RESEARCH ASSISTANT
COLLEGE OF MVLS
School of Infection & Immunity
Research and Teaching
Grade 6
Job Purpose
The post holder will join 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/) working with Principal Investigator, Dr Stephen Carter (https: // www. gla.ac.uk/research/az/cvr/aboutus/people/researchgroups/cartergroup/). This post is in partnership with Prof. Jim Norman and Martin Bushell at the Cancer Research UK-Scotland Institute in Glasgow, one of the world's leading cancer research centres. It supports cutting-edge discovery research into the molecular mechanisms of cancer development.
This ambitious project is funded for 5 years by an MRC Programme Grant and is focussed on investigating how regulation of the mRNA translation machinery influences initiation of hepatocellular carcinoma. We are looking to recruit a structural or cellular biologist to lead the ultrastructural arm of the project using cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) combined with cryogenic correlated light and electron microscopy (cryo-CLEM) and cryo-focused ion beam (cryo-FIB) milling. This programme will involve state-of-the-art imaging approaches to visualise molecular details of the intricate relationships between the mRNA translation and membrane trafficking machineries. The successful candidate will be trained in how to apply cryo-ET coupled with fluorescence to map key functional proteins and contribute to the study of how regulation of the mRNA translation machinery influences initiation of hepatocellular carcinoma. The ideal candidate will have experience in molecular biology, cryo-EM sample preparation techniques, processing skills of EM images, and self-motivated in designing and executing cryo-ET experiments.
The CVR has access to instrumentation in the Scottish Centre for Macromolecular Imaging (SCMI), such as the JEOL CRYO ARM 300 electron microscope, Leica EM GP2, a cryo-FIB instrument with a Quorum transfer stage, and the Leica THUNDER Imager EM cryo-CLEM microscope. This technology will allow the candidate to develop their skills to target events that happen deep in the cell so we can see more of the molecular mechanisms through which mRNA translation rates alter Golgi-transport, endocytosis and endocytic sorting in hepatocytes.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Perform the following activities in conjunction with and under the guidance of the Principal Investigators (PIs), Dr Stephen Carter (CVR), Prof. Jim Norman and Martin Bushell at the Cancer Research UK-Scotland Institute in Glasgow
1. Collaborate with colleagues and participate in team/group/meetings/seminars/workshops with our Cancer Research UK-Scotland Institute partners, with the MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research (CVR) and wider community.
2. Plan and conduct assigned research individually or jointly in accordance with the project deliverables and the research strategy of the MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research (CVR) and the Cancer Research UK- Scotland Institute.
3. Document research output including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, drafting technical/progress reports and papers as appropriate.
4. Develop and enhance your research profile and reputation and that of the CVR, 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
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 administration as assigned by the CVR Director and in consultation with the Principal Investigators.
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 reasonable duties as required by the Director of the CVR and/or Principal Investigators
13. Contribute to the enhancement of the University's international profile in line with the University's Strategic Plan, World Changers Together.
These key tasks are not intended to be exhaustive but simply highlight a number of major tasks which the staff member may reasonably be expected to perform.
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, Knowledge, Skills and Experience
Qualifications
Essential:
A1. Scottish Credit and Qualification level 10 (Honours degree or equivalent) in a biological science or other relevant subject. May be working towards a post-graduate qualification such as a Masters (Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 11) or PhD (Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 12). Or Equivalent professional qualifications in a relevant academic/research discipline, and experience of personal development in a similar role.
Desirable:
B1. Working towards or completed a PhD in cell biology, structural biology or related field, such as X-ray crystallography or NMR.
Knowledge and Skills
Essential:
C1. A strong background in cellular or structural biology data collection and image processing.
C2. Research creativity and cross-discipline collaborative ability as appropriate.
C3. Excellent interpersonal skills including team working and a collegiate approach.
C4. Excellent communication skills (oral and written), including public presentation and the ability to communicate complex concepts clearly and concisely.
C5. A high degree of competence in English scientific writing and speaking.
C6. Appropriate workload/time/project/budget/people management skills.
C7. IT and data analysis/interpretation skills as appropriate.
C8. Highly motivated, able to use initiative and quick to learn new techniques.
C9 Creative, flexible and pragmatic approach to solving research problems.
Desirable:
D1. Knowledge of cryo-CLEM.
D2. Knowledge of image segmenting within 3D volumes using Imaris or Amira.
D3. Laboratory data handling and management skills; for example, statistical analysis (Excel, R, Python, Prism etc).
Experience
Essential:
E1. Sufficient breadth and/or depth of knowledge in the specialist subject discipline and of research/teaching methods and techniques to work in virology, demonstrated through relevant work experience.
E2. Proven ability to deliver quality outputs (such as publications) in a timely and efficient manner.
E3. Experience preparing data for publication and writing publications.
E4. Evidence of an emerging track record of publications in a relevant field.
Desirable:
F1. Experience in aseptic tissue culture.
F2. Experience with writing and implementing scripts using Python etc.
F3. Experience with purification of viruses.
Informal enquiries about this post may be directed to Dr Stephen Carter ([email protected])
Terms and Conditions
Salary will be Grade 6, £32,332 - £36,024 per annum.
This post is full time, and has funding until 30 April 2029
As part of Team UofG you will be a member of a world changing, inclusive community, which values ambition, excellence, integrity and curiosity.
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 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 : 154729 Close Date : 07-Oct-2024 23:45