Job Purpose
The School of Infection and Immunity (https: // www. gla.ac.uk/schools/infectionimmunity/) MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research (CVR) (https:// www. cvr.ac.uk/) is seeking to appoint a Research Technician to carry out research on the interaction of mosquitoes, symbionts, viruses and the mammalian host immune response. The post holder will be working under the supervision of Dr Daniella Lefteri and Prof Steven Sinkins. The main research focus of the group is to use inherited symbionts to develop and improve novel control methods for controlling mosquito-borne diseases; research is carried out in mosquito colonies, mosquito cell lines and mice. The research aims to better understand the interactions between the mosquito host, the viruses they transmit, endosymbionts response by examining how these factors interact and the effect they have on virus transmission and the mammalian immune response.
The post holder will provide in-depth technical expertise and support in one or more of the following areas: mosquito culture / maintenance and manipulation, including research on interactions with symbionts and pathogens, mosquito and cell line culture; molecular biology; in vivo mouse work.
The role will also involve supporting the research of the group and carrying out research projects involving data collection and analysis.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
1. Provide in-depth technical support to academic and student service users within the specified discipline or assigned research project. Contribute to the overall smooth and efficient running of the laboratory and / or insectary to ensure an excellent experience for service users.
2. Provide in-depth technical knowledge, solutions, and advice to service users to maximise the learning experience and/or contribute to the delivery of research objectives. 3. Develop, create and test new equipment, systems, procedures, protocols, models and/or techniques. Diagnose faults and troubleshoot day-to-day problems carrying out appropriate maintenance as required.
4. Design, plan and organise technical activities to meet the needs of service users within agreed timescales.
5. Liaise with PI to monitor technical standards. Advise, implement and evaluate improvements to existing protocols as required.
6. Collect, analyse and interpret data using standard procedures and ensure that accurate records are kept, and databases are updated accordingly. Present findings accurately; this may include research and/or teaching related data.
7. Advise, train and provide guidance to service users on the best application and operation of technical resources.
8. Where relevant, maintain appropriate stock levels, including appropriate preparation of specialised media and samples as required, and purchase consumables and supplies within defined budget.
9. Ensure safe implementation and ongoing storage of potentially hazardous materials.
10. Where relevant, and in consultation with relevant senior staff, ensure the safe and efficient functioning of the technical workspace and facilities. This includes, but is not limited to, supporting the completion of risk assessments and COSHH assessments, ensuring that all Health and Safety paperwork is completed timeously and recorded accurately, and implementing and adhering to all applicable health and safety policies, including specialist legal procedures for certain materials.
11. Supervise junior staff, where appropriate, and instruct, train and provide guidance to research staff and students in the techniques and operation of equipment and apparatus as directed by the PI.
12. Collaborate with colleagues and participate in team meetings/discussions and contribute to the wider College/School activities as required.
13. Keep up to date with advances in the relevant discipline and apply this knowledge to technical activities to further enhance the learning experience and/or contribute to the delivery of research aims.
14. Be aware of and comply with Equality and Diversity policies of the University of Glasgow.
The above duties are not exhaustive, and the post-holder will be required to undertake any other relevant duties as required by the PI/line manager which are commensurate with the grade of the post.
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 criteria then you will not be shortlisted for interview
Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills and Experience
Qualifications/Knowledge Essential:
A1 Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 7 (Advanced Higher/Scottish Vocational Qualification level 3, Higher National Certificate) or equivalent, in a relevant subject such as biology or chemistry and experience of personal development in a similar role. Or 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.
A2 Up-to-date knowledge of relevant laboratory Health and Safety practices and of relevant laboratory Health and Safety legislation.
Desirable:
B1 BSc/MSc in virology, microbiology, molecular biology, cell biology or a related subject.
B2 Extensive knowledge pertaining to the area of research in virology/microbiology/molecular biology/cell biology or a related area.
Skills
Essential:
C1 Detailed technical knowledge and skills in molecular biology, or virology or cell culture or insect research.
C2 Demonstrable in-depth technical skills aligned to the specified discipline or assigned research project (e.g. in mosquito research methodologies).
C3 IT, including familiarity with Microsoft Office programs and relevant databases.
C4 Well-developed analytical and problem solving capability, including high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
C5 Proven interpersonal and communication skills.
C6 Excellent team working skills.
C7 Ability to plan and prioritise workload to meet competing demands.
Desirable:
D1 Skills in mosquito rearing.
D2 Skills in molecular biology techniques such as RNA extractions and qPCR.
Experience
Essential:
E1 Relevant experience within a similar environment, including evidence of previous professional development.
E2 Experience of understanding and interpreting the technical requirements of service users and implementing appropriate methods of achieving their needs.
E3 Experience of planning and organising own workload to meet the needs of service users.
Desirable:
F1 Experience working with mosquitoes.
F2 Experience in cell culture.
F3 Experience in virology
Terms and Conditions
Salary will be Grade 5, £26,038 - £30,505 per annum.
This post is full time and has funding for up to 36 months from the start date in first instance.
Enquiries about this post may be directed to Dr Daniella Lefteri, [email protected]
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 : 158392 Close Date : 02-Dec-2024 23:45