Research Assistant/Associate (Glasgow University) - 2 vacancies

Vacancy Reference Number

031119

Closing Date

17 Dec 2019

Salary

£29,176 - £32,817/£35,845 - £40,322

Address

Glasgow

Duration

Funding available for 3 years

There are two posts available, one at grade 6 and one at grade 7. 

The post-holder will contribute to a project “Magnetoencephalography and Auditory-Predictive Processing Schizophrenia”. The study is funded by the Medical Research Council (MRC). Specifically, the job requires the analysis and acquisition of auditory MEG-data sets in normal and clinical populations as well as the implementation of novel analytic tools, contributing to the design and programming of MEG experiments, recruiting and running the participants.

The post-holder 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 complex and challenging project, as opportunities allow.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Perform the following activities in conjunction with and under the guidance of the Principal Investigator (PI):

1. Assist and contribute to predetermined, prescribed or individual/joint research objectives, under supervision of the PI and in accordance with the project deliverables.

2. Undertake analyses of existing and to be collected MEG-data sets using advanced MEG-analysis approaches for source-localisation, time-frequency analysis and functional connectivity.

3. 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.

4. Develop and enhance your research profile and reputation and that of the University of Glasgow, Institute of Neuroscience & Psychology, 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.

5. Document research output including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, drafting technical/progress reports and papers as appropriate.

6. 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.

7. Contribute to the identification of potential funding sources and assist in the development of proposals to secure funding from internal and external bodies to support future research.

8. Collaborate with colleagues and participate in team/group meetings/seminars/workshops across the research of the Institute of Neuroscience and Psychology and wider community (e.g. academic and industrial partners).

9. Perform administrative tasks related to the activities of the research group and Institute, including budget and expenditure monitoring, and stock control.

10. Contribute to outreach and recruitment activities of the University of Glasgow.

11. Carry out modest teaching activities (e.g. demonstrating etc.) and associated administration as assigned by the Director of Institute and in consultation with PI.

12. Be responsible for safety management related to the organisation and running of laboratory and/or experimental techniques, equipment and processes as appropriate.

13. Keep up to date with current knowledge and recent advances in the field/discipline.

14. Engage in personal, professional and career development to enhance both specialist and transferable skills in accordance with desired career trajectory.

15. Undertake any other duties of equivalent standing as assigned by the Director of Institute and/or PI.

16. Contribute to the enhancement of the University’s International profile in line with the Strategic Plan, Glasgow 2020 – A Global Vision.

For Appointment at Grade 7:
17. 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.

18. Establish and sustain a track record of independent and joint published research to establish and maintain your expert reputation in the subject area.

19. Survey the research literature and environment, understand the research challenges associated with the project and subject area, and develop/implement a suitable research strategy.

These key tasks are not intended to be exhaustive but simply highlight a number of major tasks which the staff member may reasonably be expected to perform.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Knowledge/Qualifications
Essential:
A1. Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 10 (Honours Degree). May be working towards post-graduate qualification such as Masters (SCQF level 11) or PhD (SCQF level 12) in relevant subject area, and experience of personal development in similar role.
A2. Experience with electrophysiological (EEG/MEG) data-analysis and data-acquisition.
A3. Excellent knowledge of experimental statistics.
For Appointment at Grade 7:
A4. 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.
A5. Extensive and up-to-date theoretical and practical knowledge in areas related to the field of research.

Skills
Essential:
C1. Excellent programming skills in Matlab.
C2. Research creativity and cross-discipline collaborative ability as appropriate.
C3. Excellent interpersonal skills including team working and a collegiate approach.
C4. Excellent communication skills (oral and written), including public presentations and ability to communicate complex data/concepts clearly and concisely.
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.

Desirable:
D1. Experience with auditory perception.
D2. Supervisory skills.
D3. Scientific writing and presentation skills.

Experience
Essential:
E1. Sufficient breadth and/or depth of knowledge in the specialist subject/discipline and of research/teaching methods and techniques, demonstrated through relevant work experience (including experience gained throughout PhD).
E2. Experience in the collection and analysis of EEG/MEG-data.
E3. Experience of scientific writing.
E4. Proven ability to deliver quality outputs in a timely and efficient manner.
E5. Evidence of an emerging track record of publications in a relevant field.
For Appointment at Grade 7:
E6. Sufficient breadth and/or depth of knowledge in specialist subject/discipline and of research/teaching methods and techniques relevant to project subject area, demonstrated through relevant post-doctoral experience.
E7. Experience in undertaking independent research.

