Job Purpose

To make a leading contribution to the project “The role of synovial tissue macrophage VSIG4 in regulating joint immune homeostasis”, funded by UKRI-MRC UK. The successful candidate will work under the supervision of Professor Mariola Kurowska-Stolarska (Principal Investigator) at the University of Glasgow**, in collaboration with postdoctoral fellows and their supervisors: Professor Stefano Alivernini (Co-investigator) at Gemelli Hospital in Rome, and Professor Megan MacLeod (Co-investigator) at the University of Glasgow.

The candidate will be expected to lead a specific research stream within this project, which aims to establish the role of VSIG4—a potential immune checkpoint expressed by tissue-resident macrophages—in maintaining tissue topography and immune homeostasis using joint tissue as a model. The project uses unique transgenic mouse models generated specifically for this work (including inducible VSIG4 knockout in synovial tissue–resident macrophages), as well as human synovial tissue organoids, and cocultures of human tissue macrophages with autologous antigen-specific TCR-engineered T cells, and humanised macrophage–sensory neuron co-cultures. The candidate will also contribute to the preparation and submission of research publications and grant proposals and will take responsibility for managing the human tissue biobank and/or mouse strains that support the project.

For more information about these projects please see here

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. Take a leading role in planning and conducting assigned research stream, individually or jointly, in accordance with the project deliverables and the Kurowska-Stolarska & Alivernini group, the Infection & Immunity School, and the MVLS College research strategy

2. Document all research outputs, including raw data, and conduct data analysis and interpretation. Maintain accurate records and databases and prepare technical and progress reports and papers as requested by the Principal Investigator, in accordance with the Data Management Plan of the Kurowska-Stolarska & Alivernini group and the University of Glasgow.

3. Establish and maintain your research profile and reputation, as well as that of the Kurowska-Stolarska & Alivernini group, the Infection & Immunity School, and the MVLS College at the University of Glasgow. This includes building and sustaining a track record of internationally competitive publications in high-quality, peer-reviewed journals, enhancing research impact in terms of economic and societal benefit (particularly in advancing arthritis prevention), and gathering indicators of esteem.

4. Regularly survey the research literature and environment, understand the research challenges associated with the project & subject area, & develop/implement a suitable research strategy.

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

6. Take a leading role in the identification of potential funding sources and to assist the PI in the

development of proposals to secure funding from internal and external bodies to support future research.

7. Take a leading role in developing and maintaining collaborations with colleagues across the research groups in the School of Infection and Immunity, MVLS College, The University and wider community (e.g. Academic and Industrial Partners).

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

9. 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.

10. Perform administrative tasks related to the activities of the research group, including managing mice stains, human tissue biobank, lab orders and keeping the record of expenditure of the grant.

11. Make a leading contribution to Teaching activities (e.g. demonstrating at labs run by the PI, running journal clubs for undergraduates) and associated admin as requested by the Principal Investigator.

12. Keep up to date with current knowledge and recent advances in the field of Immunology, tissue homeostasis and tissue resident macrophage biology.

13. Engage in personal, professional and career development, to enhance both specialist and

transferable skills in accordance with desired career trajectory.

14. Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the PI or Head of School.

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

the University’s Strategic Plan, Inspiring People Changing The World.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills, and Experience

Knowledge/Qualifications

Essential:

A1. Normally SCQF level 12 in biological sciences (PhD) plus track record of emerging independence within immunology or similar, or alternatively possess professional qualifications and experience equivalent to PhD level plus the requisite experience.

A2. Knowledge of tissue resident macrophage subsets/phenotypic clusters biology and their interactions with stromal and neuronal tissue niche.

A3. Sufficient depth of inducible transgenic animal models and/or arthritis models, normally including sufficient postdoctoral experience in that field, appropriate to an early career researcher.

A5. A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of current tissue 3D imaging approaches, enabling study interactions of tissue resident macrophages with fibroblasts and sensory neurons.

A4. Sufficient depth of CRISPR-cas9 based gene editing in primary cells (especially targeting epigenetic changes such as CRISPR–Cas9 fused with DNMT3A or TET), normally including sufficient postdoctoral experience in that field, appropriate to an early career researcher.

Skills

Essential:

C1. Practical knowledge of 3D tissue imaging, including 3D whole-mount tissue imaging.

C2. Practical skills in conducting and analysing tissue macrophage biology in animal models, including inducible transgenic models and/or arthritis models.

C3. Practical skills in studying and analysing interactions between macrophages and sensory neurons in tissue, including mouse behavioural studies and neuron firing analysis both in vitro and in vivo.

C4. Practical knowledge of gene editing in primary cells (e.g., CRISPR–Cas9 or CRISPR–Cas9 fused with DNMT3A or TET) to target epigenetic changes in the tissue niche. C5. Proven ability to deliver high-quality outputs in a timely and efficient manner.

C6. Ability to work independently while demonstrating initiative.

C7. Commitment to open research, as appropriate to the discipline, through open data, open code, open educational resources, and practices that support reproducibility. C8. Excellent interpersonal skills, including team working and a collegiate approach.

Experience

Essential:

E1. Experience in conducting and analysing tissue resident macrophages, fibroblasts or sensory neurons-oriented animal models, tissue 3D imaging, and gene editing in primary cells (preferably CRISPR-Cas9 guided).

E2. A proven track record of presenting and publishing research findings in high-quality journals and conferences.

E3. Demonstrated ability to undertake independent research.

E4. Experience in making a leading contribution to academic activities.

E5. A proven commitment to supporting colleagues’ career development and fostering collegiality appropriate to the career stage.

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 7, £41,064 - £46,049 per annum.

This post is full time, and has funding until 1 February 2029.

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: 8 January 2026 at 23:45