Research Assistant/Associate Job Glasgow area,Scotland UK,Research/Development

Job Purpose

Job Purpose

We have an exciting research opportunity for a Research Assistant / Associate to join our team in the School of Infection & Immunity.

The purpose of this role is to carry out cutting-edge research to understand organelle biology in apicomplexan parasites (Toxoplasma gondii and/or Plasmodium falciparum). The core approaches will be to carry out CRISPR/Cas9-guided experimental genetic modification of genes encoding organellar proteins to create lines in which individual (or multiple) genes are tagged or deleted and to follow up with biochemical and cell biology methods for phenotypic analysis.

You will design and generate the vectors needed to modify the parasite genomes, transfect and genotype modified lines, and phenotype them using an array of cell-biology and biochemical approaches;
Another key approach 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 within a highly collaborative team, be expected to interact closely with other team members carrying out synergistic work on the same topic, so collaboration, communication and collegiality are key attributes. At the same time you will work independently with a “hands-off” management style, so proactive approach, high self-motivation, resourcefulness and strong drive to achieve academic goals are also highly important attributes.

Main

Duties and Responsibilities

Design, generate and validate complex genome modification vectors using molecular biology techniques

Routinely culture Plasmodium or Toxoplasma parasites and carry out transfections to generate modified lines

Genotype modified lines and clone by limiting dilution

Phenotype lines using an array of cell biology and biochemical techniques, such PCR, western, qRT-PCR, co-immunoflourescence, flow cytometry, and co-immunoprecipitation

Provide support and guidance for other members of the team, including graduate students and research assistants, as required

Contribute to the lab working environment, contributing in a collegial and active manner to matters of organisation and health and safety

Establish and maintain your research profile and reputation and that of The University of Glasgow, 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.

Survey the research literature and environment, understand the research challenges associated with the project and subject area, and implement a suitable research strategy.

Take a leading role in developing and maintaining collaborations with colleagues across the organisations and wider parasitology and cell biology communities.

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

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 and School, including budgets/expenditure.

Make a contribution to teaching activities [eg demonstrating etc] and associated admin.

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

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 Director of Research.

Contribute to the enhancement of the university’s international profile e.g. in line with the University of Glasgow Strategic Plan – World Changers Together

For appointment at Grade 7

Perform the above duties with a higher degree of independence, leadership and responsibility, particularly in relation to initiating, planning, funding, creating…


Increase/decrease your Search Radius (miles)



Job Posting Language

Research Assistant​/Associate

Research Assistant/Associate