Research Associate

College of MVLS

School of Infection & Immunity

Research and Teaching

Grade 6/7

Job Purpose

We are seeking a skilled and motivated researcher to join the School of Infection & Immunity, MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research (CVR) (http://www.cvr.ac.uk/).  The successful candidate will contribute to an MRC funded project entitled Glasgow Maternal and Infant RSV Immunity Study (GLAMIRIS).

Working alongside Dr. Louisa Pollock, Prof. Antonia Ho, Dr. Claire Bourke and Prof. Brian Willett, this study aims to investigate the relationship between maternal risk factors for placental abnormalities, placental antibody transfer, placental inflammation and infant risk of RSV disease.

In addition to conducting research, the post-holder will contribute to the preparation and submission of research publications and reports for the commercial funder. They will also be encouraged to participate in other research publications and develop new research proposals as opportunities arise.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Perform the following activities in conjunction with and primarily under the guidance of Prof Brian Willett at the CVR laboratories, University of Glasgow.

1. Plan and conduct assigned research individually or jointly in accordance with the project deliverables and the CVR 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 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 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 Investigators.

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 Director of the CVR and/or Principal Investigators

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

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  SCQF Level 10 [Honours degree] in a relevant subject or a cognate discipline, or Equivalent

A2. Extensive and up-to-date theoretical and practical knowledge in virology and/or immunology.

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

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.

A5 Knowledge of project-specific technical models, equipment, or techniques.

A6 Sufficient depth of relevant research experience, normally including sufficient postdoctoral experience in a related field, appropriate to an early career researcher.

Desirable at Grade 6:

B1. Working towards or completed a PhD in virology or related field.

B2. Knowledge and experience of techniques for the measurement of neutralising antibodies, viral pseudotype production.

Skills

Essential:

C1. Research creativity and cross-discipline collaborative ability as appropriate.

C2. Excellent interpersonal skills including team working and a collegiate approach.

C3. Excellent communication skills (oral and written), including public presentation and the ability to communicate complex concepts clearly and concisely.

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

C5. IT and data analysis/interpretation skills as appropriate.

C6. Highly motivated, able to use initiative and quick to learn new techniques.

C7. Creative, flexible and pragmatic approach to solving research problems.

Desirable at Grade 6/7:

D1. Laboratory data handling and management skills; for example, statistical analysis (Excel, R, Prism etc).

D2. Techniques for nucleic acid sequence determination, data processing and interpretation.

Experience

Essential:

E1. Experience in immunological assay design, development and optimisation.

E2. Experience in cell culture techniques, virus growth and viral pseudotype production.

E3. Experience in the design and development of immunological assays.

E4. Experience with the collection, processing, analysis and presentation of data.

E5. Experience of scientific writing.

E6. Experience preparing data for publication and writing publications.

E7. Proven ability to deliver quality outputs (such as publications) in a timely and efficient manner.

For Appointment at Grade 7:

E8. Established publication track record in a relevant field of research, including at least one as first author, in appropriate-impact international scientific journal.

Desirable at Grade 6:

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

F2. Prior experience in NGS methodologies, library preparation, analysis using MinION.

Informal enquiries should be directed to: Professor Brian Willett  Brian.Willett@glasgow.ac.uk

Terms and Conditions

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

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

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: 11 November 2025at 23:45