Job Purpose

We are seeking a motivated Research Associate/Assistant to join the Plasticity Lab, led by Dr Cassandra Sampaio-Baptista, to support a Wellcome Trust-funded project.  

The post holder will play a key role in leading a research program investigating how ageing and brain activity influence oligodendrocyte dynamics and behaviour and whether myelin-targeted interventions can enhance cognitive-motor function in ageing and related disorders.

We welcome applicants with a background in cellular neuroscience or similar and a strong interest in brain plasticity, myelin and/or ageing.

This is a full-time, 3-year post offering excellent training opportunities, including a minimum of 10 CPD days annually. The plasticity lab is an interdisciplinary group that studies how the brain adapts to experiences such as skill learning, as well as to biological processes like ageing. The lab employs a cross-species, multidisciplinary approach, integrating MRI, behavioral interventions, transgenic models, and brain stimulation.

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 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/Co Investigator:

1. Plan and conduct assigned research individually or jointly in accordance with the project deliverables and project/group/School/College research strategy, investigating the effects of ageing on oligodendrocyte populations.

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 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 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 duties of equivalent standing as assigned by the Head of School/Director of Research Institute.

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

For appointment at Grade 7:

14. 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.

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 & subject area, & develop/implement a suitable research strategy.

Please note that as part of your application you must address and demonstrate how you meet EACH of the essential/desirable criteria.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Knowledge and Qualifications

Essential:

A1 SCQF Level 10 (Honours degree) in a neuroscience or a related field or equivalent

A2 Specialist theoretical and practical knowledge in cellular neuroscience or similar

A3 A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of the wider subject area or subject specialism.

Desirable

B1 Knowledge of rodent behavioural assessments and analysis.

B2 Knowledge of immunohistochemistry and microscopy

For appointment at Grade 7:

A4 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.

Skills

Essential:

C1 Skills including excellent technical skills for the conduct and subsequent analysis of mouse behavioural and histological analysis

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 Extensive IT and data analysis/interpretation skills as appropriate.

C6 Self-motivation, initiative and independent thought/working.

C7 Problem solving skills including a flexible and pragmatic approach.

Desirable

D1. Commitment to open research, as appropriate to the discipline, through open data, open code, open educational resources, and practices that support replication.

Experience

Essential:

E1 Experience in handling rodents and behavioural tasks/assessments

E2 Experience including Experience in immunohistochemistry and/or microscopy (e.g. confocal microscopy).

E3 Evidence of an emerging track record of publications in a relevant field evidenced as peer-reviewed articles in high quality journals and / or articles available as preprints.

For appointment at Grade 7:

E4 A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of current issues and future directions within the relevant research disciplines as outlined in the job purpose

E5 Well-developed working knowledge of research methods, technical models, equipment and techniques relevant to the project/discipline as outlined in the job purpose

E6 Ability to communicate material of a specialist or highly technical nature and to be effective both orally and in writing at a level appropriate to the activity.

E7 Experience of planning and progressing work activities within professional guidelines or organisational policy, applying initiative and independent judgement.

E8 Developing track record of research outputs compatible with enhancing the School’s research profile in accordance with School objectives.

E9 Experience of making distinct contributions to identifying and pursuing research funding (or equivalent business development) applications.

E10 Experience of planning and progressing work activities within professional guidelines or organisational policy, applying initiative and independent judgement.

E11 Proven commitment to supporting the career development of colleagues and to other forms of collegiality appropriate to the career stage, including some experience of research project supervision.

E12 Effective organisation skills to manage time, prioritise and deliver appropriate research, teaching and administrative responsibilities.

E13 Commitment to open research, as appropriate to the discipline, through open data, open code, open educational resources and practices that support replication.

Desirable:

F1 Experience with acquisition and analysis of preclinical (rodent) MRI data OR experience with acquisition and analysis of electrophysiology data OR another method that measures brain activity in animals models (e.g. calcium imaging, PET).

F2 Experience in managing (transgenic) mouse colonies.

F3 Experience in supervising or co-supervising undergraduate, Msc students or PhD students.

For further information, please contact Dr Cassandra Sampaio Baptista Cassandra.SampaioBaptista@glasgow.ac.uk

Terms and Conditions

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

This post is full time, fixed term for up to 3 years from start date.

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: 24 October 2025 at 23:45