Research Associate, Research Scientist

Join to apply for the Research Associate role at University of Glasgow
. Posted 08 December 2025. Expiry 11 January 2026 at 23:45.

To make a leading contribution to the project “The role of synovial tissue macrophage VSIG4 in regulating joint immune homeostasis”, funded by UKRI-MRC 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 Professor Megan Mac Leod (Co-investigator) at the University of Glasgow.

• Lead the planning and execution of a specific research stream within the project, in line with project deliverables and the research strategy of the Kurowska‑Stolarska & Alivernini group, the Infection & Immunity School, and the MVLS College.
• Document all research outputs, conduct data analysis and interpretation, maintain accurate records and databases, and prepare technical and progress reports and publications as requested by the Principal Investigator in accordance with the Data Management Plan.
• Build and sustain a track record of internationally competitive publications in high‑quality, peer‑reviewed journals to enhance research impact and the reputation of the group and the university.
• Regularly survey the research literature and environment, identify research challenges, and develop and implement a suitable research strategy.
• Present work at international and national conferences, internal and external seminars, and workshops.
• Identify potential funding sources and assist the PI in developing proposals to secure funding from internal and external bodies.
• Develop and maintain collaborations with colleagues across the School of Infection and Immunity, MVLS College, the university, and the wider community (e.g., academic and industrial partners).
• Lead the organization, supervision, mentoring and training of undergraduate and/or postgraduate students and less experienced team members to ensure their effective development.
• Perform administrative tasks related to the activities of the research group, including managing mouse strains, the human tissue biobank, lab orders, and keeping records of grant expenditure.
• Contribute to teaching activities (e.g., demonstrating lab work run by the PI, running journal clubs for undergraduates) and associated administration as requested by the Principal Investigator.
• Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of current advances in Immunology, tissue homeostasis and tissue resident macrophage biology.
• 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 PI or Head of School.
• Contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University’s Strategic Plan, "Inspiring People Changing The World".

• Normally SCQF level 12 in biological sciences (PhD) plus a track record of emerging independence within immunology or similar, or professional qualifications and experience equivalent to PhD level with the requisite experience.
• Knowledge of tissue resident macrophage subsets/phenotypic clusters biology and their interactions with stromal and neuronal tissue niche.
• Sufficient depth of inducible transgenic animal models and/or arthritis models, normally including postdoctoral experience relevant to an early‑career researcher.
• Comprehensive and up‑to‑date knowledge of current tissue 3D imaging approaches to study interactions of tissue resident macrophages with fibroblasts and sensory neurons.
• Depth of CRISPR‑Cas9 based gene editing in primary cells (especially targeting epigenetic changes such as CRISPR‑Cas9 fused with DNMT3A or TET), normally including sufficient postdoctoral experience for an early‑career researcher.

• Practical knowledge of 3D tissue imaging, including 3D whole‑mount tissue imaging.
• Practical skills in conducting and analysing tissue…