Job Features

Dimensions
Plan, design and carry-out MEG-experiments.
Analyse existing MEG data-sets and those collected throughout the course of the research project.
Produce research reports under time-scales agreed with the line manager.
Informal supervision and support of less experienced members of the project team e.g. postgraduate and project students.
Undertake teaching or other duties in accordance with Institute policy.
Engage in personal, professional and career development to enhance both specialist and transferable skills in accordance with desired career trajectory.

Planning and Organising
Planning, organisation and implementation of research project on a weekly/monthly basis.
React to varying project needs and deadlines.

Decision Making
Undertake decision making on all aspects of research project/activities.
Prioritise own workload and where appropriate delegate to junior team members.
Decide on research directions and goals within remit of original project proposal.
Identify best journals for publication and meetings/conferences to attend.
Safe and effective lab management.

Internal/External Relationships
University colleagues: to exchange information to ensure efficient working and to facilitate cross disciplinary working.
External bodies/collaborators: proactively maintain co-operation and links at all levels to enhance profile and reputation.
Dissemination: Preparation and presentation of reports/results and participation in meetings and conference calls.

Problem Solving
Research including technical and theoretical aspects/problem solving and development of novel ideas.
Be aware of project and budgetary issues and equipment lead times.
Assistance of undergraduate/postgraduate students and junior team members with problems relating to research project.

Other
Representation of the University/College/Institute through presentation at national and international events.
Attendance at training events to learn and implement new research technologies.
Prepared to travel to meetings in the UK/Europe and elsewhere as required by the University.

To apply for this job, please click here. 

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If you have any questions or problems with a job application, contact our Recruitment team

Further Information

The University of Glasgow as an Athena SWAN Charter member (http://www.ecu.ac.uk/equality-charters/athena-swan/) is committed to promoting equality in all its activities and aims to provide a work, learning, research and teaching environment free from discrimination and unfair treatment.

The Institute of Neuroscience & Psychology/School of Psychology, as a Bronze award holder, recognises the Athena SWAN Charter, promotes open and fair policies for equality and supports flexible working arrangements.

Further information and local Athena SWAN Self-Assessment Team contact details at http://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/psychology/athenaswan/.
Standard Terms & Conditions
Salary will be on the University’s Research and Teaching Grade, level 6/7, £29,176 - £32,817/£35,845 - £40,322 per annum.

There is one vacancy at grade 6 and one at grade 7. These posts have funding for 3 years.

New entrants to the University will be required to serve a probationary period of 6 months.

The successful applicant will be eligible to join the Universities' Superannuation Scheme. Further information regarding the scheme is available from the Superannuation Officer, who is also prepared to advise on questions relating to the transfer of Superannuation benefits.

Relocation assistance will be provided where appropriate.

All research and related activities, including grants, donations, clinical trials, contract research, consultancy and commercialisation are required to be managed through the University’s relevant processes (e.g. contractual and financial), in accordance with the University Court’s policies.

Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme

The post for which you are applying is considered ‘registered work’ in terms of the Protection of Vulnerable Groups Act. It requires the successful applicant to become a Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme member prior to appointment. This check is necessary to ensure that the University of Glasgow fulfils its legal duties under the Act.

If you are successful in your application, the offer of employment will be subject to PVG Scheme membership. Further information is available at:

https://www.mygov.scot/pvg-scheme/

Please note it is a criminal offence to apply for a child care position if you are on the Disqualified From Working with Children List.

Disclosure

If you are successful in your application, the offer of employment will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure Report. The University will make a Disclosure application to Disclosure Scotland which will reveal any past criminal convictions (spent or unspent) or inclusion on the Disqualified From Working with Children List. Any non-conviction information held locally by the police may also be disclosed should this be considered relevant to the position.

Further information is available at: https://www.mygov.scot/standard-disclosure/

It is the University of Glasgow’s mission to foster an inclusive climate, which ensures equality in our working, learning, research and teaching environment.

We strongly endorse the principles of Athena SWAN, including a supportive and flexible working environment, with commitment from all levels of the organisation in promoting gender equality.