Research Assistant​/Associate

Join to apply for the Research Assistant/Associate role at University of Glasgow

• Posted 03 December 2025
• Salary Grade 6/7: £33,951 - £37,694 / £41,064 - £46,049 per annum
• Location:
  
  Glasgow
• Job Type: Research and Teaching
• Reference: 188253
• Expiry: 09 January 2026 at 23:45

Use mathematical modelling to understand the molecular mechanisms of plant cold sensing, thus providing a foundation for breeding more climate‑change‑resistant crops. This project will be for 36 months, under the supervision of Dr Rea Antoniou‑Kourounioti and Prof Matt Jones.

The research associate will develop predictive and testable mathematical models to simulate plant cold response. These models will range from the regulation of a single gene, to a gene regulatory network, and even to include the interplay between this network and other processes, such as the circadian clock and growth. These models will predict the consequence of environmental and genetic changes, and these predictions will be tested experimentally.

Therefore, this work will increase our biological understanding through cycles of modelling and experiments. The research associate will utilise their expertise in mathematical modelling and receive training in experimental design and wet‑lab techniques, thus gaining experience in both aspects of the aforementioned cycle.

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.

• Plan and conduct assigned research individually or jointly, in a timely manner and in accordance with the project deliverables and project/group research strategy.
• Communicate effectively and clearly with experimental biologists to build realistic mathematical models and to explain the modelling process, results and limitations.
• Develop and simulate mathematical models at different scales depending on the underlying biological question, and refine these models based on experimental data.
• Analyse and interpret data from biological experiments and become actively involved in the laboratory later in the project.
• Document research outputs including model and code versions, analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, drafting technical/progress reports and papers as appropriate.
• Develop and enhance your research profile and reputation and that of The University of Glasgow/ School/ Research Group, including contributing to 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.
• Presentation of work at international and national conferences, at internal and external seminars, colloquia and workshops to develop and enhance our research profile.
• Contribute to 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.
• Collaborate with colleagues and participate in team/group meetings/seminars/workshops across the research group/School/College/University and wider community (e.g. Academic and Industrial Partners).
• Carry out modest teaching activities [e.g. demonstrating etc.] and associated admin as assigned by the Head of School and in consultation with Principal Investigator.
• Contribute to 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.
• Perform administrative tasks related to the activities of the research group and School, including budgets/expenditure.
• Keep up to date with current knowledge and recent advances in the field/discipline.
• Engage in personal, professional and career development, to enhance both specialist and transferable skills in accordance with desired career trajectory.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the Head of School/ Principal Investigators.
• Contribute to the enhancement of the…