Job Purpose
The postholder will join us at the Scottish Centre for Macromolecular Imaging (SCMI, https: // www. gla.ac.uk/research/az/cvr/facilities/scmi/ ). The SCMI is a consortium of 4 Scottish universities with an interest in cryo-EM – University of Dundee, University of Edinburgh, University of St Andrews and University of Glasgow, where we are based. We deliver high-quality single particle and tomography data to users from our consortium partners and externally using our flagship CRYO ARM 300 microscope. We also run a sample preparation laboratory and microscopes for negative staining and cryo- screening. These are mostly used by users from University of Glasgow in our role as their local cryo-EM facility, but are also available for external use. The work is varied, with many projects and users coming through the facility. On average, we have around 30 active users each year, from total beginners through to experienced principal investigators.
The primary role of this post will be to manage operations in our sample preparation laboratory and support our users and other facility staff to conduct cryo-EM experiments and collect high quality data.
The postholder will be an emerging scientist looking to gain experience in biological imaging and structural biology.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
1. Manage our sample preparation laboratory, looking after consumables, chemicals and gases and monitoring the performance of the equipment.
2. Act as a skilled operator for all our electron microscope and as a first line of support for user issues.
3. Induct new users into the facility.
4. Develop expertise and knowledge of the principles and practice of cryo-EM for structural biology.
5. Support the delivery of external training courses to ensure the effective development of the SCMI user community.
6. Take an active role in organising symposia and other SCMI-led events.
7. Assist facility manager and senior scientists with administrative tasks in the facility.
8. Contribute to the preparation of annual reports on SCMI performance for review by the external scientific advisory group.
9. Contribute to research publications in leading international journals and presentations at national and international conferences, thereby enhancing the reputation of the SCMI community, CVR, School, College and University.
Please note that this job description is not exhaustive, and you may be required to undertake other relevant duties commensurate with the grading of the post. Activities may be subject to amendment over time as the role develops and/or priorities and requirements evolve.
Please note that as part of your application you must address and demonstrate how you meet EACH of the essential/desirable criteria. If you do not address each criterion in the format explained below you will not be shortlisted for interview.
Qualifications
Essential:
A1 Ability to demonstrate the competencies required to undertake the duties associated with this level of post having acquired the necessary knowledge and skills in a similar role.
Or: Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 8 Scottish Vocational Qualification level 4, Higher National Diploma or equivalent, and experience of personal development in a similar role.
Desirable:
B2 A postgraduate degree in a relevant biological or physical science.
Knowledge and Skills
Essential:
C1 Knowledge of the principles and practice of cryo-EM.
C2 Demonstrated ability to operate complex laboratory equipment.
C3 Excellent laboratory skills including safe handling of hazardous chemicals.
C4 Organisational and project management skills, including the ability to organise work efficiently.
C5 Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
C6 Highly motivated, ability to use initiative and quick to learn new techniques. C7 Appropriate workload and time management skills.
Desirable:
D1 Skills in the use of Unix-based server systems.
Experience
Essential:
E1 Experience working in a laboratory environment.
E2 Experience conducting imaging experiments.
E3 Experience of trouble-shooting experiments.
E4 Experience in presenting research results to colleagues and peers.
Desirable:
F1 Experience delivering training or teaching in small groups and 1-to-1.
F2 Experience conducting cryo-EM experiments. F3 Experience of working with hazard group 2 pathogens or above.
Additional Details
For enquiries regarding this post please contact the SCMI Facility Manager, Dr James Streetley via email [email protected]
Terms and Conditions
Salary will be Grade 6, £32,332 - £36,024 per annum.
This post is full time and open ended.
The University of Glasgow has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK. If you require a Skilled Worker visa to work in the UK, you will be required to meet the eligibility requirements of the visa route to be assigned a Certificate of Sponsorship.
Please note that this post may be eligible to be sponsored under the Skilled Worker visa route if tradeable points can be used under the Skilled Worker visa rules. For more information please visit: https: // www. gov.uk/skilled- worker-visa
As part of Team UofG you will be a member of a world changing, inclusive community, which values ambition, excellence, integrity and curiosity.
As a valued member of our team, you can expect:
1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.
2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension - pensions handbook https: // www. gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/, benefits and discount packages.
3 A flexible approach to working.
4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University https: // www. gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/.
We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https: // www. gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.
We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https: // www. gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.
We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https: // www. gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.
Vacancy Ref : 145751 Close Date : 04-Jun-2024 23:45