Research Assistant/Associate

at  University of Glasgow

FOR GRADE 7 APPOINTMENT:

1. Take a leading role in developing and maintaining collaborations with colleagues in the Monckton group, funders, industrial partners, and academic colleagues.
2. 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
3. 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.

JOB PURPOSE

To contribute to/make a leading contribution to the project ‘Somatic instability in Huntington disease’ working with Professor Darren Monckton. Professor Monckton’s team use human genetic analyses of large patient cohorts, and analysis of cell and animal models to define the role of somatic expansion and reveal genetic modifiers of Huntington disease. The successful candidate will join an ongoing research program to provide molecular biological, genetic, bioinformatic and data analysis expertise to the research team. The successful candidate(s) will also be expected to contribute to the formulation and submission of research reports, publications, and research proposals, as well as help manage and direct this complex and challenging project as opportunities allow.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Support research within the group to further our understanding of the genetic basis of Huntington disease.
2. Perform statistical analysis of large data sets, using appropriate bioinformatics tools.
3. Perform laboratory experiments using appropriate molecular biology and genetic methodologies and interpret the results.
4. Document research output, including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, and drafting regular progress reports for funders.
5. Be responsible for safety management related to the organisation and running of laboratory and/or experimental techniques, equipment, and processes as appropriate.
6. Develop and enhance your research profile and reputation and that of the University of Glasgow/Monckton 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.
7. Develop personal skills, training, and experience for career advancement.
8. Survey the research literature and environment, understand the research challenges associated with the project and subject area, and develop/implement a suitable research strategy.
9. Enhance the University’s international profile in line with its Strategic Plan, “Inspiring People; Changing the World”.
10. Contribute towards developing and maintaining collaborations with colleagues in the Monckton group, funders, industrial partners, and academic colleagues.
11. Present research at internal/external meetings with funders, international and national conferences, and at internal and external seminars, to develop and enhance our research profile.
12. Contribute to the supervision, mentoring and training of undergraduate and/or postgraduate students and less experienced members of the project team to ensure their effective development.