Research Associate 

COLLEGE OF Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences  

SCHOOL OF Molecular Biosciences 

GRADE 7 

Job Purpose

This post, funded by the UKRI-Medical Research Council (MRC) for 28 months, is to investigate the fundamental cellular and molecular mechanisms that control storage and release of fatty acids in the context of obesity-related metabolic disorders. This project builds on our preliminary results that Free Fatty Acid receptors 2 and 4 (FFA2/4), members of the G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) family, are located and function inside cells to sense released fatty acids and inhibit lipolysis. Working as part of a multi-disciplinary team and in collaboration with Professor Davide Calebiro, University of Birmingham, and Professor David Hodson, University of Oxford, you will utilise state-of-the-art cell signalling, pharmacology and advanced imaging techniques with innovative cell and mouse disease models to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and physiological relevance of this novel potential modality of ‘intracrine’ FFA2/4 signalling.

This is an opportunity for a highly motivated Research Scientist to conduct basic research with potential for pre-clinical translation. The candidate will be responsible for pharmacological characterisation and in vitro and in vivo testing of novel agonists/ antagonists of FFA2 and FFA4 to more fully understand the molecular basis underlying storage and release of fatty acids as well as assessing how the balance of ‘intracrine’ versus ‘paracrine’ might vary between white and brown adipose tissue and in various disease states. The candidate will be based at University of Glasgow in state-of-the-art laboratories located in the newly built Advanced Research Centre (ARC) in the heart of the University campus.

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 planning and conducting assigned research individually or jointly in accordance with the project deliverables and project/group/School/College research strategy.

2. Conduct cellular and molecular biology-based experiments to understand the biological functions of ‘intracrine’ FFA2/4 signalling.

3. Conduct ex vivo and in vivo physiological measurements in mouse tissue and disease models.

4. Document research outputs 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 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 journals, 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 & subject area, & develop/implement a suitable research strategy.

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

8. 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.

9. 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).

10. 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.

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. 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 the Principal Investigators.

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 the Head of School/ Principal Investigators.

17. Contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University’s Strategic Plan, Inspiring People Changing The World.

Qualifications/Knowledge 

Essential:  

A1. Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 12 (PhD) with at least 2 years’ post-doctoral experience in a similar or related role(s), or alternatively possess the equivalent in professional qualifications and experience. A2 BSc in Biochemistry/Cell biology or a related discipline

A2. Specialist theoretical and practical knowledge of G protein coupled receptor (GPCR) biology or signalling transduction biology

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

Skills 

Essential: 

C1. Good computing skills in MS Office suite software

C2. Data management skills; including diligence in documenting work and adherence to data integrity requirements

C3. Excellent interpersonal skills including team working and a collegiate approach

C4. Proven ability to deliver quality outputs in a timely and efficient manner.

C5. 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.

C6. Commitment to open research, as appropriate to the discipline, through open data, open code, open educational resources, and practices that support replication.

Desirable:

D1. Specialist theoretical and practical knowledge of FFA2/4 signalling

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. Practical experience in immunohistochemistry and tissue sectioning techniques, microscopy and analysis of images

E3. Experience of in vivo murine disease models, particularly physiological measurements

E4. Experience of ex vivo assays; including mouse tissue disease models and primary cell culture

E5. Experience of in vitro pharmacological assays

E6. Proven ability to deliver quality outputs in a timely and efficient manner

E7. A track record of presentation and publication of research results in quality journals/conferences

E8. Experience of making a leading contribution in academic activities

E9. 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.

E10. Experience in undertaking independent research

E11. Confidence and experience in presenting data internally and externally

E12. Experience in using data analysis software packages and databases

Informal enquiries may be directed to Professor Graeme Milligan, Graeme.Milligan@glasgow.ac.uk

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Terms and Conditions

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

This position is full time and has funding for up to 28 months 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: 20 October 2025 at 23:45