Research Assistant / Associate in Glasgow

Job Purpose

To contribute a leading contribution to the MRC Programme grant titled "Targeting the primary afferent drivers of neuropathic pain," working with Dr Greg Weir and his wider neurobiology of pain lab. Our laboratory aims to define the pathological changes that occur in the nervous system following injury and that give rise to neuropathic pain. We use this fundamental understanding to develop innovative strategies to reverse these changes and ultimately treat pain. This project is a close collaboration between our group in Glasgow and the laboratory of Professor David Bennett at the University of Oxford. The postholder will have access to a wide range of cutting‑edge experimental approaches, including opto‑ and chemogenetics, omics technologies, and stem cell culture, to interrogate both in‑vivo and in‑vitro systems. They will be fully supported in developing their scientific career within the inclusive and collaborative environment of the wider Spinal Cord Group.

The successful candidate 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/disciplinary area as opportunities allow.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. Plan and conduct assigned research individually or jointly in accordance with the project deliverables and 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 publications, 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.
5. Identify potential funding sources and assist in the development of proposals to secure funding from internal and external bodies.
6. Collaborate with colleagues and participate in team/group/meetings/seminars/workshops across the research Group/School/College/University and wider community.
7. Supervise, mentor and train 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 School, including budgets/expenditure.
9. Contribute as appropriate to teaching activities (e.g. demonstrating, etc.) and associated administration.
10. Keep up to date with current knowledge and recent advances in the field/discipline.
11. Engage in personal, professional and career development, to enhance both specialist and transferable skills.
12. Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by your line manager and the Head of School.
13. Contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with University strategy.
14. For appointment at Grade 7, take a leading role in the planning and conduct of assigned research, document research output, establish and maintain your research profile, survey the research literature and develop/implement a suitable research strategy, present work at conferences, lead in the identification of potential funding sources, lead in developing and maintaining collaborations, lead in team/group meetings, and lead in the organisation, supervision, mentoring and training of students.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Knowledge and Qualifications

• Essential: A1 SCQF level 10 (Honours Degree). May be working towards a post‑graduate qualification such as a Masters (SCQF level 11) or PhD (SCQF level 12) in Neuroscience or another relevant subject, or equivalent professional qualifications in relevant academic/research discipline and experience of personal development in a similar role.
• A2 Comprehensive and up‑to‑date knowledge of current issues and future directions within the field of somatosensation and pain or related neuroscience subjects.
• A3 Well‑developed working knowledge of neuroscience research methods, technical models, equipment and techniques relevant to the study of somatosensation and pain.
• For appointment at Grade 7: A4 SCQF level 12 (PhD) qualification, plus track record of emerging independence within a research/professional environment, or alternatively possess professional qualifications and experience equivalent to PhD level plus the requisite experience, with experience in Neuroscience, Pain Biology or Molecular Biology.

Skills

• Essential: C1 Research creativity and cross‑discipline collaborative ability; C2 Excellent communication skills (oral and written), including public presentations; C3 Excellent interpersonal skills including team working; C4 Appropriate workload, time, project, budget and people management skills; C5 Extensive IT and data analysis/interpretation skills; C6 Self‑motivation, initiative and independent thought/working; C7 Problem solving skills including a flexible and pragmatic approach.
• For appointment at grade 7: C8 Ability to communicate specialist or highly technical material orally and in writing; C9 Proven commitment to supporting the career development of colleagues; C10 Effective organisational skills to manage time, prioritise and deliver research, teaching and administrative responsibilities; C11 Commitment to open research, including open data, open code, open educational resources; C12 Good team leadership skills; C13 Ability to foster strategic relationships between the University and industry or other partners.

Experience

• Essential: E1 Experience of planning and progressing work activities within professional guidelines or organisational policy, applying initiative and independent judgment; E2 Developing track record of research outputs compatible with enhancing the School’s research profile.
• Desirable: F1 Experience of participating in activities that translate research into impact to benefit the economy and wider society; F2 Experience of contributing to the design and delivery of teaching and assessment in higher education or other relevant environments; F3 Experience of working with RNA/ATAC sequencing datasets; F4 Experience of behavioural testing of rodent models; F5 Experience of advanced in‑vitro methods for modelling somatosensation and pain, including those based on induced pluripotent stem cells.

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 6/7, £33,951 – £37,694 / £41,064 – £46,049 per annum. This post is full‑time (35 hours per week) and has funding available until 31 January 2031.

Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and especially people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic community and other protected characteristics who are under‑represented within the University. The University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within its community.

The University endorses the principles of Athena Swan and holds bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.

For more information visit our website.

Closing Date: 23 June 2026 at 23:45