable research strategy

Desirable at Grade 6/7

D1. Theoretical understanding of the ubiquitin system.

D2. Some familiarity with solving molecular structures with X-ray crystallography or cryo-electron microscopy.

D3. Familiarity with ‘omics datasets. D4 Data handling and management skills; for example, statistical analysis (R, Prism).

Experience

Essential

E1. Sufficient breadth and/or depth of knowledge in biochemistry and of research/teaching methods and techniques to work as a biochemist, demonstrated through relevant work experience (including experience gained throughout PhD).
E2. Experience with various approaches to protein purification.

E3. Experience developing biochemical assays and monitoring reaction progress.

E4. Experience with the collection and analysis of data.

E5. Experience of scientific writing.
E6. Proven ability to deliver quality outputs (such as publications) in a timely and efficient manner.

E7. Experience preparing data for publication and writing publications.

E8. Evidence of an emerging track record of publications in a relevant field.

For Appointment at Grade 7

E9. Sufficient breadth and/or depth of knowledge in the specialist subject/discipline and of research/teaching methods and techniques to work within the subject area, as demonstrated through relevant post-doctoral work experience. This will include independence illustrated by identification of project objectives from assessment of the literature, the design/analysis of experiments, and the drafting of scientific publications.
E10. Established publication track record in a relevant field of research, including at least one as first author, in appropriate-impact international scientific journal.

E11. Experience in biochemistry research, or research related to field of study.

Desirable at Grade 6/7

F1. Familiarity with the ubiquitin system or innate immune system.

F2. Familiarity with handling proteomics datasets.

For informal enquiries regarding this post please contact Dr Adam Fletcher (Adam.Fletcher@glasgow.ac.uk)

 Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 6/7, £33,951- £37,694/£41,064- £46,049 per annum

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This position is full time and has funding until 31 January 2028.

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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.

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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/.

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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/.

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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.

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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.

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Closing Date: 28 August 2025 at 23:45