Job Purpose
This post, funded by the UKRI-Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) for 2 years, is to investigate the biological function of the ‘orphan' G-protein coupled receptor GPR84 in models of gut inflammatory diseases and fibrosis. Working as part of a multi-disciplinary team you will utilise novel chemical ligands in conjunction with structural and molecular biology-based studies to explore how these ligands activate or block the receptor and validate their potential as therapeutics.
This is an opportunity for a highly motivated Research Scientist to conduct basic research with potential for pre-clinical translation. The candidate will be responsible for pharmacological characterisation and in vitro and in vivo testing of novel agonists/ antagonists to GPR84, to more fully understand the molecular basis underlying GPR84 signalling and regulation. The candidate will be based at University of Glasgow in state-of-the-art laboratories located in the newly built Advanced Research Centre (ARC) in the heart of the University campus.
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
1. Take a leading role in planning and conducting assigned research individually or jointly in accordance with the project deliverables and project/group/School/College research strategy.
2. Conduct structural and molecular biology-based experiments to understand the biological functions of GPR84 signalling.
3. Conduct ex vivo and in vivo physiology measurements in mouse tissue and disease models.
4. Document research outputs including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, drafting technical/progress reports and papers as appropriate.
5. 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.
6. Survey the research literature and environment, understand the research challenges associated with the project & subject area, & develop/implement a suitable research strategy.
7. Presentation of work at international and national conferences, at internal and external seminars, colloquia and workshops to develop and enhance our research profile.
8. 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.
9. Take a leading role in developing and maintaining collaborations with colleagues across the research group/School/College/University and wider community (e.g. academic and industrial Partners).
10. Take a leading role in team/group meetings/seminars/workshops and School research group activities to enhance the wider knowledge, outputs and culture of the School/College.
11. 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.
12. Perform administrative tasks related to the activities of the research group and School, including Budgets/Expenditure.
13. Make a leading contribution to Teaching activities (e.g. demonstrating etc) and associated admin as assigned by the Head of School and in consultation with the Principal Investigators.
14. Keep up to date with current knowledge and recent advances in the field/discipline.
15. Engage in personal, professional and career development, to enhance both specialist and transferable skills in accordance with desired career trajectory.
16. Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the Head of School/ Principal Investigators.
17. Contribute to the enhancement of the University's international profile in line with the University's Strategic Plan, Inspiring People Changing The World.
Knowledge/Qualifications
Essential:
A1. Normally Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 12 (Ph.D.) in Biochemistry/Cell biology or a related discipline or alternatively possess the equivalent in professional qualifications and experience, with experience of personal development in a similar or related role(s)
A2. BSc in Biochemistry/Cell biology or a related discipline
Skills
Essential:
C1. Specialist theoretical and practical knowledge of G protein coupled receptor (GPCR) biology or signalling transduction biology
C2. Knowledge of project-specific technical models, equipment or techniques
C3. Confidence and experience in presenting data internally and externally
C4. Good computing skills in MS Office suite software
C5. Experience in using data analysis software packages and databases
C6. Data management skills; including diligence in documenting work and adherence to data integrity requirements
C7. Excellent interpersonal skills including team working and a collegiate approach
Experience
Essential:
E1. Sufficient depth of relevant research experience, normally including sufficient postdoctoral experience in a related field, appropriate to an early career researcher
E2. Experience of in vitro pharmacological assays
E3. Proven ability to deliver quality outputs in a timely and efficient manner
E4. A track record of presentation and publication of research results in quality journals/conferences
E5. Experience of making a leading contribution in academic activities
E6. 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.
E7. Experience in undertaking independent research
Desirable:
F1. Practical experience in immunohistochemistry and tissue sectioning techniques, microscopy and analysis of images
F2. Experience of in vivo murine disease models, particularly physiological measurements
F3. Experience of ex vivo assays; including mouse tissue disease models and primary cell culture
Informal enquiries may be directed to Professor Graeme Milligan, [email protected]
Terms and Conditions
Salary will be Grade 7, £39,347 - £44,263 per annum.
This post is full time and fixed term for up to 24 months.
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 : 153630 Close Date : 16-Sep-2024 23:45