Job Purpose

You will contribute to/make a leading contribution to a project focused on developing advanced microfluidic platforms for high throughput screening and sorting of cells or droplets. The platform will consist of various electrodes and microfluidic structures. These systems utilize fluidic, acoustic, or dielectrophoresis forces for precise fluid handling. The successful candidate will work with Professor Huabing Yin (Principal Investigator) and a team of academic and industrial partners. They will benefit from the established expertise of Yin’s group in Raman activated cell sorting and single-cell microfluidics. Applicants should have a background in engineering, physics, micro-analytical systems, or microfabrication.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Perform the following activities in conjunction with and under the guidance of the Principal/Co Investigator:

1.            To develop devices and instrumentation methods based on hydrodynamic forces, dielectrophoresis and other microfluidic technologies, suitable for moving fluids and reagents and droplets.

2.            To utilize the developed system for high throughput screening and sorting of cells and droplets.

3.            Plan and conduct assigned research individually or jointly in accordance with the project deliverables and project/group/School/College research strategy.

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

5.           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.

6.           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.

7.           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.

8.           Collaborate with colleagues and participate in team/ group/ meetings/ seminars/ workshops across the research Group/School/College/University and wider community.

9.           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.

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

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

13.        Engage in continuing professional development activities as appropriate.

14.        Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the Head of School/Director of Research Institute.

15.       Contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University’s Strategic Plan, World Changers Together.

For appointment at grade 7:

16. 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.
17. Establish and sustain a track record of independent and joint published research to establish and maintain your expert reputation in the subject area.
18. 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 SCQF Level 10 (Honours degree) or equivalent in a relevant subject or a cognate discipline or equivalent specialist theoretical and practical knowledge of engineering, physics, micro-analytical systems and/or microfabrication.

A2 A background in droplet microfluidics, high frequency (>kHz) acoustics, surface acoustic wave, dielectrophoresis based electrical or other microfluidic techniques used to manipulate molecules, particles or fluids.

A3 A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of the wider subject area or subject specialism.
A4 Knowledge of specialist IT software (e.g. Matlab, LabView, R, S-plus, SAS) as appropriate. 

A5 Knowledge of project-specific technical models, equipment or techniques.

For appointment at Grade 7:

A6 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.

B2 A knowledge of Raman microscopy and/or single cell Raman spectra analysis.

Skills
Essential:

C1 Microfluidic techniques used to manipulate molecules or particles.

C2 Instrumentation and imaging analysis.

C3 Research creativity and cross-discipline collaborative ability as appropriate.
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 as appropriate.
C8 Self motivation, initiative and independent thought/working. C9 Problem solving skills including a flexible and pragmatic approach.

For appointment at Grade 7:

C9 Good Team Leadership skills.

Experience
Essential:
E1 Sufficient relevant research experience (or equivalent) appropriate to an early career researcher.

E2 Project or subject specific experience.
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 Sufficient depth of relevant research experience, normally including sufficient postdoctoral experience in a related field, appropriate to an early career researcher.
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.

Closing date:  25 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 has funding for up to 1 year, with the possibility of being extended.

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.