Research Assistant

Job Purpose

You will contribute to/ make a leading contribution to a project ‘Investigating genetic composition of Onchocerca worm infections: Improving the ability to test macrofilaricidal drug efficacy’ working in Prof. Poppy Lamberton’s groups, on a project with Dr Lisa Ranford-Cartwright, Dr Arne Jacobs, Prof. James Cotton, and Prof. Mike Barrett.The candidate will perform DNA extraction and library preparation on microfilariae for whole-genome sequencing, sequence alignment, bioinformatics and statistical analyses. Using these data the candidate will infer sibling relationships between microfilariae to infer drug treatment efficacy of a new drug being trialled. We will use samples, from cattle and humans pre- and post-treatment. Samples from cattle skins will also be used for spatial analyses and parasite population structure. 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 project as opportunities arise. The candidate will join a multidisciplinary research group which focuses on reducing transmission and improving treatment success for neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), primarily onchocerciasis and schistosomiasis. There is also the potential for two additional years of funding on a schistosomiasis project using population genetics approaches to develop and validate a SNP panel for georeferencing and estimating transmission boundaries. We are committed to supporting diversity and inclusion and strongly encourage applications from underrepresented groups. Main Duties and Responsibilities Perform the following activities in conjunction with and under the guidance of the Principal/Co Investigator: 1. Plan and conduct assigned research individually or jointly in accordance with the project deliverables and project/group/School/College research strategy.2. Document research output including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, drafting technical/progress reports and papers as appropriate.3. 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.4. 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.5. 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.6. Collaborate with colleagues and participate in team/group meetings/seminars/workshops across the research Group/School/College/University and wider community.7. 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.8. Perform administrative tasks related to the activities of the research group and School, including Budgets/Expenditure.9. 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.10. Keep up to date with current knowledge and recent advances in the field/discipline.11. Engage in continuing professional development activities as appropriate.12. Undertake any other duties of equivalent standing as assigned by the Director of School/PI.13. Contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University’s Strategic Plan, Inspiring People Changing the World. For appointment at grade 7 :14. 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.15 Establish and sustain a track record of independent and joint published research to establish and maintain your expert reputation in the subject area.16. Survey the research literature and environment, understand the research challenges associated with the project & subject area, & develop/implement a suitable research strategy. Knowledge/Qualifications Essential: A1 SCQF Level 10 (Honours degree) in a relevant subject or a cognate discipline, or equivalent.A2 Some specialist theoretical and practical knowledge of the production of WGS data. For example molecular biology, including DNA extraction, PCR, library preparations for next generation sequencing.A3 Some theoretical and practical knowledge appropriate for the robust bioinformatics and statistical analysis of WGS data, for example long and/or short-read data quality control, handling and analysis, including mapping, variant calling, troubleshooting.A4 Some experience and expertise in data analysis/interpretation skills appropriate to population genetic data and knowledge of programming language (e.g. R, Linux, Python or equivalent) and/or field-specific software.A5 A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of the wider subject area or subject specialism Desirable: B1 An awarded (or recently submitted or near completion) PhD in subject specialism or equivalent. For appointment at grade 7: Essential: A6 Normally Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 12 (PhD) or alternatively possess the equivalent in professional qualifications and experience, with experience of personal development in a similar or related role(s) Skills Essential :C1 Excellent communication skills (oral and written), including public presentations and ability to communicate complex data/concepts clearly and conciselyC2 Excellent interpersonal skills including team working and a collegiate approachC3 Appropriate workload/time/project/budget/people management skillsC4 Extensive IT and data analysis/interpretation skills as appropriateC5 Self motivation, initiative and independent thought/workingC6 Problem solving skills including a flexible and pragmatic approach For appointment at grade 7: C7 A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of current issues and future directions within the wider subject area or subject specialismC8 Knowledge of project specific technical models, equipment or techniquesC9 Sufficient depth of relevant research experience, normally including sufficient postdoctoral experience in a related field, appropriate to an early career researcher Experience Essential: E1 Sufficient relevant research experience (or equivalent) appropriate to an early career researcherE2 Project or subject specific experienceE3 Experience of scientific writingE4 Proven ability to deliver quality outputs in a timely and efficient mannerE5 Evidence of an emerging track record of publications in a relevant field For appointment at grade 7: E6 A track record of presentation and publication of research results in quality journals/conferencesE7 Experience of making a leading contribution in academic activitiesE8 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.E9 Experience in undertaking independent research Desirable : F1 An emerging national or international reputationF2 Experience of pedigree, relatedness, or sib-ship analysis.F3 Demonstrable specialist knowledge of mathematical modelling.F4 A track record of contributing to, or developing, open-source software repositories for bioinformatic and/or statistical analysis of next-generation sequencing data.F5 A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of the wider subject area such as macroparasitology, onchocerciasis, transmission dynamics.

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