Job Purpose

The School of Infection and Immunity (https://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/infectionimmunity/) MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research (CVR) (http://www.cvr.ac.uk/) is seeking to appoint  a Research Technician, funded by the Wellcome Trust to carry out research into cellular tropism of SARS-CoV-2 in vivo and to provide support to other researchers in the laboratory. The post will mainly involve immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence and downstream image analyses of paraffin-embedded and formalin-fixed virus infected tissues.

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. Provide in-depth knowledge, solutions, and advice relating to image analyses of virus-infected tissues.

3. Perform in situ-hybridisation, Immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry of routine protocols and develop new techniques to stain for one or multiple markers and genes.

4. Collected data have to be presented orally in meetings internally and externally as well as in written form to include the results into publications.

5. Maintain the group’s laboratory equipment and diagnose faults and troubleshoot day-to-day problems relating to equipment, techniques, procedures and protocols.

6. In liaison with the PI, advise, implement and evaluate improvements to existing protocols as required.

7. Collect, analyse and interpret data using standard procedures and ensure that accurate research records (electronic and traditional formats) are kept, and databases are updated accordingly.

8. Plan and organise day-to-day work to ensure that the experimental goals are delivered within previously agreed timescales.

9. Supervise junior staff, where appropriate, and instruct, train and provide guidance to research staff and students in the techniques and operation of equipment and apparatus as directed by the supervisor or PI.

10. Contribute to the well organised functioning of the laboratory and assist the PI in maintaining the stock levels and purchasing consumables and supplies, within budget, and in consultation with other members of the group.

11. In consultation with the PI, ensure the safe and efficient functioning of the laboratory area 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 and recorded accurately, and implementing and adhering to health and safety policies, as determined by the University, and the Health and Safety Executive.

12. Collaborate with colleagues and participate in team meetings/discussions and departmental research group activities (such as the internal seminar programme).

13. Keep up-to-date with advancements in technology and methodology, continually updating technical knowledge.

14. Be aware and comply with Equality and Diversity policies of the University of Glasgow.

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.

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Qualifications/Knowledge

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, Chemistry and Mathematics, and experience of personal development in a similar role.
A2. Knowledge of immunohistochemistry, in situ-hybridisation and downstream automatic image analyses techniques.

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 Equality and Diversity policy.

Skills

Essential:

C1. Excellent technical and IT skills and in particular software like Aperio, Halo and QuPath.
C2. Sound skills with histology and immunohistochemical staining methods as well as in situ-hybridisation as monostaining and multiplexed.

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. Demonstrate ability to learn and adapt to rapidly changing protocols and technologies.

Desirable:
D1. Ability to use confocal microscopy.

Experience

Essential:

E1. Significant and demonstrable relevant work experience (including but not limited to experience gained during degrees/research degrees where appropriate).

E2. Demonstrable relevant work experience involving work with paraffin embedded and formalin fixed tissues.
E3. Experience of understanding and interpreting the technical requirements of staff and students.

E4. Downstream processing of image analyses including statistics.

Desirable:

F1. Research experience in virology.

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 5, £26,038 - £30,505 per annum pro rata.

This post is part-time (21 hours per week: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday), and open ended with funding available for up to 30/09/27 Hard End Date in the first instance.

Closing date: 23:45 on Thursday 13th February 2025