Research Associate

at  University of Glasgow

JOB PURPOSE

This post, funded by the UKRI-Medical Research Council (MRC) for 3 years, is to investigate the fundamental cellular and molecular mechanisms that control storage and release of fatty acids in the context of obesity-related metabolic disorders. This project builds on our preliminary results that Free Fatty Acid receptors 2 and 4 (FFA2/4), members of the G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) family, are located and function inside cells to sense released fatty acids and inhibit lipolysis. Working as part of a multi-disciplinary team and in collaboration with Professor Davide Calebiro, University of Birmingham, and Professor David Hodson, University of Oxford, you will utilise state-of-the-art cell signalling, pharmacology and advanced imaging techniques with innovative cell and mouse disease models to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and physiological relevance of this novel potential modality of ‘intracrine’ FFA2/4 signalling.
This is an opportunity for a highly motivated Research Scientist to conduct basic research with potential for pre-clinical translation. The candidate will be responsible for pharmacological characterisation and in vitro and in vivo testing of novel agonists/ antagonists of FFA2 and FFA4 to more fully understand the molecular basis underlying storage and release of fatty acids as well as assessing how the balance of ‘intracrine’ versus ‘paracrine’ might vary between white and brown adipose tissue and in various disease states. The candidate will be based at University of Glasgow in state-of-the-art laboratories located in the newly built Advanced Research Centre (ARC) in the heart of the University campus.
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 complex and challenging project as opportunities allow.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Take a leading role in planning and conducting assigned research individually or jointly in accordance with the project deliverables and project/group/School/College research strategy.
2. Conduct cellular and molecular biology-based experiments to understand the biological functions of ‘intracrine’ FFA2/4 signalling.
3. Conduct ex vivo and in vivo physiological measurements in mouse tissue and disease models.
4. Document research outputs including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, drafting technical/progress reports and papers as appropriate.
5. Establish and maintain your research profile and reputation and that of University of Glasgow/ School/ Research Group, including establishing and sustaining a track record of independent and joint 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.
6. Survey the research literature and environment, understand the research challenges associated with the project & subject area, & develop/implement a suitable research strategy.
7. Presentation of work at international and national conferences, at internal and external seminars, colloquia and workshops to develop and enhance our research profile.
8. Take a leading role in 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.
9. Take a leading role in developing and maintaining collaborations with colleagues across the research group/School/College/University and wider community (e.g. academic and industrial Partners).
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. Perform administrative tasks related to the activities of the research group and School, including Budgets/Expenditure.
13. Make a leading contribution to Teaching activities (e.g. demonstrating etc) and associated admin as assigned by the Head of School and in consultation with the Principal Investigators.
14. Keep up to date with current knowledge and recent advances in the field/discipline.
15. Engage in personal, professional and career development, to enhance both specialist and transferable skills in accordance with desired career trajectory.
16. Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the Head of School/ Principal Investigators.
17. Contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University’s Strategic Plan, Inspiring People Changing The World.