Research Assistant/Associate

Job Purpose The post holder will be based at the Cancer Research UK-Scotland Institute (CRUK-SI) in Glasgow , working with Principal Investigator, Dr Stephen Carter, and in collaboration with Prof. Martin Bushell at the CRUK-SI. CRUK-SI is one of the world's leading cancer research centres. It supports cutting edge discovery research into the molecular mechanisms of cancer development.

This ambitious project is funded by a UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship (FLF), initially for 18 months with a potential for a three year extension, and focuses on investigating the architecture of PML bodies and other nuclear condensates. We are looking to recruit a structural or cellular biologist to develop and apply ultrastructural methodologies at the heart of this project using cryo electron tomography (cryo ET) combined with cryogenic correlated light and electron microscopy (cryo CLEM) and cryo focused ion beam (cryo FIB) milling. This programme will involve state of the art imaging approaches to visualise molecular details of the intricate relationships between chromatin and nuclear condensates. The successful candidate will be trained in how to apply cryo ET coupled with fluorescence to map key functional proteins and contribute to the study of the molecular mechanisms governing the assembly, composition and function of PML bodies and other nuclear condensates. The ideal candidate will have experience in molecular biology, cryo EM sample preparation techniques, processing skills of cryo tomograms, and be self motivated in designing and executing cryo ET experiments.

The Cancer Research UK Scotland Institute has access to instrumentation in the Scottish Centre for Macromolecular Imaging (SCMI) , such as the JEOL CRYO ARM 300 electron microscope, Leica EM GP2, a cryo FIB instrument with a Quorum transfer stage, and the Leica THUNDER Imager EM cryo CLEM microscope. This technology will allow the candidate to develop their skills to target events that happen deep in the cell so we can see more of the molecular mechanisms that drive the formation, maintenance and disruption of PML bodies and other nuclear condensates.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. Collaborate with colleagues and participate in team/group meetings/seminars/workshops with our CRUK SI colleagues, the MRC University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research (CVR), and the wider community.
2. Plan and conduct assigned research individually or jointly in accordance with the project deliverables and the research strategy of the CRUK SI.
3. Document research output including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, drafting technical/progress reports and papers as appropriate.
4. Develop and enhance your research profile and reputation and that of the CRUK SI, including contributing to publications of international quality in high profile refereed journals, enhancing the research impact in terms of economic/societal benefit, and gathering indicators of esteem.
5. 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.
6. 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.
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. Perform administrative tasks related to the activities of the research group and CRUK SI, including budgets/expenditure.
9. Carry out modest teaching activities (e.g. demonstrating) and associated administration as assigned in consultation with the Principal Investigator.
10. Keep up to date with current knowledge and recent advances in the field/discipline.
11. Engage in continuing professional development activities as appropriate.
12. Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the Principal Investigator.
13. 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

1. 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.
2. Establish and sustain a track record of independent and joint published research to establish and maintain your expert reputation in the subject area.
3. Survey the research literature and environment, understand the research challenges associated with the project and subject area, and develop/implement a suitable research strategy.

Notice 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 below you will not be shortlisted for interview.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills, and Experience Knowledge/Qualifications Essential

• A1: Scottish Credit and Qualification level 10 (Honours degree or equivalent) in a biological science or other relevant subject. May be working towards a post graduate qualification such as a Masters (Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 11).
• A2: (For Appointment at Grade 7) Normally Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 12 (PhD) in cell biology, structural biology or related field, such as X ray crystallography or NMR, or possess professional qualifications and experience equivalent to PhD level plus the requisite experience.

Desirable

• B1: Working towards or completed a PhD in cell biology, structural biology or related field, such as X ray crystallography or NMR.
• B2: Qualifications received or pending from internationally renowned institutions/laboratories.

Skills Essential

• C1: A strong background in cellular or structural biology data collection and image processing.
• C2: Research creativity and cross discipline collaborative ability.
• C3: Excellent interpersonal skills including team working and a collegiate approach.
• C4: Excellent communication skills (oral and written), including public presentation and the ability to communicate complex concepts clearly and concisely.
• C5: A high degree of competence in English scientific writing and speaking.
• C6: Appropriate workload/time/project/budget/people management skills.
• C7: IT and data analysis/interpretation skills.
• C8: Highly motivated, able to use initiative and quick to learn new techniques.
• C9: Creative, flexible and pragmatic approach to solving research problems.

For Appointment at Grade 7

• C10: Good team leadership skills including demonstrable supervisory skills.

Desirable

• D1: Knowledge of cryo CLEM.
• D2: Knowledge of image segmenting within 3D volumes using Imaris or Amira.
• D3: Laboratory data handling and management skills; e.g. statistical analysis (Excel, R, Python, Prism etc).
• D4: Knowledge of applying artificial intelligence and/or machine learning approaches to biological image analysis or data interpretation.

Experience Essential

• E1: Sufficient breadth and/or depth of knowledge in the specialist subject discipline and of research/teaching methods and techniques to work in cell and structural biology, demonstrated through relevant work experience.
• E2: Experience with IMOD, EMAN2, Relion 4, and ChimeraX.
• E3: Proven ability to deliver quality outputs (such as publications) in a timely and efficient manner.
• E4: Evidence of an emerging track record of publications in a relevant field.

For Appointment at Grade 7

• E5: Sufficient breadth and/or depth of knowledge in the specialist subject/discipline and of research/teaching methods and techniques to work within the subject area, as demonstrated through relevant post doctoral work experience including independence illustrated by identification of project objectives, design/analysis of experiments, and drafting of scientific publications.
• E6: Established publication track record in a relevant field of research, including at least one first author article in an appropriate impact international scientific journal.

Desirable

• F1: Experience with culturing mammalian cells.
• F2: Experience with writing and implementing scripts using Python etc.
• F3: Experience with super resolution fluorescence microscopy and its application to cell biology.
• F4: An emerging national or international reputation.

Informal enquiries Informal enquiries should be directed to Dr Stephen Carter

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 until 1 August 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 . click apply for full job details