Job Purpose
The Translational Pharmacology and Immunology Laboratory (TPI), headed by Professor Maria Libera Ascierto, is at the heart of translational & experimental cancer research and clinical biomarker discovery at the University of Glasgow (UofG). Based in the School of Cancer Sciences, the TPI is the driver of biomarker development and clinical application, mainly in support of clinical trials enrolling patients visiting the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre.
The TPI also acts as a central laboratory for processing, storage and analysis of samples derived from patients enrolled in clinical trials of novel therapies sponsored by pharmaceutical companies.
Major professional responsibilities of the post holder are to support translational studies in accordance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP), and led by Prof Maria Libera Ascierto, that are aimed to process human samples derived from patients, including clinical trial participants, and assess them by using ex‑vivo immunological assays (eg Immunogenicity Assays to measure immune cell activation, proliferation, and cytokine production, Drug Toxicity and Efficacy assays and Cell Function Monitoring) and spectral cytometry evaluations to boost in‑dept-immune phenotype of peripheral blood and disaggregated tumours, monitor disease progression, treatment response and appropriate treatment dosage of novel clinical trials and immune‑oncology (IO) treatments.
The main duties & responsibilities of the post-holder are dependent on (1) the specific project or clinical trial and (2) the biomarker strategy and design under the direction of Prof Maria Libera Ascierto. These, in turn, may be in response to the requirements and objectives that emerge from the Glasgow Adult ECMC and CRUK CDD’s investigators.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
1. Plan and conduct assigned research activities based on spectral cytometry to assist with research project and business operations requiring biological sample, mainly whole blood, PBMC and digested tumours.
2. Responsible for performing and documenting ex‑vivo immunological assays (eg Immunogenicity Assays to measure immune cell activation, proliferation, and cytokine production, Drug Toxicity and Efficacy assays and Cell Function Monitoring) in accordance with TPI procedures and regulatory guidelines.
3. Document research outputs including sample information, analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, drafting technical/progress reports and manuscript as appropriate.
4. Support the safe transport, handling, processing, storage and analysis of biological specimens derived from patients enrolled in clinical trials according to Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and under the supervision of TPI Head. Take responsibility for following and maintaining Clinical and Research Governance protocols, monitoring compliance and escalating matters for further management attention as appropriate.
5. Develop, optimise and standardise multicolour (up to 40 colours) – flow cytometry immune panels for clinical trials samples evaluations.
6. Contribute to Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) experimental investigations, deviations, and resolutions as appropriate.
7. Responsible for performing and documenting flow cytometry and spectral cytometry analytical procedures in accordance with TPI procedures and regulatory guidelines.
8. Assists in troubleshooting and process improvements to increase data quality, lower costs, or reduce turnaround times to include, updating standard procedures, assisting with troubleshooting.
9. Performs and documents calibration and maintenance of laboratory Flow Cytometry and additional equipment as assigned.
10. Performs and documents hands‑on training for other lab personnel in areas of proven competency as assigned.
11. Assist the TPI Head in the development of proposals to secure funding from internal and external bodies to support future research based on immune phenotype.
12. Collaborate with colleagues and participate in group meetings/seminars/workshops organised by TPI /School/College/University and wider community, including the ECMC Network.
13. 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 in spectral cytometry and flow cytometry.
14. Perform administrative tasks related to the activities of the Flow TPI research group, Budgets/Expenditure.
15. Keep up to date with current knowledge and recent advances in the field/discipline.
16. Engage in continuing professional development activities as guided by the TPI Head.
17. Perform all of the above‑mentioned activities, and undertake any other duties of equivalent standing, in conjunction with and under the guidance of the Translational Pharmacology and Immunology Head, Prof Maria Libera Ascierto.
18. Contribute to the enhancement of the international profile of the TPI in line with the University’s Strategic Plan, World Changers Together.
Knowledge / Qualifications
* A1 SCQF Level 10 (Honours degree) in Biology, Immunology or equivalent.
* A2 Records of appropriate GCP and GCLP trainings to ensure public safety.
* A3 A comprehensive and proven knowledge of biomarker discovery and application using whole blood cells and tumour digests.
Skills (Essential)
* C1 Proven knowledge of processing and storage of blood and tumour cells samples according to GCP standards and suitable for downstream flow cytometry assessments and ex‑vivo immunological assays.
* C2 Research creativity and cross‑discipline collaborative ability as appropriate.
* C3 Excellent communication skills (oral and written), including public presentations and ability to communicate complex data/concepts clearly and concisely.
* C4 Excellent interpersonal skills including team working and a collegiate approach.
* C5 Appropriate workload/time/project/budget/people management skills.
* C6 Extensive IT and data analysis/interpretation skills as appropriate.
* C7 Self‑motivation, initiative and independent thought/working.
* C8 Problem solving skills including a flexible and pragmatic approach.
Experience (Essential)
* E1 Proven experience in translational medicine research experience in spectral cytometry performed on human samples.
* E2 Proven experience in translational medicine research experience in spectral cytometry or conventional flow data analysis using R software, and/ or FlowJo.
* E3 Proven experience in GCLP settings or CRO providing Flow cytometry services using high quality standards (eg. Q2 solutions).
* E4 Proven ability to deliver quality outputs in a timely and efficient manner.
* E5 Proven ability to deliver ex‑vivo immunological assays performed on human samples (eg Immunogenicity Assays to measure immune cell activation, proliferation, and cytokine production, Drug Toxicity and Efficacy assays and Cell Function Monitoring).
* E6 Evidence of an emerging track record of high‑quality research publications in spectral cytometry immune‑phenotype or a relevant field (eg conventional Flow Cytometry).
Terms and Conditions
Salary will be Grade 6, £33,951 - £37,694 per annum.
This post is full‑time (35 hours per week) and has funding available for up to 12 months in the first instance.
Please note this post will be 100 % based in lab, with no possibility of hybrid working.
Informal enquiries should be directed to Professor Maria Ascierto, Maria.Ascierto@glasgow.ac.uk.
Closing Date: 7 May 2026 at 23:45.
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