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We have an exciting opportunity for a Research Assistant/Associate to join the School of Molecular Biosciences. We are looking for an enthusiastic cell biologist with a strong interest in structural biology and a genuine enthusiasm for interdisciplinary research. The successful candidate will make a leading contribution to the project “Imaging macromolecular dynamics across scales to unravel the mechanism of Staufen1:RNA recognition” working with Professor Laura Spagnolo (University of Glasgow), in collaboration with Dr Esther Garcia-Gonzalez (Central Laser Facility, CLF). The project entails a combination of super-resolution microscopy and cryo-electron tomography to identify the molecular mechanism governing the functions of Staufen1 protein, a pivotal player in RNA metabolism, using our expertise (see Visentin et al., “A multipronged approach to understanding the form and function of hStaufen protein”. RNA, 2020), and access to beyond-state-of-the-art technology at Glasgow, Research Complex at Harwell and CLF. 

The postholder will be working at the Research Complex at Harwell, Oxfordshire (https://www.rc-harwell.ac.uk) with research visits to the University of Glasgow as the project requires.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. Take a leading role in the planning and conduct of assigned research individually or jointly in accordance with the project deliverables and project/group/School/College research strategy, and adhering to timelines for access to National Facilities (e.g. CLF, eBIC).

2. Contribute critical thinking to the experimental development of multi-scale multi-modal studies of protein:RNA assemblies and interactions.

3. Document research output including electronic laboratory notebook record keeping, analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, uploading datasets to subject-specific repositories, drafting technical/progress reports and papers as appropriate.

4. Establish and maintain your research profile and reputation and that of the University of Glasgow/School/Research Group/area, including establishing and sustaining a track record of independent and joint publications of international quality, enhancing the research impact in terms of economic/societal benefit, and gathering indicators of esteem.

5. Survey the research literature and environment, understand the research challenges associated with the project & subject area, and develop/implement a suitable research strategy to deliver project/area requirements and opportunities.

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

7. Take a leading role in 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 and impact.

8. Take a leading role in developing and maintaining collaborations with colleagues across the research group/area/School/College/University and wider community (e.g. academic and industrial partners).

9. Take a leading role in team/group meetings/seminars/workshops and School research group/area activities to enhance the wider knowledge, outputs and culture of the School/College.

10. Take the lead in 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.

11. Perform administrative tasks related to the activities of the research group and School, including budgets/expenditure.

12. Contribute as appropriate to teaching activities (e.g. demonstrating, etc) and associated administration, as may be assigned through the School in consultation with your line manager.

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 your line manager and the Head of School.

16. Contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with University strategy.

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

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

A2. Specialist theoretical and practical knowledge of molecular cloning and mammalian cell culture.

A3. A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of current issues and future directions within multi-scale multi-modal imaging and a strong interest in engaging with new, cross-disciplinary experimental approaches as outlined in the Job Purpose.

A4. Well-developed working knowledge of research methods, technical models, equipment and techniques relevant to the project/discipline as outlined in the Job Purpose, including demonstrable critical thinking and ability to work both independently and as part of a team, excellent experimental design skills and laboratory record keeping.

Desirable:

B1. An awarded [or recently submitted or near completion] MSc/MRes in subject specialism or equivalent experience.

B2. An awarded [or recently submitted or near completion] PhD in subject specialism or equivalent experience.

B3. Knowledge of protein and/or RNA production, purification and characterisation.

For appointment at Grade 7:

A5. 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

A6. A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of current issues and future directions within multi-scale multi-modal imaging.

A7. Knowledge of project-specific technical models, equipment or techniques (e.g. cryo-electron tomography or super-resolution fluorescence microscopy).

Skills

Essential:

C1. analysing proteins by native and SDS-PAGE as well as Western blotting, using benchtop UV and fluorescence spectrometers).

C2. Ability to analyse and interpret complex imaging data.

C3. Demonstrable critical thinking and ability to work both independently and as part of a team in a collegiate manner.

C4. 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.

C5. Effective organisation skills to manage time, prioritise and deliver appropriate research, teaching and administrative responsibilities. Proven ability to deliver quality outputs in a timely and efficient manner, and capability to work around deadlines.

C6. Commitment to open research, research quality and scientific integrity, as appropriate to the discipline, through open data, open code, open educational resources and practices that support replication (e.g. accurate record keeping, careful experimental design and execution, objective data interpretation).

For appointment at Grade 7:  

C7. Developing track record of research outputs compatible with enhancing the School’s research profile in accordance with School objectives.

C8. 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.

Experience

Essential

E1. Hands-on experience of cell biology techniques (molecular cloning, mammalian cell/tissue culture, cell transfection and/or transduction, cell freezing and/or fixation) and molecular/biophysical methods underpinning cell biology experiments (e.g. preparing solutions, using a chromatographic system/chromatographic resins,

E2. Experience of planning and progressing work activities within professional guidelines or organisational policy, applying initiative and independent judgement.

For appointment at Grade 7

E3. Experience of making distinct contributions to identifying and pursuing research funding (or equivalent business development) applications.

Desirable:

F1. Experience of participating in activities that translate research into impact to benefit the economy and wider society.

F2. Experience of contributing to the design and delivery of teaching and assessment in higher education or other relevant environments.

F3. Hands-on experience of specialist biophysical methods, such as FRET, FLIM, AUC, SPR.

F4. Hands-on experience of STED imaging and image processing.

F5. Hands-on experience of cryo-ET sample preparation, sample screening, data collection and processing.

F6. Hands-on experience of vEM imaging and image processing.

F7. Hands-on experience of CRISPR gene editing tools.

F8. Hands-on experience of working with myocytes or neurons.

F9. Hands-on experience of the computational aspects of cryo-ET/fluorescence  microscopy, including the use of dedicated software.

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Additional Details

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Informal enquiries should be directed to Professor Laura Spagnolo, Laura.Spagnolo@glasgow.ac.uk

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Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 6/7, £33,482- £37,174/£40,497- £45,413 per annum

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This position is full time and has funding until 22 December 2027.

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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: 11 August 2025 at 23:45