Join to apply for the Research Assistant / Associate role at University of Glasgow
Job Details
* Posted: 19 December 2025
* Salary Grade 6/7: £33,951 - £37,694 / £41,064 - £46,049 per annum
* Location: Glasgow
* Job Type: Research and Teaching
* Reference: 189753
* Expiry: 16 January 2026 at 23:45
Job Purpose
Working under the supervision of Prof Julien Reboud, the successful candidate will contribute to a project scaling up point‑of‑need multiplexed DNA testing devices for infectious diseases for One Health interventions. The project is a collaborative effort with Rhodes University in South Africa and the group of Professor Janice Limson, who share our aim to develop affordable and deployable systems for low‑resource settings. The challenge is to integrate multiple detection targets onto a single easy‑to‑use, sample‑to‑answer platform around our lateral flow technologies, which will be scaled up in South Africa for field validation.
The post requires a person with expert knowledge in microfluidics and advanced materials, to integrate molecular biology assays into a novel standalone platform that also incorporates battery‑power and sample processing. The successful candidate will be able to contribute to the formulation and submission of research publications and have the opportunity to develop further research funding proposals.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
* Plan and conduct assigned research individually or jointly in accordance with the project deliverables and the research strategy.
* Document research output, including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, drafting technical/progress reports and papers as appropriate.
* Develop and enhance your research profile and reputation and that of The University of Glasgow and the Research Group, including contributing to publications of international quality in high‑profile refereed journals, enhancing the research impact in terms of economic/societal benefit, and gathering indicators of esteem.
* 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.
* Assist in identification of potential funding sources and support the development of proposals to secure funding from internal and external bodies.
* Collaborate with colleagues and participate in team/group meetings, seminars and workshops across the research Group, School, College and University and wider community.
* 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.
* Perform administrative tasks related to the activities of the research group and School, including budgets and expenditure.
* Carry out modest teaching activities (e.g. demonstrating) and associated admin as assigned by the Head of School and in consultation with the Principal Investigator.
* Keep up to date with current knowledge and recent advances in the field.
* Engage in continuing professional development activities as appropriate.
* Undertake any other duties of equivalent standing as assigned by the Head of School or Director of Research Institute.
* Contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University’s Strategic Plan, World Changers Welcome.
For Appointment at Grade 7
* 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.
* Establish and sustain an independent and joint published research track record, establishing and maintaining an expert reputation in the subject area.
* Survey the research literature and environment, understand the research challenges associated with the project & subject area, and develop/implement a suitable research strategy.
Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience
Knowledge and Qualifications – Essential
* SCQF Level 10 (Honours degree) in a relevant subject (e.g., Biomedical Engineering, Engineering, Physics) or a cognate discipline that has involved the construction of optical systems or spectroscopy measurements, or equivalent.
* Specialist theoretical and/or practical knowledge of microfluidics, advanced materials, and biosensing.
* Project or subject‑specific skills; e.g., microfluidics, material and electrical knowledge and skills used to design, build and test devices to manipulate biosamples and measure their contents.
* A comprehensive and up‑to‑date knowledge of the wider subject area or subject specialism.
For Appointment at Grade 7 – Essential
* Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework Level 12 (PhD) plus a track record of emerging independence within a research or professional environment, or alternatively possess professional qualifications and experience equivalent to PhD level plus the requisite experience.
Desirable – Essential
* An awarded (or recently submitted or near completion) PhD in subject specialism or equivalent.
Essential Skills
* A comprehensive and up‑to‑date knowledge of current issues and future directions within the wider subject area or subject specialism.
* Research creativity and cross‑discipline collaborative ability as appropriate.
* Excellent communication skills (oral and written), including public presentations and ability to communicate complex data/concepts clearly and concisely.
* Excellent interpersonal skills including team working and a collegiate approach.
* Appropriate workload, time, project, budget and people‑management skills.
* Extensive IT and data analysis/interpretation skills as appropriate.
* Self‑motivation, initiative and independent thought/working.
* Problem‑solving skills including a flexible and pragmatic approach.
For Appointment at Grade 7 – Essential Skills
* Knowledge of project‑specific technical models, equipment or techniques related to microfluidics, advanced materials and biosensing.
Essential Experience
* Proven ability to prepare and/or publish quality outputs in optics or spectroscopy in a timely and efficient manner. The candidate should have past experience of high‑quality articles published in the area of microfluidics, or biosensing or advanced materials.
* Experience measuring properties of biosamples and/or molecular contents using microfluidics, or knowledge of the processes involved.
* Experience conducting systematic reviews in the relevant area.
* Experience in scientific writing.
* Proven ability to deliver quality outputs in a timely and efficient manner.
* Evidence of an emerging track record of publications in a relevant field.
For Appointment at Grade 7 – Essential Experience
* Sufficient depth of relevant research experience, normally including sufficient postdoctoral experience in a related field, appropriate to an early‑career researcher.
* A track record of presentation and publication of research results in quality journals/conferences.
* Experience of making a leading contribution in academic activities.
* Ability to demonstrate a degree of independence as illustrated by identification of project objectives from assessment of the literature, pursuing funding opportunities, design & analysis of experiments & drafting of papers.
* Experience in undertaking independent research.
Desirable Experience
* Experience of lateral flow devices or molecular DNA‑based assays.
* An emerging national or international reputation.
Closing date: 16 January 2026
Terms and Conditions
Salary will be Grade 6/7, £33,951 - £37,694 / £41,064 - £46,049 per annum.
This post is full‑time, and has funding for up to 16 months.
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.
As a valued member of our team, you can expect:
* A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.
* An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full‑time staff, pension, benefits and discount packages.
* A flexible approach to working.
* A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6‑month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University.
* Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under‑represented within the University.
* The University embeds equality and diversity across all aspects of its community and holds Athena Swan bronze, silver and gold awards.
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