Research Assistant

Job Purpose

You will contribute to an MRC-funded research project investigating novel prophage-encoded anti-phage systems in Pseudomonas aeruginosa within the School of Infection and Immunity under the supervision of Dr Giusy Mariano. The successful candidate will use interdisciplinary and cutting edge approaches to uncover the fundamental mechanisms underlying interactions between phages and anti-phage systems and their evolutionary dynamics in a physiologically relevant context.

The successful candidate will form part of a team and will be expected to contribute to the formulation and submission of research publications and research proposals arising from this project. The successful candidate will also have the opportunity to liaise and visit the laboratories of collaborators involved in this project.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

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 Institute, including budgets/expenditure.
9. Carry out modest teaching activities eg 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 reasonable duties as required by the Head of School / Principal Investigator.
13. Contribute to the enhancement of the University's international profile in line with the University's Strategic Plan, World Changers Together.

Please note that as part of your application you must address and demonstrate how you meet EACH of the essential/desirable criteria. If you do not address each criteria in the format explained above you will not be shortlisted for interview. Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills & Experience Knowledge, Qualifications Essential:

1. A1. SCQF Level 10 Honours degree in Bacteriology, Biological Sciences or Molecular Microbiology
2. A2. Theoretical and practical knowledge in molecular microbiology, genetics, handling of Gram negative bacteria (specifically P. aeruginosa)

Desirable:

1. B1. An awarded or recently submitted or near completion PhD in Bacteriology or Molecular Microbiology

Skills Essential:

1. C1. A strong background in genetics and molecular biology
2. C2. Practical knowledge in fluorescence microscopy
3. C3. Practical knowledge of molecular biology techniques and novel cloning methods
4. C4. Familiarity with bioinformatic data analysis, as well as proficiency in Linux and/or Python
5. C5. Research creativity and cross discipline collaborative ability as appropriate
6. C6. Excellent communication skills oral and written , including public presentations and ability to communicate complex data/concepts clearly and concisely
7. C7. Excellent interpersonal skills including team working and a collegiate approach
8. C8. Appropriate workload/time/project/budget/people management skills
9. C9. Extensive IT and data analysis/interpretation skills as appropriate
10. C10. Self-motivation, initiative and independent thought/working
11. C11. Problem solving skills including a flexible and pragmatic approach

Desirable:

1. D1. Experience and knowledge in investigating anti phage defence systems that specifically target phage and/or bacterial chromosomal DNA
2. D2. Experience and knowledge in flow cytometry and cell sorting

Experience Essential:

1. E1. Sufficient breadth and/or depth of knowledge in bacterial anti phage systems and immunity against phages
2. E2. Sufficient breadth and/or depth of knowledge in research / methods and techniques, demonstrated through relevant work experience
3. E3. Experience in genomics data analysis
4. E4. Experience of scientific writing
5. E5. Experience with preparing data for publication and publication quality figures
6. E6. Proven ability to deliver quality outputs in a timely and efficient manner.
7. E7. Proven ability to deliver oral and poster presentations at scientific meetings

Desirable:

1. F1. Experience with fluorescence microscopy
2. F2. Experience with flow cytometry and/or cell sorting

Further Enquiries

Informal enquiries should be directed to Dr Giusy Mariano,

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 6, £33,951 - £37,694 per annum.

This post is full time (35 hours per week), and open ended (OEFED) for up to 3 years (funding is available until 28 February 2030).

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.

Please note that this post may be eligible to be sponsored under the Skilled Worker visa route if tradeable points can be used under the Skilled Worker visa rules. For more information please visit

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

1. A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.
2. An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension - pensions handbook , benefits and discount packages.
3. A flexible approach to working.
4. A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6 month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community

We endorse the principles of Athena Swan and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.

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Closing Date: 8 July 2026 at 23:45