Research Assistant / Associate

You will contribute to/make a leading contribution to the project ‘Identifying drivers of schistosomiasis treatment failure and recommendations for treatment strategies (DRIVERS)’ working with Professors James Cotton, Matt Berriman and Poppy Lamberton and other members of the international project team in Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Malawi and elsewhere in the UK. The successful candidate will specifically lead the research into using microsatellite genotyping to estimate the population structure in a subset of DRIVERS sites, and using whole-genome sequencing to investigate the larger-scale genetic structure across sites, identify introgression due to hybridisation between species and populations and to identify signatures of selection due to praziquantel selection. While the focus is on developing molecular protocols and analysing genetic data, this position will include working with international partners and may require performing field work and training in Cote d’Ivoire and Malawi. The successful candidate will be required to contribute to the formulation and submission of research publications and research proposals as well as make a significant contribution to the management and direction of this complex and challenging project.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Perform the following activities in conjunction with and under the guidance of the Co-Investigators:

• Plan and conduct assigned research individually or jointly in accordance with the project deliverables and project/group/School/College research strategy.
• Document research output including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, drafting technical/progress reports and papers as appropriate.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Collaborate with colleagues and participate in team/group meetings/seminars/workshops across the research Group/School/College/University and wider community.
• 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.
• Perform administrative tasks related to the activities of the research group and School, including Budgets/Expenditure.
• 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.
• Keep up to date with current knowledge and recent advances in the field/discipline.
• Engage in continuing professional development activities as appropriate.
• Undertake any other duties of equivalent standing as assigned by the Director of School/PI.
• Contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University’s Strategic Plan, World Changers Together.

For appointment at grade 7:

• 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.
• Establish and sustain a track record of independent and joint published research to establish and maintain your expert reputation in the subject area.
• Survey the research literature and environment, understand the research challenges associated with the project & subject area, & develop/implement a suitable research strategy.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills & Experience 

Knowledge & Qualifications

Essential:

• SCQF Level 10 [Honours degree] in genetics, genomics, parasitology or a cognate discipline, or equivalent.
• Specialist theoretical and practical knowledge of generating and analysing population genetic data
• A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of the wider subject area or subject specialism
• Specialist theoretical and practical knowledge of research areas relevant to the project: parasitology, population genetics and genomics, and/or bioinformatics.

For appointment at grade 7:

• Normally Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 12 (PhD) plus track record of emerging independence within a research/professional environment, or alternatively possess professional qualifications and experience equivalent to PhD level plus the requisite experience.

Desirable:

• An awarded (or recently submitted or near completion) PhD in subject specialism or equivalent.
• A qualification in bioinformatics, computational biology, genetics or other relevant subject.

Skills

Essential:

• Basic molecular biology skills e.g. DNA and RNA isolation, PCR, gel electrophoresis.
• Research creativity and ability to collaborate across disciplines
• Excellent communication skills (oral and written), including public presentations and ability to communicate complex data/concepts clearly and concisely.
• Excellent interpersonal skills including team working and a collegiate approach.
• Appropriate workload/time/project/budget/people management skills.
• Extensive IT and data analysis/interpretation skills as appropriate.
• Self motivation, initiative and independent thought/working.
• Problem solving skills including a flexible and pragmatic approach.
• Attention to detail

For appointment at grade 7:

• A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of current issues and future directions within pathogen genetics/genomics.
• Knowledge of technical approaches in population genetics/genomics.
• Sufficient depth of relevant research experience, normally including sufficient postdoctoral experience in a related field, appropriate to an early career researcher.

Desirable:

• Experience of analysing whole genome sequencing data.
• Coding or software development experience in R, Python or an alternative language.
• Experience of analysing data in an HPC linux or unix environment.
• A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of the issues in schistosomiasis and helminth parasite control.
• Working knowledge of Nagoya Protocols, ethical requirements etc.
• Ability to read, write and discuss the project in French.

Experience

Essential:

• Sufficient relevant research experience (or equivalent) appropriate to an early career researcher.
• Project or subject specific experience.
• Experience of scientific writing.
• Proven ability to deliver quality outputs in a timely and efficient manner.
• Evidence of an emerging track record of publications in a relevant field.

For appointment at grade 7:

• A track record of presentation and publication of research results in quality journals/conferences.
• Experience of making a leading contribution in academic activities.
• Ability to demonstrate a degree of independence as illustrated by identification of project objectives from assessment of the literature, design & analysis of experiments & drafting of papers.
• Experience in undertaking independent research.

Desirable:

• An emerging national or international reputation.
• Experience of capacity strengthening and training of local researchers, field teams, and early-career scientists.
• Experience in training others in genotyping approaches and/or analysis.

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 6/7, £33,951 - £37,694 / £41,064 - £46,049 per annum

This post is full-time (35 hours per week) and has funding available for up to 36 months.