Research Assistant/Research Associate

Job ID: 663061653
Job date: 2018-04-17
End Date: 2018-06-17

Company : University of Glasgow 

Country : United Kingdom 

Role : Research Scientist 


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Job Description:
The post-holder will contribute to a research project on virus molecular epidemiology and evolution of bluetongue virus (BTV) working with Dr Roman Biek. Specifically, the job requires expert knowledge in in statistical and evolutionary analyses of viral sequence data. Using large genomic data sets for BTV generated by external collaborators, the post-holder will address questions about the mechanisms of BTV spread and emergence and how these processes are linked to environmental and evolutionary factors. The post is funded through a large European research consortium entitled “Understanding pathogen, livestock, and environment interactions involving bluetongue virus” (PALE-Blu).The post-holder 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:

Perform the following activities in conjunction with and under the guidance of the Principal Investigator (PI):1.Assist and contribute to predetermined, prescribed or individual/joint research objectives, under supervision of the PI and in accordance with the project deliverables and project research strategy. 2.Undertake analyses of viral evolution and epidemiology based on viral genomic data and appropriate metadata including spatial and environmental information.3.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.4.Develop and enhance your research profile and reputation and that of the University of Glasgow and the Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, 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.5.Document research output including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, drafting technical/progress reports and papers as appropriate.6.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.7.Contribute to the identification of potential funding sources and assist in the development of proposals to secure funding from internal and external bodies to support future research.8.Collaborate with colleagues and participate in team/group meetings/seminars/workshops across the research group, the Institute, and the wider community (e.g. academic and industrial partners).9.Perform administrative tasks related to the activities of the research group and the Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, including budget and expenditure monitoring.10.Contribute to outreach and recruitment activities of the University of Glasgow.11.Carry out modest teaching activities (e.g. demonstrating etc) and associated administration as assigned by the Director of Institute and in consultation with the PI.12.Be responsible for safety management related to the organisation and running of laboratory and/or experimental techniques, equipment and processes as appropriate.13.Keep up to date with current knowledge and recent advances in the field/discipline.14.Engage in personal, professional and career development to enhance both specialist and transferable skills in accordance with desired career trajectory.15.Undertake any other duties of equivalent standing as assigned by the Director of Institute and/or PI.16.Contribute to the enhancement of the University’s International profile in line with the Strategic Plan, Glasgow 2020 – A Global Vision.

For Appointment at Grade 7: 17. 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.18. Establish and sustain a track record of independent and joint published research to establish and maintain your expert reputation in the subject area.19. Survey the research literature and environment, understand the research challenges associated with the project and subject area, and develop/implement a suitable research strategy.These key tasks are not intended to be exhaustive but simply highlight a number of major tasks which the staff member may reasonably be expected to perform.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills And Experience:

Knowledge/Qualifications Essential:

A1 Degree or equivalent in biology, bioinformatics, or other relevant subject.A2 Theoretical and practical knowledge in a research related field.A3 A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of the wider subject area or subject specialism.A4 Knowledge of specialist bioinformatics software for processing and analysing high-throughput sequence data using customised computer scripts.A5 Knowledge of state-of-the-art bioinformatic and evolutionary approaches relevant for the analysis of pathogen genetic sequence data in an epidemiological context.

Desirable: B1 Working towards or completed PhD in biology, bioinformatics or related field.B2 Knowledge of microbial pathogen biology and evolution.

For Appointment at Grade 7: A6 PhD in biology, bioinformatics or other related subject and post-doctoral research experience in a relevant field.A7 Extensive theoretical and practical knowledge of research-related field.

Skills Essential: C1 Demonstrated ability to analyse large genetic sequence data sets using relevant bioinformatic and phylogenetic approaches; excellent quantitative skills, including use of computer programming and statistics.C2 Research creativity and cross-discipline collaborative ability as appropriate.C3 Excellent interpersonal skills including team working and a collegiate approach.C4 Excellent communication skills (oral and written), including public presentations and ability to communicate complex data/concepts clearly and concisely.C5 Appropriate workload/time/project/budget/people management skills.C6 Extensive IT and data analysis/interpretation skills.C7 Self motivation, initiative and independent thought/working.C8 Problem solving skills including a flexible and pragmatic approach.

Desirable: D1 Ability to use relevant analytical software (e.g. BEAST, R, GIS).D2 Demonstrated ability to develop own software or R packages.

