Job Purpose
Provide technical assistance to the research group through expertise in molecular biology, protein biochemistry, immunochemistry, protein-protein interactions and physiological assays. The candidate will contribute to day- to-day running of the laboratory and assist with the delivery of research objectives. Responsibilities will include regular laboratory maintenance, ordering, consumable stocking, data collection and digitisation. The candidate will also be expected to support public engagement activities led by the laboratory, contribute to student training and to undertake career development opportunities available to the University of Glasgow staff.
This position is for BBSRC funded research and outreach projects focused on addressing plant responses to climate change in the Karnik laboratory within the School of Molecular Biosciences, in line with the School Strategy. The successful candidate is expected to have proven experience in Molecular Biology, Protein Biochemistry and Laboratory Management.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
1. Provide specialist technical support for routine experimental techniques in molecular biology, protein biochemistry and immunochemistry, microbiology, including preparatory work as member of the research group.
2. Progress technical aspects of research objectives in accordance with pre- determined timescales as set out by the PI.
3. Contribute to the overall smooth and efficient running of the laboratory, co-ordinating purchases within defined budget, cataloguing of research resources and compiling data/information into digital formats as set out by the PI.
4. In liaison with the PI / senior lab members collect digitise data using standard procedures and ensure that accurate records, laboratory lists and catalogues are regularly maintained, and databases are updated accordingly.
5. Diagnose faults and troubleshoot day-to-day problems with equipment and research setups within the lab and organise repairs and carry out appropriate maintenance as required in liaison with the PI/ Research staff.
6. Keep up to date with developments in relevant research/technical areas and within the broader discipline to ensure contribution to research goals is optimised.
7. Maintain appropriate stock levels, indicating to senior staff and working in liaison with the senior staff for preparation of specialised media and samples as required.
8. Ensure safe implementation and ongoing storage of potentially hazardous materials. Where relevant, and in consultation with relevant senior staff, ensure the safe and efficient functioning of the technical work-space 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.
9. Where relevant support with supervision of new staff / students for safe working in the laboratory and contribute to training of new members joining the lab for basic techniques, equipment and standard protocols used in the laboratory. Where required, support with supervision of students within the research group.
10. Help with delivery of public engagement related activities led by the laboratory.
11. Work collaboratively with others, including within the wider College/Institute/School and where relevant with external contacts, to enhance the delivery of the research aims and support the broader strategic aims of the University.
For appointment at Grade 6:
12. Perform the above duties with a higher degree of independence, leadership and responsibility, particularly in relation to expertise, training, collaborating and specialist contributions research outputs.
13 Advise, train and provide guidance to service users in the best application and operation of technical resources, as relevant.
14. Contribute to the acquisition, set up, and maintenance of equipment/systems and the design of analysis strategies, in line with teaching objectives. As necessary, carry out complex data analysis of a range of data, supporting service users to do the same, and identifying trends, problems and anomalies. Present findings clearly.
15. Troubleshoot complex technical issues and provide expert technical guidance to suggest, implement and evaluate improvements to Standard Operating Protocols. Diagnose and rectify faults/problems with specialised equipment, working to safe, professional standards.
16. To attend and contribute specialist technical input to laboratory meetings with the aim of improving service users' experience and providing a modern facility appropriate to teaching objectives.
Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience
Qualifications and Knowledge
Essential:
A1. Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 7 Advanced Higher / Scottish vocational Qualification level 3, Higher National Certificate or equivalent.
A2. Proven experience in working within a Plant Molecular Biosciences Laboratory.
A3. Knowledge of Molecular Biology including cloning, transformation and gene manipulation.
A4. Knowledge of Protein Biochemistry including SDS-PAGE and immunoblot analysis.
A5. Knowledge of Microbiology assays, including transformation
A6. Knowledge of standard laboratory Health and Safety legislation.
For Grade 6
A7. Degree or equivalent in Molecular and Cellular Biology or Protein Biochemistry.
A8. Significant breath or depth of technical knowledge and recognised as an expert a discipline relevant to the project requirements.
A9. Up to date knowledge of relevant legislative requirements applicable to the role, including by not limited to Health and Safety
A10. Knowledge of protein handling and purification.
A11. Knowledge of yeast-based protein-protein interaction assays.
Desirable
B1. Working towards Professional Registration with relevant body.
B2 Membership of a scientific society
B3. Knowledge of Plant Biology.
Skills
Essential:
C1. Basic laboratory management skills.
C2. Proficiency in communication verbal and written (English).
C3. Well-developed analytical and problem-solving capability, capacity to learn new skills including and a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
C4. Proven ability to work within a research team.
C5. Ability to plan and prioritise workload to meet competing demands.
C6. Significant IT skills as proficient user of Microsoft Office applications.
C7. Excellent teamworking skills and where relevant to the post, supervisory skills.
For Grade 6
C8. Significant IT skills, including proficient user of relevant specialist or bespoke software packages.
C9. Demonstrable specialist technical skills aligned to the specified discipline or research project. Details of the discipline/project are as described in the post- specific information and advert.
C10. Proven interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to understand, conceptualise and interpret technical requirements of a research group and adapt own style to meet the needs of others.
Experience
Essential
E1. Proven experience in laboratory-based research in similar roles
E2. Practical experience for using techniques for molecular biology, sample preparation, protein biochemistry, SDS-PAGE and immunoblotting.
E3. Practical experience in Molecular biology including qRT-PCR, transformation and transfection, DNA/RNA handling, gel electrophoresis, cloning.
E4. Experience in bacterial cell culture, buffer preparation, reagent preparation.
For Grade 6
E5. Significant relevant work experience within a similar research environment, including evidence of previous outputs and professional development.
E6. Experience in protein purification and biochemical analysis.
E7. Experience with protein-protein interaction assays, yeast, bacterial and/or pathogen assays and/or membrane transport assays.
E8. Proven experience of operating independently in progressing and delivering research goals within set timescales.
Desirable
F1. Proven experience in working with Xenopus oocyte systems.
F2. Significant experience in physiological data analysis and statistical analysis.
Terms and Conditions
Salary will be UoG Grade 5, £26,038 - £30,505 per annum/ Grade 6, £33,232 - £ 36,924 per annum
This post is full time and fixed term for up to 36 months from start date.
Grade 5: Please note that for this vacancy, the University of Glasgow is unable to progress applications from candidates who require sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa category of the UKVI Points Based System. This is due to the role not meeting UKVI (Home Office) requirements. If you apply for the Grade 5 post you must have the Right to Work in the UK and do not require Skilled Worker Sponsorship through the University of Glasgow.
Grade 6: 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 : 159553 Close Date : 23-Dec-2024 23:45