Job Purpose

To make a leading contribution to the UKRI funded MERLIN project (Molecular Engineering for Rapid Low-Cost Metabonomic Profiling and Metabolite Detection) working with Dr William Peveler and the Bio-Nano Sensing group on the expression, modification and testing of new protein-based sensing systems. The successful candidate will lead on the design, recombinant expression (E. coli) and testing of new protein-based materials for sensing, as well as more broadly the Chemical Biology angles of the project (including computational design and docking with collaborators), as a new direction for the research group. They 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 Group 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, the School and the 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.

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

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 University and wider community (e.g. Academic and Industrial Partners).

8.         Take a leading role in group meetings and School research group activities to enhance the wider knowledge, outputs and culture of the School.

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 lab management and expenditure.

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

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

13.     Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the Head of School/Director of Research Institute.

14.     Contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University’s Strategic Plan, World Changers Together.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Knowledge and Qualifications

Essential:

A1 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 working knowledge of practical considerations and the latest advances within recombinant protein expression in E. coli / bacterial systems.

A3 Well-developed working knowledge of research methods, technical models, equipment and techniques relevant to the project/discipline as outlined in the Job Purpose, expression of proteins, purification and characterisation of recombinant proteins and the chemical modification and utilisation of proteins.

Desirable:

B1 Knowledge of the principles of supramolecular or ‘host-guest’ chemistry and how that might be applied to indicator displacement assays

Skills

Essential:

C1 A proven track record in the recombinant expression and purification of proteins (affinity chromatography on an AKTA system, gel filtration or similar) using E. coli, and the ability to troubleshoot expression, folding and solubility issues as they arise.

C2 Skills in characterisation of expressed proteins (gel electrophoresis, mass spectrometry etc) to verify correct production, to publishable standards.

C3 Skills in biophysical characterisation of protein-small molecule interactions, for example isothermal calorimetry or other suitable methods.

C4 Ability to communicate material of a specialist or highly technical nature to both lay and specialist audiences, and to be effective both orally and in writing at a level appropriate to the activity.

C5 Effective organisation skills to manage time, prioritise and deliver appropriate research, teaching and administrative responsibilities in the laboratory

Desirable:

D1 Skills in creating expression vectors via gene cloning and plasmid editing.

D2 Some prior experience in high throughput colorimetric/fluorometric assays and equipment for rapid sample analysis, including plate reading and multichannel pipetting/robotic plate preparation

D3 Skills in data pipeline creation and data visualisation in suitable packages (R, Python, JMP, Matlab or similar).

D4 Skills in creation of Standard Operating Procedures and other laboratory guides for procedures developed

Experience

Essential:

E1 Experience of planning and progressing work activities within professional guidelines or organisational policy, applying initiative and independent judgement.

E2 Developing track record of research outputs compatible with enhancing the School’s research profile, in accordance with School objectives.

E3 Experience of making distinct contributions to identifying and pursuing research funding (or equivalent business development) applications.

E4 Proven commitment to supporting the career development of junior colleagues and peers, and to other forms of collegiality appropriate to the career stage, including some experience of research project supervision (undergraduate, masters etc).

E5 Commitment to open research, as appropriate to the discipline, through open data, open code, open educational resources and practices that support replication.

Desirable:

F1 Hands on experience with running (and potentially setting up) spaces or facilities for protein expression, with knowledge of equipment required. Experience working with lab technical staff and students to support the facility.

F2 Experience working with blood or other complex biological samples as part of an analysis

Closing date:  20 October 2025

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 18 months, with the possibility of being further extended.

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.