Research Associate in Immunology
Job Purpose
We are seeking to appoint an experienced Research Associate to work within the School of Infection and Immunity under the supervision of Dr Calum Bain [Principal Investigator].
The post will focus on the biology of mucosal macrophages in health and inflammation and requires extensive knowledge and practical experience in immunology (analysis of immune responses at both the cellular and molecular levels) and in vivo models on inflammation/infection.
The project: Macrophages are vital for maintaining tissue homeostasis and providing protective immunity, yet they are also implicated in almost every chronic inflammatory pathology. This undoubtedly reflects the incredibly plasticity of tissue macrophages to respond to local environmental signals. Indeed, it is because of their plasticity that macrophages are increasingly seen as attractive therapeutic targets in chronic inflammation. However, while huge advances have been made in our understanding of macrophage diversity and ontogeny, the nature of the signals that drive tissue-specific imprinting of tissue macrophages and how these may change in the setting of inflammation and tissue repair are poorly understood. We are seeking an ambitious and motivated Research Associate to use a variety of transgenic mouse models combined with state-of-the-art technologies to unravel the molecular pathways that control macrophage differentiation at mucosal barrier tissues.
You will also be expected to contribute to the formulation and submission of reports, research publications and research proposals as well as help manage and direct this exciting project as opportunities allow.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
1. Take a leading role in the planning and conduct of assigned research individually or jointly in accordance with the project deliverables and the group research strategy.
2. Document research output including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, drafting progress reports and papers as appropriate and in a timely manner.
3. Establish and maintain your research profile and reputation and that of The University of Glasgow, including establishing and sustaining a track record of independent and joint publications of international quality in high quality refereed journals, enhancing the research impact in terms of societal benefit, and gathering indicators of esteem.
4. Survey the research literature and environment, understand the research challenges associated with the project and subject area, and implement a suitable research strategy.
5. Take a leading role in developing and maintaining collaborations with colleagues across the School and wider community.
6. Take a leading role in group meetings and School research activities to enhance the wider knowledge, outputs and culture of the School.
7. 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.
8. Perform administrative tasks related to the activities of the research group and School, including budgets/expenditure.
9. Make a leading contribution to teaching activities [eg demonstrating etc] and associated admin as assigned by the Director of Institute and in consultation with Principal Investigator.
10. Keep up to date with current knowledge and recent advances in the field.
11. Engage in personal, professional and career development, to enhance both specialist and transferable skills in accordance with desired career trajectory.
12. Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the Director of Research.
13. Contribute to the enhancement of the University's international profile in line with the University's Strategic Plan – World Changers Together.
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 above, you will not be shortlisted for interview.
Knowledge /Qualifications
Essential:
1. A1. Normally Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 12 [PhD] in immunology or a cognate discipline with at least 2 years’ post-doctoral experience in a similar or related role(s) or alternatively possess the equivalent in professional qualifications and experience, with experience of personal development in a similar or related role(s).
2. A2. A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge in macrophage biology and immunology more generally.
3. A3. Knowledge of a range of: sterile inflammation, bacterial and viral infection.
4. A4. Knowledge of advanced techniques for characterising immune responses at a cellular (high dimensional flow cytometry, confocal microscopy) and molecular level (RNA-seq, spatial technologies).
5. A5. Knowledge of UK Home Office Regulations.
Skills
Essential:
1. C1. Excellent skills in a range of immunology techniques, including multiparameter (>15 colour) flow cytometry.
2. C2. Skills in handling RNA, RT-PCR amplification and analysis.
3. C3. Skills in microscopy (immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence).
4. C4. Skills in tissue culture of immune system cells.
5. C5. Skills in analysis of the microbiome.
Desirable:
1. D1. Skills in RNA sequencing analysis.
2. D2. Skills with bioinformatic analyses.
3. D3. Familiarity with spatial technologies.
Experience
Essential:
1. E1. Sufficient depth of relevant research experience in a research laboratory or similar environment, including evidence of previous professional development.
2. E2. In-depth experience with complex transgenic models of inflammation/infection.
3. E3. Current PIL holder and have a sound understanding of the NC3Rs and ASPeL (or non-UK equivalent).
4. E4. Experience with immunological techniques such as cell isolation, high-dimensional flow cytometry, immunofluorescence microscopy, cell stimulation assays.
5. E5. Proficiency in molecular biology techniques such as preparation of material for transcriptional profiling e.g., qPCR, bulk RNA-seq.
6. E6. Proficiency in managing virus propagation, storage and handling.
7. E7. Proven ability to deliver quality outputs in a timely and efficient manner.
8. E8. A track record of presentation and publication of research results in quality journals/conferences.
9. E9. Experience of making a leading contribution in academic activities.
10. E10. Ability to demonstrate a degree of independence as illustrated by identification of project objectives from assessment of the literature, design and analysis of experiments and drafting of papers.
11. E11. Experience in undertaking independent research.
12. E12. Commitment to generating and maintaining a positive research environment and contribution to the wider research community.
Further Information
Informal enquiries should be directed to Dr Calum Bain (calum.bain@glasgow.ac.uk)
Closing Date: 23:45 on 25 February 2025
Terms and Conditions
Salary will be Grade 7, £40,247 - £45,163 per annum.
This post is full time, and has funding for up to 3 years.
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.
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