Job Purpose

You will contribute to make a leading contribution to the development of novel microscope systems for the study of ultrasound mechanical dynamics in biological systems, working with Prof. Daniele Faccio and Prof. Massimo Vassalli at the Advanced Research Centre, University of Glasgow.

The project will bridge disciplines Atomic Force Microscopy, biology and fluorescence lifetime imaging – the ideal candidate will have experience in all of these domains.

The research will be the carried in the Advanced Research Centre, a multidisciplinary research building with labs specialised in photonics, quantum technologies, bioengineering, pharmacology and on-site facilities for neuron and cell culture development.

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

13. 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.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience 

Knowledge &Qualifications

Essential:

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

A2 Specialist theoretical and practical knowledge in at least one of the following areas: AI and use of computational techniques in imaging, sensing, neuromorphics; neuroscience and design of experiments involving any technology including EEG, MEG, fMRI, fNIRS, DCS; development of optical imaging technologies for brain and/or biological tissue characterisation, with particular emphasis on brain tissue.

A3 A 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. .

Knowledge and Skills

Essential:

C1 track record of hands-on experience in all of the following: atomic force microscopy applied to biological systems; fluorescence lifetime imaging of biological systems; experience with the measurement of cellular membrane tension dynamics.

C2 Track record of 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 evidence of problem solving skills including a flexible and pragmatic approach.

For appointment at Grade 7:

C5 A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of current issues and future directions within the wider subject area or subject specialism.

C6 Knowledge of project specific technical models, equipment or techniques.

Experience

Essential:

E1 Sufficient relevant research experience (or equivalent) appropriate to an early career researcher in the fields listed above at point C1.

E2 Experience of conducting systematic reviews in relevant area.

E3 Experience of scientific writing.

E4 Evidence of an emerging track record of publications in a relevant field.

For appointment at Grade 7:

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

E6 Experience of making a leading contribution in academic activities.

E7 Ability to demonstrate a degree of independence as illustrated by identification of project objectives from assessment of the literature, design & analysis of experiments, identifying and pursuing research funding & drafting of papers.

E8 Experience in undertaking independent research.

Desirable:

F1 An emerging national or international reputation.

Closing date:  5 January 2026

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 6/7, £33,951 - £37,694 / £41,064 - £51,753 per annum.

This post is full time, and has funding for up to 2 years

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.