Research Associate

Job title:

Research Associate

Company:

University of Glasgow

Job description

Research AssociateCOLLEGE OF MEDICAL VETERINARY & LIFE SCIENCESSCHOOL OF INFECTION AND IMMUNITYResearch and TeachingGrade 7We are seeking to appoint an experienced Research Associate to work within an MRC funded project on mitochondrial biology in parasites.PLEASE NOTE: the role is split between the School of Infection and Immunity under the supervision of Professor Lilach Sheiner https://lilachsheiner.wixsite.com/sheinerlab-wtcmp and The University of Cambridge under the supervision of Professor Julian Rayner https://www.cimr.cam.ac.uk/staff/professor-julian-rayner-fmedsci. Successful candidate will be expected to spend a long period of time in one city and then in the other (likely starting at Cambridge).Expected start date: 15/01/2025Job PurposeThe purpose of this role is to carry out cutting-edge research to understand mitochondrial biology in Plasmodium falciparum , the major cause of malaria mortality. The first core approach will be to carry out CRISPR/Cas9-guided experimental genetic modification of genes encoding mitochondrial proteins to create lines in which individual (or multiple) genes are tagged or deleted. You will design and generate the vectors needed to modify the P. falciparum genome, transfect and genotype modified lines, and phenotype them using an array of cell-biology and biochemical approaches.A secondary approach that might compose a “side project” is large scale culturing and biochemical isolation of mitochondria and/or mitochondrial complexes.Your primary focus will be on carrying out outstanding academic research leading to impactful papers, providing substantial scope for innovation, creativity and scientific judgement. You will work as part of two highly collaborative teams, and particularly closely with another team member carrying out synergistic biochemical and structural work on the same topic, so collaboration, communication and collegiality are key attributes.Main Duties and Responsibilities1. Design, generate and validate complex genome modification vectors using molecular biology techniques such as Gibson assembly2. Routinely culture Plasmodium parasites and carry out transfections to generate modified lines3. Genotype modified lines and clone by limiting dilution4. Phenotype lines using an array of cell biology and biochemical techniques, such as co-immunoflourescence assays to identify protein localisation, growth assays employing flow cytometry, and co-immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry to identify interacting protein partners5. Provide support and guidance for other members of the team, including graduate students and research assistants, as required6. Contribute to the lab working environment, contributing in a collegial and active manner to matters of organisation and health and safety7. Establish and maintain your research profile and reputation and that of The Universities of Glasgow and Cambridge, including establishing and sustaining a track record of independent and joint publications of international quality in high quality refereed journals, enhancing the research impact in terms of societal benefit, and gathering indicators of esteem.8. Survey the research literature and environment, understand the research challenges associated with the project and subject area, and implement a suitable research strategy.9. Take a leading role in developing and maintaining collaborations with colleagues across the organisations and wider parasitology and cell biology communities.10. Take a leading role in group meetings and organisation research activities to enhance the wider knowledge, outputs and culture of the organisation.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 contribution to teaching activities [eg demonstrating etc] and associated admin.14. Keep up to date with current knowledge and recent advances in the field.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 Director of Research.17. Contribute to the enhancement of both Universities international profile e.g. in line with the University of Glasgow Strategic Plan – World Changers TogetherPlease note that as part of your application you must address and demonstrate how you meet EACH of the essential / desirable criteria**.** If you do not address each criteria in the format explained above you will not be shortlisted for interview.QualificationsEssential:A1. Normally Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 12 [PhD] in Microbiology, Parasitology, cell-biology, or other related fields; or alternatively possess the equivalent in professional qualifications and experience, with experience of personal development in a similar or related role[s]Knowledge and SkillsEssential:C1. A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge related to the field of research.C2. Excellent skills of culturing *Plasmodium *parasites, as evidenced through publication.C3. Skills in fluorescence microscopyC4. Skills in phenotyping (e.g. using flow cytometry)C5. Ability to deliver high-quality scientific outputs, as evidenced through publication.C6. Excellent organization and record keeping skills (E);Desirable:D1. Skills in multiple biochemical and cell-biology techniques (cell fractionation, immunoprecipitation, western, growth assays, enzyme activity assays).D2. Skills with bioinformatic analyses (e.g. analysis of metabolomics data).D3. Familiarity with protein modification and purification techniques.ExperienceEssential:E1. Experience in generating transgenic *Plasmodium *parasite lines – this means having successfully delivered the entire process (designing and producing vectors, transfecting, genotyping, cloning) multiple times, as evidenced through publicationE3. Proven ability to deliver quality outputs in a timely and efficient mannerE4. A track record of presentation and publication of research results in quality journals/conferencesE5. Experience of making a leading contribution in academic activitiesE6. Ability to demonstrate a degree of independence as illustrated by identification of project objectives from assessment of the literature, design and analysis of experiments and drafting of papersE7. Experience in undertaking independent researchDesirableF1. Experience and understanding of UK biological safety regulations and procedures involved in culturing human *Plasmodium *parasites.Further InformationInformal enquiries should be directed to Professor Sheiner via email [email protected]Terms and ConditionsSalary will be Grade 7, £39,347 – £44,263 per annum.This post is full time, and has funding until 14/01/28.As part of Team UofG you will be a member of a world changing, inclusive community, which values ambition, excellence, integrity and curiosity.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.Vacancy Ref : 154710 Close Date : 28-Oct-2024 23:45

Expected salary

£39347 – 44263 per year

Location

Glasgow

Job date

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 22:46:22 GMT

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