Research Associate
Location: Glasgow
Job Type: Research and Teaching
Salary: Grade 7: £40,497 - £45,413 per annum
Job Reference: 176212
Closing Date: 5th August 2025
Job Purpose
To make a leading contribution to research on the activity, fate and persistence of synthetically engineered microorganisms within complex natural microbial communities, with a focus on water treatment and biofilms. The position will be based within the Water and Environment Research Group with Prof Cindy Smith, in their state-of-the-art facilities housed in the Advanced Research Centre, University of Glasgow. The project is part of the wider BBSRC-Synthetic Biology Mission Hub – Environmental Biotechnology Innovation Centre (EBIC) and the successful applicant will interact closely with EBIC collaborators.
We are seeking a motivated and talented post-doctoral research associate to carry out this exciting research. The position is focused on understanding the fate of engineered microorganisms within natural mixed microbial communities of relevance to water treatment, including biofilms; the aim is to determine how the fitness of engineered strains enhanced for water treatment, is maintained (or not) and impacts their ecological persistence, when introduced to natural microbial communities. The aim is to track the persistence and fate of the organisms and their genetic adaptions, using quantitative, and ‘omic’ approaches.
This will be done in laboratory scale reactors. The EBIC consortium will provide the synthetic organisms**.** A solid foundation in experimental planning, environmental microbiology molecular approaches (quantitative and ‘omics’ approaches), bench scale reactors operation, experimental planning and data analysis including bioinformatics, is desirable. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to the formulation and submission of research publications and research proposals as well as help manage and direct this complex and challenging project as opportunities allow.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
1. Take a leading role in the planning and conduct of 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. Establish and maintain your research profile and reputation and that of The University of Glasgow/ School/ Research Group, including establishing and sustaining a track record of independent and joint 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. Survey the research literature and environment, understand the research challenges associated with the project & subject area, & develop/implement a suitable research strategy.
5. Presentation of work at international and national conferences, at internal and external seminars, colloquia and workshops to develop and enhance our research profile.
6. Take a leading role in 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.
7. Take a leading role in developing and maintaining collaborations with colleagues across the research group/School/College/University and wider community (e.g. Academic and Industrial Partners).
8. Take a leading role in team/group meetings/seminars/workshops and School research group activities to enhance the wider knowledge, outputs and culture of the School/College.
9. Take the lead in 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.
10. Perform administrative tasks related to the activities of the research group and School, including Budgets/Expenditure.
11. Make a leading contribution to Teaching activities (e.g. demonstrating etc) and associated admin as assigned by the Head of School and in consultation with Principal Investigator.
12. Keep up to date with current knowledge and recent advances in the field/discipline.
13. Engage in personal, professional and career development, to enhance both specialist and transferable skills in accordance with desired career trajectory.
14. Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the Head of School/Director of Research Institute.
15. Contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University’s Strategic Plan, World Changers Together
For full job details including Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience required, click on the link below.