Job Purpose

To contribute to/make a leading contribution to the project ‘Somatic instability in Huntington disease’ working with Prof. Darren Monckton. Prof Monckton’s team use human genetic analyses of large patient cohorts, and analysis of cell and animal models to define the role of somatic expansion and reveal genetic modifiers of Huntington disease. The successful candidate will join an ongoing research program to provide molecular biological, genetic, bioinformatic and data analysis expertise to the research team. The successful candidate(s) 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 Huntington disease.

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

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

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

7. 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.

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

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

10. 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.

11. 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.

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

Qualifications/Knowledge

Essential (for Grade 6):

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.

Essential (for Grade 7):

A4. An awarded Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 12 (PhD) with experience of personal development in a similar or related role(s).

A5. A track record of presentation and publication of research results in quality journals/conferences.

Desirable (for Grade 6):

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

Desirable (for Grade 7):

B2. Expertise in next generation DNA sequencing technology and associated bioinformatic analyses.

B3. Knowledge of Huntington disease, myotonic dystrophy, and related disorders.

B4. Detailed knowledge of next generation sequencing technologies.

Skills

Essential (for Grade 6):

C1. Bioinformatic and data analysis/interpretation skills.

C2. Molecular biology and molecular genetics 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.

Essential (for Grade 7):

C9. 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.

Experience

Essential (for Grade 6):

E1. Experience of working with the statistical package ‘R’.

E2. Experience of contemporary molecular biological and molecular genetic techniques.

E3. Experience of interpreting the requirements of others and generating high quality work to meet research objectives.

E4. Experience of working collaboratively with others towards a common goal.

E5. Project or subject specific experience.

E6. Experience of scientific writing.

E7. Proven ability to deliver quality outputs in a timely and efficient manner.

Essential (for Grade 7):

E7. Sufficient depth of relevant research experience, normally including sufficient postdoctoral experience in a related field, appropriate to an early career researcher.

E8. Experience of making a leading contribution in academic activities.

E9. Experience in undertaking independent research.

E10. Commitment to open research, as appropriate to the discipline, through open data, open code, open educational resources, and practices that support replication.

E11. 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 human genetics research.

F3. Experience of research into Huntington disease, myotonic dystrophy, and related disorders.

F4. Experience of next generation sequencing data generation and analysis.

F5. Experience of programming in Python

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 6/7, £33,232  -  £36,924 / £40,247 - £45,163 per annum.

This post is full time, and has funding up to 31st May 2026.

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.

Informal enquiries should be directed to Professor Darren Monckton, Darren.Monckton@glasgow.ac.uk

Closing Date: 27th February 2025 at 23:45