Job Purpose
The post holder will be required to provide in-depth technical support in parasitology and entomology to academic staff and students, based in the Joseph Black Building, Gilmorehill Campus and is part of the School of Biodiversity, One Health and Vet Medicine (SBOHVM).
The post-holder will be working under the supervision of four Principal Investigators within the School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine (Dr. Lisa Ranford-Cartwright, Dr. Francesco Baldini, Dr. Virginia Howick, Prof. Heather Ferguson).
This appointment will involve work associated with Anopheles mosquito rearing and malaria parasite research. The successful candidate will provide advice on the creation, set up and best operation of research work, apparatus and equipment associated with our insectary, and will contribute towards the delivery of research objectives. Day to day work will include maintaining several colonies of Anopheles mosquitoes and providing technical support for malaria parasite tissue culture. In addition, the postholder will undertake a range of technical support activities including general laboratory housekeeping in line with requirements of the insectary and associated biological research laboratory environment.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
1. To provide in-depth technical support to academic and student lab users within the field of parasitology and entomology, in respect of our Anopheles – Malaria parasite facility. Contribute to the overall smooth and efficient running of the insectary to ensure an excellent experience for users.
2. Maintain Anopheles mosquito colonies including management of the insects (this may include some weekend/holiday work for the maintenance of colonies as part of a rota), maintenance of insectary equipment and facilities, and engaging with estates maintenance. Training of students and staff in insect work as required. Stocking/reordering of consumables.
3. Support running of the biohazard Cat 3 facility, including safety, maintenance of equipment, management of MSC fumigation and servicing, processing of human blood samples and serum as part of parasite research work, relevant waste disposal.
4. Manage general tasks for the facility, including basic maintenance of general laboratory equipment and facilities, diagnose faults and troubleshoot day-to-day problems relating to equipment, techniques, procedures and protocols. Carrying out appropriate maintenance and supervising external maintenance as required. Management of entry fobs and locker keys for Cat 3 facility, maintenance of microscopes, general cleanliness, managing lab coat washing.
5. In liaison with the PIs (Principal Investigators), advise, implement, and evaluate improvements to existing protocols as required.
6. Collect, analyze and interpret data using standard procedures and ensure that accurate research records are kept, and databases are updated accordingly.
7. Supervise junior staff where appropriate, and instruct, train, and provide guidance to research staff and students in mosquito rearing and parasite culture techniques, operation of equipment and apparatus, as directed by the supervisors or PIs.
8. Contribute to the well-organized functioning of the laboratory in maintaining the stock levels and purchasing consumables and supplies, within budget, and in consultation with other members of the group.
9. In consultation with relevant senior staff, ensure the safe and efficient functioning of the technical workspace 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, as determined by the university and the Health and Safety Executive.
10. Collaborate with colleagues and participate in team meetings/discussions and School research group activities.
11. Be aware and comply with Equality and Diversity policies of the University of Glasgow.
The above duties are not exhaustive and the postholder will be required to undertake any other relevant duties as required by the line manager which are commensurate with the grade of the post.
Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills, and Experience
Knowledge/Qualifications
Essential:
1. Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 7 (Advanced Higher / Scottish vocational Qualification level 3, Higher National Certificate) or equivalent, and experience of personal development in a similar role.
2. Ability to demonstrate the competencies required to undertake the duties associated with this post having acquired the necessary knowledge and skills in a similar role in the field of Parasitology/Entomology.
3. Up to date knowledge of relevant laboratory Health and Safety legislation/policies.
Desirable:
1. Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 9 (BSc Degree, SVQ level 4) or equivalent in relevant scientific discipline.
2. Practical knowledge of mosquito and/or malaria parasite life cycles.
3. Knowledge of Equality and Diversity policy.
Skills
Essential:
1. Expertise in maintaining colonies of invertebrates such as mosquitoes in an insectary.
2. Numeracy, literacy and IT skills including familiarity with Microsoft Office programmes.
3. A high level of accuracy and demonstrable attention to detail.
4. Excellent organisational and time management skills and an ability to prioritise workload to meet competing demands.
5. Demonstrable analytical and problem-solving abilities, with use of initiative and judgement to resolve problems independently.
6. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with proven ability to interact with colleagues with tact and diplomacy.
7. Ability to work individually and as part of a team.
8. Up-to-date knowledge of relevant laboratory Health and Safety practices and of relevant laboratory health and safety legislation and other University policies and procedures.
Desirable:
1. Expertise in handling and processing biological samples (e.g. blood, serum) and aseptic techniques.
2. Expertise in parasite tissue culture and knowledge of regulatory requirements for working with ACDP category 2 and category 3 pathogens.
3. Expertise and ability to train students and new staff in basic laboratory techniques.
Experience
Essential:
1. Relevant work experience within a similar insectary environment of high humidity and temperature, including evidence of previous professional development.
2. Experience of understanding and interpreting the technical requirements of staff and students working in a parasitology/entomology environment.
3. Experience or willingness to work in insectary conditions of high humidity and temperature.
4. Experience of accurately following prescribed SOPs.
Desirable:
1. Experience of processing and handling human blood samples.
2. Experience of working with others within a laboratory setting.
Additional Information:
Please note that as part of your application you must address and demonstrate how you meet EACH of the essential/desirable criteria. Please complete and upload this document.
Terms and Conditions
Salary will be Grade 5, £26,038 - £30,505 per annum pro rata.
This post is part-time (17.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 9am-12.30pm), and open ended.
Closing date: 23.45 on Thursday 6th February 2025.
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