Job Purpose

The post holder will join the School of Infection and Immunity, MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research (University of Glasgow - Research - Research units A-Z - MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research) and will contribute to a Wellcome Trust Senior Research Fellowship grant entitled “Mitigating bat viruses: from forecasting spillover to control at the source”, working with Professor Daniel Streicker.

We are seeking to appoint a Research Technician to carry out research into the sero- and molecular-epidemiology of vampire bat rabies. The post will involve improving and carrying out a pseudotype virus neutralization assay to detect rabies virus neutralizing antibodies in bat sera, carrying out qPCR to detect rabies virus in saliva samples, and carrying out nanopore sequencing to age bats from their DNA using an existing epigenetic clock. The post would require work in CL2 and, potentially, in a derogated CL3 laboratory.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. Provide in-depth technical support in respect of executing research techniques, generating data for inclusion in papers, reports and presentations. 2. Implement and optimize an existing serological assay to screen existing serum samples from bats.

3. Carry out RNA extractions and qRT-PCR of existing saliva samples from bats.

4. Perform DNA extractions of bat tissue and subsequent nanopore sequencing for aging bats.

5. Support the day-to-day operations of the laboratory, including receiving samples, freezer organization and ordering supplies.

6. Diagnose faults and troubleshoot day-to-day problems carrying out appropriate maintenance as required. 7. In liaison with relevant senior staff, monitor technical standards. Advise, implement and evaluate improvements to existing protocols as required. 8. Collect, analyse and interpret data using standard procedures and ensure that accurate records are kept, and databases are updated accordingly. Present findings accurately. 9. Where relevant, maintain appropriate stock levels, including appropriate preparation of specialised media and samples as required, and purchase consumables and supplies within defined budget.  Ensure safe implementation and ongoing storage of potentially hazardous materials.

10. Participate and organise laboratory housekeeping operation in the CL2 laboratories and participate in the performance of routine communal tasks required for the smooth running of the laboratories. 11. Where relevant, and in consultation with relevant senior staff, ensure the safe and efficient functioning of the technical workspace and facilities.  This includes, but is not limited to, supporting the completion of risk assessments and COSHH assessments, ensuring that all Health and Safety paperwork is completed timeously and recorded accurately, and implementing and adhering to all applicable health and safety policies, including specialist legal procedures for certain materials. 12. Collaborate with colleagues and participate in team meetings/discussions and contribute to the wider College/School activities as required.

13. Keep up-to-date with advances in the relevant discipline and apply this knowledge to technical activities to further enhance the learning experience and/or contribute to the delivery of research aims.

The above duties are not exhaustive and the postholder will be required to undertake any other relevant duties as required by the PI/line manager which are commensurate with the

grade of the post.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Knowledge/Qualifications

Essential: 

A1. Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework Level 7 (Advanced Higher/Scottish Vocational Qualification Level 3, HNC) or equivalent in relevant subject/s such as Biology, infectious disease ecology or virology. A2. Extensive knowledge of viruses/virology. A3 Up to date knowledge of relevant laboratory Health and Safety practices.

Desirable:

B1. Extensive knowledge or qualifications pertaining to viruses/virology (such as a BSc and or MSc degree or equivalent).

B2. Knowledge of microscopy and downstream image analyses techniques.

Skills

Essential:

C1. Excellent data management and IT skills.

C2. Sound skills in cell culture and microscopy.

C3. Reliable production of routine reagents, solutions, aliquots that the laboratory depends upon. C4. Highly organised with a meticulous approach to recording information.

C5. Ability to work independently and troubleshoot problems. C6. Good interpersonal and writing skills to liaise with internal/external staff.

C7. Ability to use initiative and judgement to plan and progress work. C8. Familiarity with Microsoft Office programmes and R.

C9. Ability to carry out nucleic acid extractions and PCR based assays.

Desirable:

D1. Expertise programming in R.

Experience

Essential:

E1. Demonstrable relevant work experience (including but not limited to experience gained during degrees/research degrees where appropriate) involving work with viruses, using molecular and/or serological techniques.

Desirable: F1. Downstream processing of microscopy images.

F2. Research experience with pseudotype viruses.

F3. Research experience with RNA extraction and qRT-PCR.

F4. Experience with advanced molecular tools such as nanopore sequencing.

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 5, £26,038– £30,505 per annum.

This post is full-time and open ended with funding up to 17 October 2025 in the first instance.

Informal enquiries about this post may be directed to Prof Daniel Streicker (Daniel.Streicker@glasgow.ac.uk)

Closing date: 23:45 on Wednesday 12th February 2025