Job Purpose

You will contribute to/make a leading contribution to a project on “Biophotonic measurement of forces with subcellular resolution in living, moving tissue”, working with Dr Jonathan Taylor and a wider team that includes Glasgow and Edinburgh University life scientists. Specifically, the job requires expert knowledge in optical microscopy, including FLIM-FRET imaging and advanced image analysis techniques. The successful candidate 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

Perform the following activities in conjunction with and under the guidance of the Principal/Co Investigator: Subject specific tasks: add separately or embed within generics below. 

1. Plan and conduct assigned research individually or jointly in accordance with the project deliverables and project/group/School/College research strategy. This will involve developing new optical microscopy setups for advanced FLIM-FRET imaging, developing advanced algorithms to handle motion artefacts from moving cardiac tissue, and collaborating closely with biological researchers applying these technologies to understand cardiac cell function.

2. Contribute to the acquisition, set up, maintenance and integration of experimental apparatus or computational kit, or in setting up theoretical models or analysis strategies.

3. Document research output including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, drafting technical/progress reports and papers as appropriate. 

4. Develop and enhance your research profile and reputation and that of The University of Glasgow/ School/ Research 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.

5. Contribute to the presentation of work at international and national conferences, at internal and external seminars, colloquia and workshops to develop and enhance our research profile. 

6. Contribute to 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. Collaborate with colleagues and participate in team/group meetings/seminars/workshops across the research Group/School/College/University and wider community (e.g Academic and Industrial Partners). 

8. Contribute to 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.

9. Perform administrative tasks related to the activities of the research group and School, including Budgets/Expenditure 

10. Contribute to outreach and recruitment activities of The University of Glasgow.

11. Carry out modest Teaching activities (e.g demonstrating etc) and associated admin as assigned by the Head of School and in consultation with Principal Investigator. 

12. Be responsible for safety management related to the organisation and running of Laboratory and/or Experimental techniques, equipment and processes as appropriate.

13. Keep up to date with current knowledge and recent advances in the field/discipline. 

14. Engage in personal, professional and career development to enhance both specialist and transferable skills in accordance with desired career trajectory.

15. Undertake any other duties of equivalent standing as assigned by the Head of School and/or PI.

16. To contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University’s Strategic Plan - World Changers Together.

http://www.gla.ac.uk/about/strategy/people/

For appointment at grade 7:

17. Perform the above duties with a higher degree of independence, leadership and responsibility, particularly in relation to planning, funding, collaborating and publishing research, and mentoring colleagues. 

18. Establish and sustain a track record of independent and joint published research to establish and maintain your expert reputation in the subject area.

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

These key tasks are not intended to be exhaustive but simply highlight a number of major tasks which the staff member may be reasonably expected to perform.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Knowledge/Qualifications 

Essential: 

A1 Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 10 (Honours Degree). May be working towards post-graduate qualification such as a Masters (Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 11) or PhD (Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 12). Or Equivalent professional qualifications in relevant academic/research discipline, and experience of personal development in a similar role. 

A2 Specialist theoretical and practical knowledge of (a) advanced fluorescence microscopy and related live-imaging techniques, (b) electronic control of experimental apparatus, and (c) software for realtime microscope control and data analysis.

A3 A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of imaging and image analysis techniques including FLIM-FRET, and their application to the imaging of living tissue.

A4 A willingness to collaborate with biological researchers studying live zebrafish

For appointment at Grade 7:

A5 Normally 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.

Desirable:

B1 An awarded (or recently submitted or near completion) PhD in subject specialism or equivalent

Skills

Essential: 

C1 Design and construction of custom optical setups for microscopy

C2 Computer programming in the Python language

C3 Research creativity and cross-discipline collaborative ability

C4 Excellent communication skills (oral and written), including public presentations and ability to communicate complex data/concepts clearly and concisely

C5 Excellent interpersonal skills including team working and a collegiate approach

C6 Appropriate workload/time/project/budget/people management skills 

C7 Extensive IT and data analysis/interpretation skills for microscopy or other imaging sciences

C8 Self motivation, initiative and independent thought/working 

C9 Problem solving skills including a flexible and pragmatic approach

For appointment at Grade 7:

C10 Good Team Leadership skills

Desirable:

D1 Acquisition and analysis of FLIM-FRET dataD

D2 Image processing skills relevant to motion artefact correction

D3 Computer interfacing of electronic devices

Experience

Essential: 

E1 Sufficient breadth and/or depth of knowledge in optics and image processing, and of research methods and techniques to work within the subject area.

E2 Experience in the design, construction and/or use of custom-built imaging systems

E3 Experience of scientific writing

E4 Proven ability to deliver quality outputs in a timely and efficient manner

E5 Evidence of an emerging track record of publications in a relevant field

For appointment at Grade 7:

E6 Normally sufficient postdoctoral experience in a related field

E7 A track record of presentation and publication of research results in quality journals/conferences

E8 Experience of making a leading contribution in academic activities 

E9 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.

E10 Experience in undertaking independent research

Desirable: 

F1 An emerging national or international reputation

F2 Experience of team-based interdisciplinary collaboration

F3 Experience of working under time pressure to deliver project objectives

Closing date:  19 March 2025

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 fixed term for up to 12 months in the first instance, with the possibility of an extension for a further 24 months

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.