Research Associate in Environmental Microbiology and Fluidics

Job Purpose

We seek to recruit an environmental engineer / microbiologist / biomedical engineer who will take a systems perspective on mixed microbial communities and will use state of the art fluidics to make a leading contribution to a major new EPSRC funded research programme in Decentralised Water Technologies working with Dr Stephanie Connelly, Dr Umer Ijaz and Prof. William Sloan. Presently, optimisation of the biology underpinning environmental biotechnologies is a slow and time intensive process often involving manual preparation and monitoring of a large number of replicate experiments under a range of conditions. In this role, the successful candidate will, instead develop novel experimental procedures / platforms that enable high-throughput, automated experimentation to evolve microbial communities to perform particular tasks. The platforms could either use bespoke microfluidics or the novel use of commercial analytic tools, like flow cytometry and cell sorting. The successful candidate will work in a multidisciplinary team with technology developers, scientists, engineers and social scientists from Glasgow, Strathclyde, Edinburgh and Newcastle Universities and with water professionals from Scottish Water. They 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. Take a leading role in the planning and conduct of assigned research individually or jointly in accordance with the project deliverables and project/group/School/College research strategy.
2. Document research output including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, drafting technical/progress reports and papers as appropriate.
3. Establish and maintain your research profile and reputation and that of The University of Glasgow/ School/ Research Group, including establishing and sustaining a track record of independent and joint 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. Survey the research literature and environment, understand the research challenges associated with the project & subject area, & develop/implement a suitable research strategy.
5. Presentation of work at international and national conferences, at internal and external seminars, colloquia and workshops to develop and enhance our research profile.
6. Take a leading role in 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. Take a leading role in developing and maintaining collaborations with colleagues across the research group/School/College/University and wider community (e.g. Academic and Industrial Partners).
8. Take a leading role in team/group meetings/seminars/workshops and School research group activities to enhance the wider knowledge, outputs and culture of the School/College.
9. 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.
10. Perform administrative tasks related to the activities of the research group and School, including Budgets/Expenditure.
11. Make a leading contribution to Teaching activities (e.g. demonstrating etc) and associated admin as assigned by the Head of School and in consultation with Principal Investigator.
12. Keep up to date with current knowledge and recent advances in the field/discipline.
13. Engage in personal, professional and career development, to enhance both specialist and transferable skills in accordance with desired career trajectory.
14. Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the Head of School/Director of Research Institute.
15. Contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University’s Strategic Plan, World Changers Welcome.

Qualifications

Essential:
A1. Normally Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 12 (PhD) or alternatively possess the equivalent in professional qualifications and experience, with experience of personal development in a similar or related role(s)

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Essential:
C1. A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of current issues and future directions within the wider subject area or subject specialism.
C2. We are looking for someone with a track record of research in using micro- or milli- fluidics to manipulate biological cells. Ideally the successful candidate will have experience in theoretical aspects of microbial ecology.

Experience

Essential:
E1. Proven ability to deliver quality outputs in a timely and efficient manner
E2. A track record of presentation and publication of research results in quality journals/conferences
E3. Experience of making a leading contribution in academic activities
E4. 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.
E5. Experience in undertaking independent research

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be on the University’s Research and Teaching Grade, level 7, £36,382 – £40,927 per annum.

This position is full time with funding up to 3 years in the first instance.

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.

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 equality.

The University of Glasgow, charity number SC004401.