Research Assistant/Associate

Job Purpose

Use mathematical modelling to understand the molecular mechanisms of plant cold sensing, thus providing a foundation for breeding more climate-change-resistant crops. This project will be for 36 months, under the supervision of Dr Rea Antoniou-Kourounioti and Prof Matt Jones.

The research associate will develop predictive and testable mathematical models to simulate plant cold response. These models will range from the regulation of a single gene, to a gene regulatory network, and even to include the interplay between this network and other processes, such as the circadian clock and growth. These models will predict the consequence of environmental and genetic changes, and these predictions will be tested experimentally. Therefore, this work will increase our biological understanding through cycles of modelling and experiments. The research associate will utilise their expertise in mathematical modelling and receive training in experimental design and wet lab techniques, thus gaining experience in both aspects of the aforementioned cycle.

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 a timely manner and in accordance with the project deliverables and project/group research strategy.

2. Communicate effectively and clearly with experimental biologists to build realistic mathematical models and to explain the modelling process, results and limitations.

3. Develop and simulate mathematical models at different scales depending on the underlying biological question, and refine these models based on experimental data.

4. Analyse and interpret data from biological experiments and become actively involved in the laboratory later in the project.

5. Document research outputs including model and code versions, analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, drafting technical/progress reports and papers as appropriate.

6. 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 publications, enhancing the research impact in terms of economic/societal benefit, and gathering indicators of esteem.

7. Presentation of work at international and national conferences, at internal and external seminars, colloquia and workshops to develop and enhance our research profile.

8. 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.

9. Collaborate with colleagues and participate in team/group meetings/seminars/workshops across the research group/School/College/University and wider community (e.g. Academic and Industrial Partners).

10. Carry out modest Teaching activities [e.g. demonstrating etc.] and associated admin as assigned by the Head of School and in consultation with Principal Investigator.

11. 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.

12. Perform administrative tasks related to the activities of the research group and School, including Budgets/Expenditure.

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

14. Engage in personal, professional and career development, to enhance both specialist and transferable skills in accordance with desired career trajectory.

15. Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the Head of School/ Principal Investigators.

16. Contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University Strategy, World Changing Glasgow 2025.

For appointment at Grade 7:

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

18. Establish and sustain a track record of independent and joint published research to establish and maintain your expert reputation in the subject area.

19. Develop expertise in the research literature and environment, understand the research challenges associated with the project & subject area and develop/implement a suitable research strategy.

Qualifications/Knowledge

Essential:

A1. SCQF Level 10 [Honours degree]  in Mathematics/Physics/Engineering/Computer Science or a related discipline, or equivalent

A2. An awarded [or recently submitted or near completion] PhD in Mathematics/Physics/Engineering/Computer Science or a related discipline or equivalent.

A3. Demonstrable knowledge of mathematical modelling, including model development and parameter optimisation, particularly using ODE models and numerical analysis.

For appointment at Grade 7:

A4. Normally Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 12 (PhD) in Mathematics/Physics/Engineering/Computer Science or a related discipline 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. Advanced level of programming in Python/Matlab/R or similar.

C2. Data management skills; including diligence in version control, documenting work and adherence to data integrity requirements.

C3. Excellent communication skills and the ability to simply and clearly explain complicated concepts to non-specialists.

C4. Excellent interpersonal skills including team working and a collegiate approach.

For appointment at Grade 7:

C5. A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge relevant to mathematical modelling techniques and future directions within the wider subject area.

C6. Ability to demonstrate a degree of independence as illustrated by identification of project objectives from assessment of the literature, model design, data analysis or drafting of papers.

Desirable:

D1. Expertise in bioinformatics and particularly RNAseq analyses.

D2. A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge relevant to plant molecular biology.

Experience

Essential:

E1. Significant experience with programming, preferably for computational simulation.

E2. Proven ability to deliver quality outputs in a timely and efficient manner.

E3. Experience in undertaking independent research and scientific writing.

E4. Commitment to open research, as appropriate to the discipline, through open data, open code, open educational resources and practices that support replication.

For appointment at Grade 7:

E5. A track record of presentation and publication of research results in quality publications/conferences.

E6. Experience of making a leading contribution in academic activities.

E7. Proven commitment to supporting the career development of colleagues and to other forms of collegiality appropriate to the career stage.

E8. Sufficient depth of relevant research experience, normally including sufficient postdoctoral experience in a related field, appropriate to an early career researcher.

Desirable:

F1. Experience applying mathematical and computational methods to biological problems.

F2. Track record of multi-disciplinary research collaboration.

Informal enquiries should be directed to Dr Rea Laila Antoniou Kourounioti ReaLaila.AntoniouKourounioti@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 (35 hours per week) and has funding available for up to 36 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.

Closing Date: 9 January 2026 at 23:45