Stem cell therapies offer a new therapeutic paradigm in regenerative medicine. Bioengineering approaches can help to deliver specialised cells targeting specific clinical challenges, yet there remain many hurdles to their industrial manufacture. You will be a member of a team of researchers contributing to the cross-disciplinary EPSRC funded Research and Partnership Hub for Health Technologies in Manufacturing Stem Cells for Regenerative Medicine, Immunotherapy and Cancer (MAINSTREAM), which is led by the University of Glasgow’s Centre for the Cellular Microenvironment (CeMi). This hub is aiming to achieve high-volume manufacture of MSC-specific growth substrates that will remove the barriers to cell therapies. For this project, you will be based in the Centre for Medical and Industrial Ultrasonics (C-MIU) in the James Watt School of Engineering, working with a collaborative team across the Universities of Glasgow, Strathclyde and Nottingham, and with a well-established collaborative team of industrial, clinical and charity partners.

This post advertised is under the supervision of Professor Margaret Lucas and Dr Helen Mulvana, particularly working in collaboration with Professor Stuart Reid’s research group at Strathclyde University.

For informal enquiries or further information about the project, please contact Professor Margaret Lucas (Margaret.lucas@glasgow.ac.uk)

For more information on the University of Glasgow’s James Watt School of Engineering, please visit www.gla.ac.uk/schools/engineering

Job Purpose

To make a leading contribution to the development of ultrasound tools for mesenchymal stem cell manipulation. 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 translational project, as opportunities allow.

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 MAINSTREAM research strategy.

2.         Investigate and optimise the use of standing waves (ultrasound field patterning) as a tool to influence and control microcarrier and cell aggregation in large volume suspensions.

3.         Investigate and identify the forces experienced by cells subjected to ultrasound fields, considering variability by ultrasound frequency, duration and amplitude of vibration (as controlled by incident pressure).

4.         Document research output including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, drafting technical/progress reports and papers as appropriate.

5.         Establish and maintain your research profile and reputation and that of C-MIU, Ce-Mi, the James Watt School of Engineering and the MAINSTREAM hub, 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.

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

7.         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.

8.         Take a leading role in the identification of potential funding sources and assist in the development of proposals to secure funding from internal and external bodies to support future research and impact.

9.         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).

10.     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.

11.     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.

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

13.     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.

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

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

16.     Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by your line manager and the Head of School.

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

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Knowledge and Qualifications

Essential:

A1 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

A2 Extensive and up-to-date theoretical and practical knowledge of medical ultrasound and its potential to generate localised mechanical effects for the purposes of particle manipulation and/or therapy.

A3 Practical knowledge of ultrasound devices, their fabrication and characterisation.

A4 Knowledge in the generation and manipulation of ultrasound fields.

A5 A thorough understanding of ultrasound bioeffects, their generation, measurement and use.

A6 Well-developed working knowledge of research methods, technical models, instrumentation and techniques relevant to the practical execution of the techniques detailed above.

Skills

Essential:

C1 Good skills in the manufacture of ultrasound devices and drive systems, ultrasound pressure and force measurement.

C2 Good skills in basic cell culture, optical and fluorescence microscopy and assay-based quantification, or a willingness and aptitude to undertake training to gain proficiency.

C3 Research creativity and strong cross-discipline collaborative ability as appropriate.

C4 Highly motivated, ability to use initiative and quick to learn new techniques.

C5 Excellent communication skills (oral and written), including public presentations and ability to communicate complex/specialist concepts clearly and concisely.

C6 Excellent interpersonal skills including team working and a collegiate approach.

C7 Willingness and aptitude to work in a multidisciplinary environment, across partner institutions.

C8 Appropriate workload and time management skills.

C9 Extensive IT and statistical data analysis/interpretation skills.

C10 Problem solving skills including a flexible and pragmatic approach.

C11 Good team leadership skills including demonstrable supervisory skills.

C12 Responsible attitude to Health & Safety and the maintenance of shared laboratory facilities.

Experience

Essential:

E1 Sufficient experience of research methods and techniques relevant to characterising ultrasound fields.

E2 Experience of in vitro ultrasound investigation, or a willingness and aptitude to undertake training to gain proficiency.

E3 Proven ability to deliver quality outputs in a timely and efficient manner.

E4 A track record of presentation and publication of research results in quality journals/conferences.

E5 Experience of making a leading contribution in academic activities.

E6 Experience in undertaking independent research including project and experimental design.

E7 Experience of planning and progressing work activities within professional guidelines or organisational policy, applying initiative and independent judgement.

E8 Developing track record of research outputs compatible with enhancing the School’s research profile in accordance with School objectives.

E9 Experience of making distinct contributions to identifying and pursuing research funding (or equivalent business development) applications.

E10 Commitment to open research, as appropriate to the discipline, through open data, open code, open educational resources and practices that support replication.

E11Proven 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.

Desirable:

F1 An emerging national or international reputation.

F2 Experience of commercialisation and translational activities for biotechnologies.

F3 A collegiate approach and enthusiasm for delivering meaningful contributions to the research group (C-MIU) and the MAINSTEAM hub.

F4 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.

F5 Experience of planning and progressing work activities within professional guidelines or organisational policy, applying initiative and independent judgement.

F6 Effective organisation skills to manage time, prioritise and deliver appropriate research, teaching and administrative responsibilities.

F7 Experience of participating in activities that translate research into impact to benefit the economy and wider society.

F8 Understanding of Intellectual Property protection.

F9 Experience of contributing to the design and delivery of teaching and assessment in higher education or other relevant environments.

Closing date:  16 February 2026

Terms and Conditions

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

This post is full time, and has funding for up to 3 years

Relocation assistance will be provided where appropriate

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.