Research Assistant/Associate
Job Purpose
You will contribute to/make a leading contribution to a project involving pancreatic cancer and gamma delta T cells, working under the mentorship of Prof Seth Coffelt and Prof Jen Morton.
Pancreatic cancer is a devastating disease with poor survival rates. The Coffelt lab has found that a population of gamma delta T cells drives metastasis in mouse models. This project will apply a range of methodologies to investigate the mechanism by which gamma delta T cells support cancer progression.
The successful candidate will also be expected to contribute to the formulation and submission of research publications and research proposals as well as help manage and direct this complex and challenging project as opportunities allow.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
GRADE 6 Duties – incorporate any job specifics at grade 6 level here you can remove/replace some if need be.
Perform the following activities in conjunction with and under the guidance of the Principal/Co Investigator:
1. Plan and conduct assigned research individually or jointly in accordance with the project deliverables and project/group/School/College research strategy.
2. Document research output including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, drafting technical/progress reports and papers as appropriate.
3. Develop and enhance your research profile and reputation and that of The University of Glasgow/School/Research Group, including contributing to 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
Grade 7 Specific
Perform the following activities in conjunction with and under the guidance of the Principal/Co Investigator:
1. Take a leading role in the planning and conduct of assigned research individually or jointly in accordance with the project deliverables of the Coffelt lab and School of Cancer Sciences research strategy.
2. Document research output including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, drafting technical/progress reports and papers as appropriate.
3. Establish and maintain your research profile and reputation and that of The University of Glasgow/ School of Cancer Sciences/Coffelt lab, 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.
4. Contribute to the presentation of work at international and national conferences, at internal and external seminars, colloquia and workshops to develop and enhance our research profile.
5. Contribute to 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.
6. Collaborate with colleagues and participate in team/group meetings/seminars/workshops across the research Group/School/College/University and wider community.
7. Contribute to 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.
8. Perform administrative tasks related to the activities of the research group and School, including Budgets/Expenditure.
9. Carry out modest Teaching activities (e.g demonstrating etc) and associated admin as assigned by the Head of School and in consultation with Principal Investigator.
10. Keep up to date with current knowledge and recent advances in the field/discipline.
11. Engage in continuing professional development activities as appropriate. 12. Undertake any other duties of equivalent standing as assigned by the Head of School/Director of Research Institute.
13. Contribute to the enhancement of the University's international profile in line with the University's Strategic Plan, Inspiring People Changing the World.
For appointment at grade 7 :
14. Perform the above duties with a higher degree of independence, leadership and responsibility, particularly in relation to planning, funding, collaborating and publishing research, and mentoring colleagues. 15 Establish and sustain a track record of independent and joint published research to establish and maintain your expert reputation in the subject area.
16. Survey the research literature and environment, understand the research challenges associated with the project & subject area, & develop/implement a suitable research strategy.
Qualifications
Essential:
A1 SCQF Level 10 (Honours degree) in a relevant subject or a cognate discipline, or equivalent.
A2 Specialist theoretical and practical knowledge of some of xxx (project specific)
A3 A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of the wider subject area or subject specialism
Desirable:
B1 An awarded (or recently submitted or near completion) PhD in subject specialism or equivalent
For appointment at grade 7:
Essential:
A4 Normally Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 12 (PhD) or alternatively possess the equivalent in professional qualifications and experience, with experience of personal development in a similar or related role(s)
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
Essential:
C1. A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of current issues and future directions within cancer and/or cancer immunology research.
C2. Knowledge of genetically engineered mouse models and downstream analytical pipelines, including but not limited to flow cytometry and advanced imaging.
C3. Sufficient depth of relevant research experience, normally including sufficient research experience in a related field, appropriate to an early career researcher.
C4. A broad set of well-honed skills appropriate for cancer research and career stage.
C5. Excellent communication skills (oral and written), including public presentations and ability to communicate complex data/concepts clearly and concisely
C6 Excellent interpersonal skills including team working and a collegiate approach
C7 Appropriate workload/time/project/budget/people management skills
C8 Extensive IT and data analysis/interpretation skills as appropriate.
C9 Self motivation, initiative and independent thought/working
C10 Problem solving skills including a flexible and pragmatic approach
For appointment at grade 7:
Essential :
C11 A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of current issues and future directions within the wider subject area or subject specialism
C12 Knowledge of project specific technical models, equipment or techniques
C13 Sufficient depth of relevant research experience, normally including sufficient research experience in a related field, appropriate to an early career researcher
Experience
Essential:
E1 A minimum of 3 years practical experience in a relevant research laboratory setting.
E2. Proven ability to deliver quality outputs (data, figures, conference abstracts, manuscripts) in a timely and efficient manner.
E3. A track record of presentation and publication of research results in quality journals and/or conferences, appropriate for career stage.
E4. Experience of making a leading contribution in academic activities.
E5. Ability to demonstrate a degree of independence as illustrated by identification of project objectives from assessment of the literature, design & analysis of experiments & drafting of papers.
E6. Experience in undertaking independent research.
E7. Commitment to open research, as appropriate to the discipline, through open data, open code, open educational resources and practices that support replication.
E8. Demonstrable commitment to supporting the career development of colleagues and to other forms of collegiality appropriate to the career stage.
For appointment at grade 7:
Essential :
E9 A track record of presentation and publication of research results in quality journals/conferences
E10 Experience of making a leading contribution in academic activities E8 Ability to demonstrate a degree of independence as illustrated by identification of project objectives from assessment of the literature, design & analysis of experiments & drafting of papers.
E11 Experience in undertaking independent research
Desirable :
F1 An emerging national or international reputation
Please note that as part of your application you must address and demonstrate how you meet EACH of the essential/desirable criteria.
Terms and Conditions
Salary: Grade 6/7, £32,332 - £36,024/£39,347 - £44,263 per annum
This position is Fixed Term and available on a full-time basis until 29 May 2026.
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 : 138450 Close Date : 12-Feb-2024 23:45