Experience Essential: E1 Relevant research experience (including PhD training), in well reputed research laboratory.E2 Experience in the processing and analysis of genetic sequence data.E3 Experience of scientific writing.E4 Proven ability to deliver quality outputs in a timely and efficient manner.E5 Evidence of an emerging track record of publications in a relevant field.

Desirable: F1 First author publications.F2 Experience of working with high throughput sequencing and genomic data sets.

For Appointment at Grade 7: E6 Postdoctoral experience including independence illustrated by identification of project objectives from assessment of the literature, the design/analysis of experiments, and the drafting of scientific publications.E7 Publications, including at least one as first author, in appropriate-impact international scientific journals.

Desirable: F3 Experience with epidemiological and/or spatial population modelling.

Job Features

Dimensions To carry out a range of research activities and functions within academic environments of the highest national or international quality.Publish as appropriate to subject specialism within agreed timescales.Informal supervision and support of less experienced members of the project team e.g. postgraduate and project students.Undertake teaching or other duties in accordance with Institute/School policy.Engage in personal, professional and career development to enhance both specialist and transferable skills in accordance with desired career trajectory.

Planning and Organising Management of time and prioritisation of research, teaching and administrative duties.Planning, organisation and implementation of research project on a weekly/monthly basis.Plan research directions that are within the available budget.React to varying project needs and deadlines.

Decision Making Undertake decision making on all aspects of research project/activities.Prioritise own workload and where appropriate delegate to junior team members.Decide on research directions and goals within remit of original project proposal.Adjust research approaches to meet project outcomes.Identify best journals for publication and meetings/conferences to attend.Purchase of equipment and materials.

Internal/External Relationships University colleagues: to exchange information to ensure efficient working and to facilitate cross disciplinary working.External bodies/collaborators: proactively maintain co-operation and links at all levels to enhance profile and reputation.Dissemination: Preparation and presentation of reports/results and participation in meetings and conference calls.

Problem Solving Research including technical and theoretical aspects/problem solving and development of novel ideas.Be aware of project and budgetary issues and equipment lead times.Assistance of undergraduate/postgraduate students and junior team members with problems relating to research project.

Other Representation of the University/College/IBAHCM through presentation at national and international events.Attendance at training events to learn and implement new research technologies.Prepared to travel to meetings in the UK/Europe and elsewhere as required by the University.

Additional School/RI/College Information -The University of Glasgow’s Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine (IBAHCM) is internationally recognised for its research expertise in quantitative ecological and evolutionary approaches for studying the dynamics of infectious disease and providing solutions for their control. In the 2014 REF, Glasgow was ranked 3rd in the UK in Agriculture, Veterinary and Food Science, with 82% of impact and 91% of outputs considered ‘internationally excellent’ or ‘world leading’. Biek is a member of the Boyd Orr Centre for Population and Ecosystem Health at Glasgow, representing an interdisciplinary group of ecologists, veterinary scientists, evolutionary biologists, mathematicians and engineers, which was awarded the Queen’s Anniversary Prize in 2013.In Oct 2016 the Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health & Comparative Medicine was awarded an Athena SWAN Silver departmental award. The 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. http://www.gla.ac.uk/researchinstitutes/bahcm/institute/athenaswan/


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Additional Info:
Standard Terms & Conditions:

Terms & Conditions Salary will be on the Research & Teaching Grade, level 6/7 - £28,098 - £31,604/£34,520 - £38,833 per annum.This post is offered on a full time (35 hours) and open-ended basis with funding to October 2020.New entrants to the University will be required to serve a probationary period of 6 months. The successful applicant will be eligible to join the Universities' Superannuation Scheme. Further information regarding the scheme is available from the Superannuation Officer, who is also prepared to advise on questions relating to the transfer of Superannuation benefits.All research and related activities, including grants, donations, clinical trials, contract research, consultancy and commercialisation are required to be managed through the University’s relevant processes (e.g. contractual and financial), in accordance with the University Court’s policies.(i) Candidates called for interview and/or subsequently appointed may be required to provide proof of qualifications.(ii) The information provided in your application will be sent to the Head of Department and consequently distributed to the members of the appointing committee for consideration.(iii) The University is committed to equality of opportunity in employment.Vacancy reference: 020650, closing date 19 April 2018.It is the University of Glasgow’s mission to foster an inclusive climate, which ensures equality in our working, learning, research and teaching environment.

We strongly endorse the principles of Athena SWAN, including a supportive and flexible working environment, with commitment from all levels of the organisation in promoting gender equity.

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