Research Assistant​/Associate

Research Assistant or Research Associate

COLLEGE OF Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences

SCHOOL OF Molecular Biosciences

GRADE 6 or GRADE 7 – with appointment depending on experience

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Researcher to join a multi-disciplinary team focused on advancing our understanding of neurological processes such as learning, memory, locomotion and anxiety under the regulation of the muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) family. This research, funded by Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), aims to test the hypothesis that mAChRs employ different signalling modalities in distinct brain regions/circuits to deliver specific neurological responses in a manner that can be exploited pharmacologically.

This research has the potential to inform the rational design of next-generation treatments for complex diseases such as schizophrenia and dementia.

This role offers an exciting opportunity to work at the interface of molecular pharmacology, cell biology, and in vivo neuroscience/physiology. The successful candidate will be responsible for determining region-specific signalling modes that underlie neurophysiological responses including memory and leraning.

The candidate will join Professor Andrew Tobin’s research group at the Centre for Translational Pharmacology based in state-of-the-art laboratories located in the newly built Advanced Research Centre (ARC) in the heart of the University of Glasgow campus

• 1. Plan and conduct assigned research individually or in concert with the wider research team.
• 2. Conduct neuroanatomy studies and molecular biology-based experiments to understand the biological functions of muscarinic receptor signalling.
• 3. Conduct in vivo mouse disease models including behavioural experiments
• 4. Conduct ex vivo analysis of tissue.
• 5. Conduct in vitro pharmacological assays to characterise muscarinic ligands
• 6. Document research outputs including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, drafting technical/progress reports and papers as appropriate.
• 7. Establish and maintain your research profile and reputation and that of University of Glasgow/ School/ Research Group, including establishing and sustaining a track record of independent and joint publications of international quality in high profile/quality refereed journals, enhancing the research impact in terms of economic/societal benefit, and gathering indicators of esteem.
• 8. Survey the research literature and environment, understand the research challenges associated with the project & subject area, & develop/implement a suitable research strategy.
• 9. Presentation of work at international and national conferences, at internal and external seminars, colloquia and workshops to develop and enhance our research profile.
• 10. Engage in personal, professional and career development, to enhance both specialist and transferable skills in accordance with desired career trajectory.

• 11. Take a leading role in the direction of all daily research activities related to the project and coordinate activities across the team.
• 12. Take a leading role in 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.
• 13. Take a leading role in developing and maintaining collaborations with colleagues across the School/College/University and wider community (e.g. academic and industrial partners).
• 14. Take a leading role in group meetings/seminars/workshops and School research group activities to enhance the wider knowledge, outputs and culture of the School/College.
• 15. 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.
• 16. Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the Principal Investigator.
• 17. Contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University’s Strategic Plan, World Changers…