RESEARCH ASSOCIATE

COLLEGE OF MVLS

SCHOOL OF PSYCHOLOGY & NEUROSCIENCE

GRADE 7

We are looking for an enthusiastic Research Associate to employ RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics in combination with animal models and clinical samples to determine the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying neuropathic pain at the level of the spinal cord. We will focus particularly on neuronal cells belonging to the anterolateral system.

The anterolateral system (ALS) is a major ascending pathway from the spinal cord that underlies perception of pain, itch, and skin temperature. It is therefore an important target for development of treatments for chronic pain. Despite its importance, our understanding of this system has been hampered by the considerable functional and molecular diversity of its constituent cells. We have recently defined distinct molecular clusters of ALS neurons, and this project will follow up on that work by conducting detailed evaluation of the roles of specific classes of ALS neurons in pain and across species.

You will join growing team led by Wellcome Trust Fellow Dr Andrew Bell. You will be based within the welcoming Pain and Somatosensation group in the School of Psychology & Neuroscience at the University of Glasgow, UK, which brings together more than 20 researchers in the study of spinal cord neuronal circuitry.

Candidates with a background in either sensory neuroscience or molecular biology and bioinformatics are welcome to apply.

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.

Job Purpose

To make a leading contribution to a Wellcome Trust funded project entitled ‘Dissecting the roles of deep anterolateral system neurons in pain; a cross-species approach’ working with Dr Andrew Bell. 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

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.

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

3. Establish and maintain your research profile and reputation and that of The University of Glasgow/ School/ Research Group, including establishing and sustaining a track record of independent and joint 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.

4. 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, colloquia and workshops to develop and enhance our research profile.

6. 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.

7. Take a leading role in developing and maintaining collaborations with colleagues across the research group/School/College/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 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 and School, including Budgets/Expenditure.

11. Make a leading contribution to Teaching activities (e.g. demonstrating etc) and associated admin as assigned by the Head of School and in consultation with Principal Investigator.

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

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 Head of School/Director of Research Institute.

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

Qualifications/Knowledge

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

A3. Knowledge of project-specific technical models, equipment or techniques.

Skills

Essential:

C1. Proven ability to deliver quality outputs in a timely and efficient manner

C2. A track record of presentation and publication of research results in quality publications/conferences

C3. Ability to demonstrate a degree of independence as illustrated by identification of project objectives from assessment of the literature, design & analysis of experiments & drafting of papers.

Experience

Essential:

E1. Sufficient depth of relevant research experience, normally including sufficient postdoctoral experience in a related field, appropriate to an early career researcher.

E2. Experience of making a leading contribution in academic activities

E3. Experience in undertaking independent research

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

E5. Proven commitment to supporting the career development of colleagues and to other forms of collegiality appropriate to the career stage.

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 7, £40,497 - £45,413 per annum.

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

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:  30 July 2025 at 23:45