Research Assistant

University of Glasgow; Glasgow; On-site; GBP 33,000 - GBP 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in Scotland is seeking a Research Assistant/Associate for a cutting-edge project on parasite biology. The successful candidate will engage in genomic modifications and biochemical analysis, contributing to high-impact research. Ideal for candidates with a degree in a relevant subject and skills in culturing Plasmodium or Toxoplasma. A full-time position with competitive salary and flexible working conditions awaits the right individual.

Benefits

Competitive employment package

Flexible working approach

Health and wellbeing support

Free 6-month UofG Sport membership

Qualifications

• A1: SCQF Level 10 (Honours degree) in a relevant subject or equivalent.
• Essential skills in culturing and genetic manipulation of Plasmodium or Toxoplasma.
• Experience generating transgenic parasite lines with proven quality outputs.

Responsibilities

• Design and validate genome modification vectors using molecular biology techniques.
• Culture Plasmodium or Toxoplasma parasites and generate modified lines.
• Phenotype lines using a range of biochemical techniques.

Skills

Cell culture

Genetic manipulation

Fluorescence microscopy

Phenotyping techniques

High-quality scientific outputs

Excellent organization

Education

Honours degree in a relevant subject

PhD in subject specialism

Tools

PCR

Western blot

Flow cytometry

Job description

Overview

Job Purpose: We have an exciting research opportunity for a Research Assistant / Associate to join our team in the School of Infection & Immunity. The role carries out cutting-edge research to understand organelle biology in apicomplexan parasites (Toxoplasma gondii and/or Plasmodium falciparum). Core approaches include CRISPR/Cas9-guided genetic modification to create lines with tagged or deleted genes encoding organellar proteins, followed by biochemical and cell biology analyses to assess phenotypes.

You will design and generate vectors to modify parasite genomes, transfect and genotype modified lines, and phenotype them using cell biology and biochemical methods. A key approach also involves large-scale culturing and biochemical isolation of mitochondria and/or mitochondrial complexes.

Primary focus is on outstanding academic research leading to impactful papers, with significant scope for innovation and scientific judgement. You will work within a highly collaborative team and interact closely with other researchers. You will also work independently with a proactive, self-motivated approach and a hands-off management style.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. Design, generate and validate complex genome modification vectors using molecular biology techniques
2. Routinely culture Plasmodium or Toxoplasma parasites and carry out transfections to generate modified lines
3. Genotype modified lines and clone by limiting dilution
4. Phenotype lines using a range of cell biology and biochemical techniques, including PCR-based assays, western blot, qRT-PCR, co-immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, and co-immunoprecipitation
5. Provide support and guidance for other team members, including graduate students and research assistants
6. Contribute to the lab working environment, supporting organisation and health and safety
7. Establish and maintain a research profile and reputation for The University of Glasgow, including track records of publications in high-quality refereed journals, and measuring research impact
8. Survey the research literature and environment to understand challenges and implement a suitable strategy
9. Develop and maintain collaborations with colleagues across organisations and the wider parasitology and cell biology communities
10. Lead in group meetings and organise research activities to enhance knowledge, outputs and culture
11. Lead in supervising and training undergraduate and postgraduate students and less experienced team members
12. Perform administrative tasks related to the activities of the research group and School, including budgets and expenditure
13. Contribute to teaching activities and related administration
14. Keep up to date with current knowledge and advances in the field
15. Engage in personal, professional and career development to enhance specialist and transferable skills
16. Undertake other reasonable duties as required by the Director of Research
17. Contribute to the university’s international profile in line with the strategic plan
18. For appointment at Grade 7: perform duties with greater independence, leadership and responsibility, including initiating, planning, funding, collaborations and publications
19. Establish and sustain a track record of independent and joint published research and develop independent expertise
20. Develop high-level expertise in the literature and environment and implement a suitable research strategy

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills, and Experience

Knowledge/Qualifications

1. A1. SCQF Level 10 (Honours degree) in a relevant subject or cognate discipline, or equivalent
2. A2. Sufficient specialist knowledge and experience of relevant laboratory techniques
3. A3. Up-to-date knowledge of the wider subject area
4. For appointment at grade 7: A4. SCQF level 12 (PhD) or equivalent, with track record of independence; A5. Up-to-date knowledge of current state of the art; A6. Knowledge of project-specific models, equipment or techniques
5. Desirable: B1. An awarded or recently submitted PhD in subject specialism

Skills

Essential:

1. C1. Up-to-date knowledge related to the field
2. C2. Excellent skills in culturing and genetic manipulation of Plasmodium or Toxoplasma, or related cell lines
3. C3. Fluorescence microscopy skills
4. C4. Phenotyping skills (e.g., flow cytometry, western blot, etc.)
5. C5. Ability to deliver high-quality scientific outputs
6. C6. Excellent organisation and record-keeping

For appointment at grade 7:

1. C7. Substantial postdoctoral experience in a relevant field

Desirable:

1. D1. Experience with multiple biochemical and cell-biology techniques (cell fractionation, immunoprecipitation, growth assays, enzyme activity assays)
2. D2. Bioinformatic analysis experience (metabolomics or proteomics)
3. D3. Familiarity with protein modification and purification techniques

Experience

Essential:

1. E1. Experience generating transgenic parasite lines (Plasmodium or Toxoplasma) or extensive transgenics in other eukaryotic cells, with full workflow demonstrated in publications
2. E3. Proven ability to deliver quality outputs timely
3. E4. Track record of presentations and publications in quality journals
4. E5. Experience making a leading contribution in academic activities
5. E6. Ability to demonstrate independence in objectives, design and analysis

For appointment at grade 7:

1. E7. Independent research experience
2. E8. Leading contribution in academic activities
3. E9. Experience in leading and undertaking independent research

Desirable

1. F1. Experience and understanding of UK biosafety regulations for culturing human parasites or similar pathogens

Further Information

Informal enquiries should be directed to Professor Lilach Sheiner ([e-mail])

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) with funding until 31 December 2029. The University of Glasgow complies with UK visa requirements and sponsorship where applicable.

Please note that this post may be eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship; further information available on gov.uk

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

1. A welcoming and engaging culture where talents are developed and success is celebrated
2. Competitive employment package including leave and pension benefits
3. A flexible approach to working
4. Support for health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership

Equality, diversity and inclusion are central to our values. Applications from all communities are welcome. We promote equality and diversity within our community. We endorse Athena Swan awards.

For more information visit our website. Closing Date: 27 February 2026 at 23:45