Research Assistant /Research Associate

at  University of Glasgow

SKILLS

Essential:
C1 Excellent communication skills (oral and written), including public presentations and ability to communicate complex data/concepts clearly and concisely
C2 Excellent interpersonal skills including team working and a collegiate approach
C3 Appropriate workload/time/project/budget/people management skills
C4 Extensive IT and data analysis/interpretation skills as appropriate
C5 Self motivation, initiative and independent thought/working
C6 Problem solving skills including a flexible and pragmatic approach

JOB PURPOSE

You will contribute to/ make a leading contribution to a project ‘Investigating genetic composition of Onchocerca worm infections: Improving the ability to test macrofilaricidal drug efficacy’ working in Prof. Poppy Lamberton’s groups, on a project with Dr Lisa Ranford-Cartwright, Dr Arne Jacobs, Prof. James Cotton, and Prof. Mike Barrett.
The candidate will perform DNA extraction and library preparation on microfilariae for whole-genome sequencing, sequence alignment, bioinformatics and statistical analyses. Using these data the candidate will infer sibling relationships between microfilariae to infer drug treatment efficacy of a new drug being trialled. We will use samples, from cattle and humans pre- and post-treatment. Samples from cattle skins will also be used for spatial analyses and parasite population structure.
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 project as opportunities arise. The candidate will join a multidisciplinary research group which focuses on reducing transmission and improving treatment success for neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), primarily onchocerciasis and schistosomiasis. There is also the potential for two additional years of funding on a schistosomiasis project using population genetics approaches to develop and validate a SNP panel for georeferencing and estimating transmission boundaries. We are committed to supporting diversity and inclusion and strongly encourage applications from underrepresented groups.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Perform the following activities in conjunction with and under the guidance of the Principal/Co Investigator:
1. Plan and conduct assigned research individually or jointly in accordance with the project deliverables and project/group/School/College research strategy.
2. Document research output including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, drafting technical/progress reports and papers as appropriate.
3. Develop and enhance your research profile and reputation and that of The University of Glasgow/School/Research 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Collaborate with colleagues and participate in team/group meetings/seminars/workshops across the research Group/School/College/University and wider community.
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 admin as assigned by the Head of School and in consultation with Principal Investigator.
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 duties of equivalent standing as assigned by the Director of School/PI.
13. Contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University’s Strategic Plan, Inspiring People Changing the World.
For appointment at grade 7:
14. Perform the above duties with a higher degree of independence, leadership and responsibility, particularly in relation to planning, funding, collaborating and publishing research, and mentoring colleagues.
15 Establish and sustain a track record of independent and joint published research to establish and maintain your expert reputation in the subject area.
16. Survey the research literature and environment, understand the research challenges associated with the project & subject area, & develop/implement a suitable research strategy.