Research Assistant

University of Glasgow; Glasgow; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Glasgow invites applications for a research position linked to the project “The double-edged sword of evolution: resistance mechanisms to human African trypanosomiasis and its link with chronic kidney disease” led by Annette MacLeod.

You will conduct experiments, document results, contribute to publications and proposals, supervise students, and help manage budgets. Informal enquiries should be directed to Professor Annette MacLeod.

Qualifications

• Essential: A1 SCQF Level 10 (Honours) in Biological Sciences or cognate discipline, or equivalent
• Essential: A2 Specialist theoretical and practical knowledge of pathology
• Desirable: B1 Masters or PhD in Pharmacy or Biological Sciences

Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct assigned research per project deliverables
• Document research output and maintain records/databases
• Develop your research profile and publications
• Present work at conferences and seminars
• Identify potential funding sources and help develop proposals
• Collaborate across groups and participate in meetings/workshops
• Organise, supervise and mentor students and junior staff
• Carry out administrative tasks including budgets/expenditure
• Undertake teaching activities as assigned by Head of School/PI
• Stay up-to-date with advances in the field
• Engage in CPD activities
• Undertake other duties as required
• Contribute to enhancing the University’s international profile

Skills

Project or subject specific skills

Research creativity

Excellent communication

Interpersonal skills

Workload/Budget/People management

IT and data analysis

Self-motivation

Problem solving

Education

Honours degree in Biological Sciences

Specialist knowledge of pathology

Masters or PhD in Pharmacy or Biological Sciences (Desirable)

Job description

Job Purpose

You will contribute to a project ‘The double-edged sword of evolution: resistance mechanisms to human African trypanosomiasis and its link with chronic kidney disease’, working with Annette MacLeod. 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. 1. Plan and conduct assigned research individually or jointly in accordance with the project deliverables and project/group/School/College research strategy.
2. 2. Document research output including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, drafting technical/progress reports and papers as appropriate.
3. 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. 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. 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. 6. Collaborate with colleagues and participate in team/ group/ meetings/ seminars/ workshops across the research Group/School/College/University and wider community.
7. 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. 8. Perform administrative tasks related to the activities of the research group and School, including Budgets/Expenditure.
9. 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. 10. Keep up to date with current knowledge and recent advances in the field/discipline.
11. 11. Engage in continuing professional development activities as appropriate.
12. 12. Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the Head of School/Director of Research Institute.
13. 13. Contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University’s Strategic Plan.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Knowledge/Qualifications

Essential

1. A1 SCQF Level 10 [Honours degree] in a Biological Sciences or a cognate discipline, or equivalent
2. A2 Specialist theoretical and practical knowledge of pathology

Desirable

1. B1 An awarded Masters or PhD degree in Pharmacy or Biological Sciences

Skills

Essential

1. C1 Project or subject specific skills in particular extensive knowledge of established pathology techniques/analysis.
2. C2 Research creativity and cross-discipline collaborative ability as appropriate
3. C3 Excellent communication skills [oral and written], including public presentations and ability to communicate complex data/concepts clearly and concisely
4. C4 Excellent interpersonal skills including team working and a collegiate approach
5. C5 Appropriate workload/time/project/budget/people management skills
6. C6 Extensive IT and data analysis/interpretation skills as appropriate
7. C7 Self-motivation, initiative and independent thought/working
8. C8 Problem solving skills including a flexible and pragmatic approach

Experience

Essential

1. E1 Sufficient relevant research experience [or equivalent] appropriate to an early career researcher
2. E2 Project or subject specific experience
3. E3 Some relevant experience of pathology
4. E4 Proven ability to deliver quality outputs in a timely and efficient manner
5. E5 Evidence of an emerging track record of publications in a relevant field

Additional Information

Our School is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion.

Our Athena Swan Silver award demonstrates our commitment to best practice in recruiting and supporting the career development and progression of female scientists, addressing gender inequalities in higher education. The Athena SWAN Charter recognises commitment to advancing gender equality in Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths and Medicine (STEMM) employment in academia. https://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/bohvm/athenaswan/

The College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences (MVLS) has 8 Schools that bring staff together around thematic strengths, across the strategic pillars of education, research and innovation. More information on the College can be accessed here: MVLS College Futures 2033

Informal enquiries should be directed to Professor Annette Macleod, [e-mail]

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 6, £33,951 - £37,694 per annum.

This post is full-time (35 hours per week) and has funding for up to until 30 November 2027.

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.

Please note that this post may be eligible to be sponsored under the Skilled Worker visa route if tradeable points can be used under the Skilled Worker visa rules. For more information please visit: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa.

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

1. 1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.
2. 2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension - pensions handbook https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/, benefits and discount packages.
3. 3 A flexible approach to working.
4. 4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/.

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.

We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.

We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.

Closing Date: 31 August 2026 at 23:45