Research Associate, Research Scientist, Clinical Research

Job Purpose

To make a leading contribution to the project “Identifying cellular and molecular tissue mechanisms and biomarkers that drive the onset of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in individuals at risk of RA ( study), funded by Arthritis UK. The successful candidate will work under the supervision of Professor Mariola Kurowska‑Stolarska (Principal Investigator) at the University of Glasgow in collaboration with postdoctoral fellows and their supervisors:
Professor Stefano Alivernini (Co‑investigator) at Gemelli Hospital in Rome, and Professors Kim Midwood and Christopher Buckley (Co‑investigators) at the University of Oxford. The candidate will be expected to lead a specific research stream in this multi‑centre project that aims to identify the mechanisms that drive the localisation of inflammation in the joints. The project is based on a bed‑to‑bench‑and‑back approach, utilising human tissue single‑cell and spatial multi‑omics, engineered CAR‑T cells, human organoids, and unique transgenic mouse models.

The candidate will also contribute to the preparation and submission of research publications and proposals and will take responsibility for managing the human tissue biobank and mouse strains supporting the project.

For more information about these projects please see here.

• Take a leading role in planning and conducting assigned research stream, individually or jointly, in accordance with the project deliverables and the Kurowska‑Stolarska & Alivernini group, the Infection & Immunity School, and the MVLS College research strategy.
• Document all research outputs, including raw data, and conduct data analysis and interpretation. Maintain accurate records and databases and prepare technical and progress reports and papers as requested by the Principal Investigator, in accordance with the Data Management Plan of the Kurowska‑Stolarska & Alivernini group and the University of Glasgow.
• Establish and maintain your research profile and reputation, as well as that of the Kurowska‑Stolarska & Alivernini group, the Infection & Immunity School, and the MVLS College at the University of Glasgow. This includes building and sustaining a track record of internationally competitive publications in high‑quality, peer‑reviewed journals, enhancing research impact in terms of economic and societal benefit (particularly in advancing arthritis prevention), and gathering indicators of esteem.
• Regularly survey the research literature and environment, understand the research challenges associated with the project & subject area, & develop/implement a suitable research strategy.
• Presentation of work at international and national conferences, at internal and external seminars, and workshops to develop and enhance our research profile.
• Take a leading role in the identification of potential funding sources and to assist the PI in the development of proposals to secure funding from internal and external bodies to support future research.
• Take a leading role in developing and maintaining collaborations with colleagues across the research groups in the School of Infection and Immunity, MVLS College, The University and wider community (e.g. Academic and Industrial Partners).
• 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 Research Group/School/College.
• 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.
• Perform administrative tasks related to the activities of the research group, including managing mice strains, human tissue biobank, lab orders and keeping the record of expenditure of the grant.
• Make a leading contribution to Teaching activities (e.g. demonstrating at labs run by the PI, running journal clubs for undergraduates) and associated admin as requested by the Principal Investigator.
• Keep up to date with current knowledge and recent advances in the field of Immunology, tolerance and dendritic cell biology or CAR‑T cells.
• Engage in…