Research Associate

Based in the CRUK Scotland Institute at the UoG Garscube campus, the postholder will make a leading contribution to the exploration of fundamental mechanisms that drive progression of chronic liver disease (MASLD) to HCC, and the role of diet and physical activity in cancer progression to metastatic disease. Candidate will participate in the implementation of next-generation, multi-omic single cell and spatial transcriptomic technologies, led by Professor Ram DasGupta.

The successful candidate will also be expected to contribute to the formulation and submission of research publications and research proposals as well as help with managing the research strategy of the DasGupta group, as opportunities allow.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• 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, working on the generation of multi-Omics data from both clinical samples (in collaboration with clinicians at Birmingham University) as well as building appropriate mouse models of chronic liver disease and cancer (in collaboration with the labs of Tom Bird and Owen Sansom).
• Document research output including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, drafting technical/progress reports and papers as appropriate.
• Establish and maintain your research profile and reputation and that of the University of Glasgow/ School/ DasGupta 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.
• Survey the research literature and environment, understand the research challenges associated with the project & subject area, & develop/implement a suitable research strategy.
• Presentation of work at international and national conferences, at internal and external seminars, colloquia and workshops to develop and enhance our research profile.
• 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.
• 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).
• 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.
• 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.
• Perform administrative tasks related to the activities of the research group and School, including Budgets/Expenditure.
• 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.
• Keep up to date with current knowledge and recent advances in the field/discipline.
• Engage in personal, professional and career development, to enhance both specialist and transferable skills in accordance with desired career trajectory.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the Head of School/Director of Research Institute.
• Contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University’s Strategic Plan, World Changers Together.

Knowledge/Qualifications

Essential:

• 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, in the fields of clinical cancer research, immunology, some experience with data analysis and bioinformatics
• A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of current issues and future directions within the fields of immunology, cancer research, big-data analysis
• Knowledge of and experience in project-specific technical models, equipment or techniques

Skills:

Essential:

• Excellent research skills, clinical knowledge of liver disease and data analysis
• Excellent communication skills, both oral & written
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently & as part of a team
• Ability to develop novel and creative solutions to scientific problems