Postdoctoral Research Assistant/Associate

MVLS / SCHOOL OF MOLECULAR BIOSCIENCES

GRADE 6/7

Job Purpose

To make a leading contribution to understanding the genetic basis of myotonic dystrophy type 1 and related disorders, working with Prof. Darren Monckton. Prof Monckton’s team use human genetic analyses of patient cohorts, and analysis of cell and animal models to define the role of somatic expansion, reveal genetic modifiers and identify biomarkers of myotonic dystrophy type 1 and related disorders. The successful candidate will provide molecular biological, genetic, bioinformatic, and data analysis expertise to the research project. The successful candidate will also be expected to contribute to the formulation and submission of research reports, publications, and research proposals, as well as help manage and direct this complex and challenging project as opportunities allow.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. Support research within the group to further our understanding of the genetic basis of myotonic dystrophy type 1 and related disorders.

2. Perform laboratory experiments using appropriate molecular biology and genetic methodologies and interpret the results.

3. Perform statistical analysis of data sets, using appropriate bioinformatics tools.

4. Document research output, including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, and drafting regular progress reports for funders.

5. Be responsible for safety management related to the organisation and running of laboratory and/or experimental techniques, equipment, and processes as appropriate.

6. Develop and enhance your research profile and reputation and that of the University of Glasgow/Monckton group, 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.

7. Develop personal skills, training, and experience for career advancement.

8. Survey the research literature and environment, understand the research challenges associated with the project and subject area, and develop/implement a suitable research strategy.

9. Enhance the University’s international profile in line with its Strategic Plan, “Inspiring People; Changing the World”.

For grade 6 appointments:

10. Contribute towards developing and maintaining collaborations with colleagues in the Monckton group, funders, industrial partners, and academic colleagues.

11. Present research at internal/external meetings with funders, international and national conferences, and at internal and external seminars, to develop and enhance our research profile.

12. Contribute to the supervision, mentoring and training of undergraduate and/or postgraduate students and less experienced members of the project team to ensure their effective development.

For grade 7 appointments:

13. Take a leading role in developing and maintaining collaborations with colleagues in the Monckton group, funders, industrial partners, and academic colleagues.

14. 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

15. 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.

Qualifications

Essential:

A1. SCQF Level 10 (honours degree) in a relevant subject or a cognate discipline, or equivalent.

A2. Specialist theoretical and practical experience of molecular biological, molecular genetic techniques, bioinformatics and data analysis.

A3. A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of human genetics research and contemporary molecular biology and molecular genetic research methods.

For appointment at grade 7:

Essential:

A4. Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 12 (PhD) with at least 2 years’ post-doctoral experience in a similar or related role(s), or alternatively possess the equivalent in professional qualifications and experience.

A5. A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of current issues and future directions in human genetics research.

Desirable (for Grade 6):

B1. An awarded [or recently submitted or near completion] PhD in subject specialism or equivalent.

Skills

Essential:

C1. Molecular biology and molecular genetics skills.

C2. Bioinformatic and data analysis/interpretation skills.

C3. Research creativity and cross-discipline collaborative ability as appropriate.

C4. Communication skills [oral and written], including ability to communicate complex and/or large volume data clearly and concisely to a varied audience.

C5. Excellent inter-personal skills including team working and a collegiate approach.

C6. Appropriate workload and prioritisation skills, including the ability to balance competing demands whilst sustaining quality output.

C7. Problem solving skills including a flexible and pragmatic approach.

C8. Self-motivation, initiative and independent thought/working.

For appointment at grade 7:

Essential:

C9. A track record of presentation and publication of research results in quality journals/conferences.

C10. Ability to demonstrate a degree of independence as illustrated by identification of project objectives from assessment of the literature, design and analysis of experiments and drafting of papers.

Desirable for grade 6/7:

D1. Expertise in next generation DNA sequencing technology and associated bioinformatic analyses.

D2. Knowledge of myotonic dystrophy, Huntington’s disease, and related disorders.

D3. Detailed knowledge of next generation sequencing technologies.

Experience

Essential:

E1. Experience of contemporary molecular biological and molecular genetic techniques.

E2. Experience of data handling and statistical analyses.

E3. Experience of molecular genetics research.

E4. Experience of interpreting the requirements of others and generating high quality work to meet research objectives.

E5. Experience of working collaboratively with others towards a common goal.

E6. Project or subject specific experience.

E7. Experience of scientific writing.

E8. Proven ability to deliver quality outputs in a timely and efficient manner.

For appointment at grade 7:

Essential:

E9. Sufficient depth of relevant research experience, normally including sufficient postdoctoral experience in a related field, appropriate to an early career researcher.

E10. Experience of making a leading contribution in academic activities.

E11. Experience in undertaking independent research.

E12. Commitment to open research, as appropriate to the discipline, through open data, open code, open educational resources, and practices that support replication.

E13. Proven commitment to supporting the career development of colleagues and to other forms of collegiality appropriate to the career stage.

Desirable for grade 6/7:

F1. Experience in next generation DNA sequencing technology and associated bioinformatic analyses.

F2. Experience of working with the statistical package ‘R’.

F3. Experience of human genetics research.

F4. Experience of research into myotonic dystrophy, Huntington’s disease, and related disorders.

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 6/7, £33,482- £37,174/£40,497- £45,413 per annum 

This post is full time, and has funding until 30 September 2026.

As part of Team UofG you will be a member of a world changing, inclusive community, which values ambition, excellence, integrity and curiosity.

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

1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.

2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension , benefits and discount packages.

3 A flexible approach to working.

4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing.

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community here.

We endorse the principles of Athena Swan and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.

We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https://www.jobs.gla.ac.uk/benefits-salary-and-flexible-working for more information.

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. For more information please visit: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa.

 Closing date 7 May 2025 at 23:45