Research Assistant / Associate

Posted 22 September 2025
Salary Grade 6/7: £33,951 - £37,694 / £41,064 - £46,049 per annum
LocationGlasgow
Job Type Research and Teaching
Reference182533
Expiry 20 October 2025 at 23:45

Job description

We welcome applications from researchers with a strong interest in quantum technologies, including quantum materials, spintronics, or infrared and THz spectroscopy/photonics, and a commitment to open, collaborative research.

You will join the Coherent Optimisation and Magnon Manipulation for Information Transfer (COMMIT) project—an exciting international collaboration between the University of Glasgow and the University of Manitoba, Canada.

This project is one of only 10 selected as part of the UK–Canada Quantum Technologies for Science Collaboration, supported by £6.5 million in funding. COMMIT explores the potential of quantum magnons to transform information processing, with a strong emphasis on fundamental science, innovation, and global collaboration.

 

Job Purpose

Working with Dr. Rair Macedo, you will be an integral part of a collaborative, international research team contributing to the advancement of quantum technologies in alignment with the UK–Canada National Strategies. The successful candidate will contribute to the development of research publications and funding proposals, and have the opportunity to help shape future project directions. The role supports your professional development, offering increasing research independence and meaningful international collaboration.

 

 

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Perform the following activities in close collaboration with the Principal Investigator and project team:

 

1.      Plan, design, and carry out experimental and/or computational research to meet project goals, working independently or as part of a team.

2.      Document research output including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, drafting technical/progress reports and papers as appropriate.

3.      Contribute to the preparation of high-quality research outputs, including drafting, reviewing, and submitting publications to peer-reviewed journals.

4.      Contribute to the dissemination of research findings to both academic and non-academic audiences,  including at international and/or national conferences, at internal and external seminars, colloquia and/or workshops, and public engagement activities that highlight the societal impact of quantum technologies.

5.      Support further research by contributing to the identification of potential funding sources and assisting in developing proposals to secure funding from internal and/or external bodies.

6.      Contribute to the mentorship and supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well as early career researchers involved in the project, promoting a supportive and inclusive research environment.

7.      Collaborate with team members to manage project timelines, budgets, and resources efficiently, ensuring the smooth progress of the research activities.

8.      Opportunity to contribute to teaching activities (e.g lab demonstrating) in consultation with Principal Investigator which can support your professional development and enhance your teaching experience.

9.      Keep up to date with current knowledge and recent advances in the field/discipline.

10.   Engage in continuing professional development activities.

11.   Undertake any other duties commensurate with the grade and nature of the post, as agreed with the Principal Investigator.

 

For appointment at Grade 7:

12.   Perform the above duties with a higher degree of independence, leadership and responsibility, particularly in relation to planning, funding, collaborating and publishing research, and mentoring colleagues.

13.   Establish and sustain a track record of independent and joint published research to establish and maintain your expert reputation in the subject area  in line with the projects strategic objectives and contributing to a collegial research environment

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

 

 

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Knowledge andQualifications

Essential:

A1 SCQF Level 10 (Honours degree) in a relevant subject or a cognate discipline, or equivalent.

A2 Experimental or theoretical expertise in quantum materials, magnonics, spintronics, or related areas, with a strong understanding of current challenges and advances in the wider subject area or specialism. We welcome applications from candidates with comparable experience in infrared or THz spectroscopy, photonics and/or metamaterials.

 

For appointment at Grade 7:

A3 Normally Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 12 (PhD) 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:

B1 An awarded (or recently submitted or near completion) PhD in subject specialism or equivalent.

 

Skills

Essential:

C1 Ability to work independently, take initiative, and collaborate effectively within diverse research teams.

C2 Strong communication skills (oral and written), including experience presenting to different audiences and the ability to explain complex data and concepts clearly and simply.

C3 Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively in diverse teams.

C4 Strong organisational and time management skills, contributing effectively to workload, project, and team management, with a willingness to develop these skills further.

C5 Adaptable problem-solving skills, combining practical solutions with a willingness to learn and adjust.

 

Experience

Essential:

E1 Experience in conducting research appropriate to an early career researcher, with a record of scientific writing and delivering quality outputs on time.

E2 Evidence of an emerging track record of publications in a relevant field.

 

For appointment at Grade 7:

E3 Sufficient depth of relevant research experience, normally including sufficient postdoctoral experience in a related field, appropriate to an early career researcher.

E3 A track record of presentation and publication of research results in journals/conferences.

E4 Ability to demonstrate a degree of independence as illustrated by identification of project objectives from assessment of the literature, design & analysis of experiments & drafting of papers.

 

Desirable:

We recognise the broad range of skills and experiences that can contribute to this project and strongly encourage applications from candidates who meet some, many, or even none of the specific desirable criteria below.

F1 Experience with COMSOL Multiphysics or/and python (or other similar programming language) for data analysis.

F2 Microwave engineering and RF circuit design.

F3 Infrared or THz spectroscopy, especially focusing on polaritons, or similar experience with 2D materials or metamaterials.

 

Closing date:  20 October 2025

 
 

Terms and Conditions

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

 

This post is full time, and has funding for up to 12 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.