Research Assistant

Job Purpose

To contribute to a project “Targeting metabolic reprogramming to develop more effective and less toxic treatments for central nervous system involvement in paediatric acute lymphoblastic leukaemia”, working with Professor Christina Halsey and colleagues. 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 as opportunities allow.

Project Outline

We are delighted to have received prestigious Cancer Research UK funding for an exciting programme of work. We aim to transform our understanding of how leukaemia cells adapt to the CNS microenvironment and use this information to design new treatment approaches. Building on prior publications from our laboratory (Savino et al, Nature Cancer 2020;1(10):998-1009, Williams et al Blood 2016;127(16):1998-2006), the successful applicant will investigate mechanisms underlying leukaemia cell adaptation to the CNS niche in order to identify critical metabolic vulnerabilities suitable for therapeutic targeting. Techniques will include preparing and analysing samples using advanced lipidomics and metabolomics, RNA-sequencing and high throughput compound library screening. The appointee will join our thriving childhood leukaemia group in the Institute of Cancer Sciences (https://www.gla.ac.uk/research/az/childhoodleukaemiaresearch/****) ,and work closely with Dr Saverio Tardito in the Beatson Institute for Cancer Research, as well as colleagues in Glasgow Polyomics (Prof Phil Whitfield), the Babraham Institute (Dr Andrea Lopez-Clavijo) and Israel (Prof Eyal Gottlieb and Prof Shai Izraeli). This post will provide world-class experience in cancer metabolism with a strong translational focus.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Perform the following activities in conjunction with and under the guidance of Prof. Halsey:

1. Plan and conduct assigned research individually in accordance with the project deliverables and Halsey lab/SCS research strategy. This will primarily entail sample preparation (from in vitro and in vivo models) for multi-omic analysis,and flow cytometry as well as optimising and performing high-throughput screening assays, Data generation & analysis, close liaison with other lab members to ensure results are integrated to deliver the programme objectives, and generation of annual reports for the funder.

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/Halsey lab, 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 Halsey lab meetings/ seminars/ workshops across the School/College/University and any external partners, as required by Prof. Halsey.

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 School, including Budgets/Expenditure.

9. Carry out modest Teaching activities [e.g. 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 childhood leukaemia.

11. Engage in continuing professional development activities as appropriate.

12. Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the Head of School/Director of

Research Institute.

13. Contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the

University’s Strategic Plan, Inspiring People Changing The World.

Knowledge / Qualifications

Skills

C2. Knowledge of cancer metabolomics

C3. Sufficient depth of relevant research experience, appropriate to an early career researcher

C4. Research creativity and cross-discipline collaborative ability as appropriate

C5. Excellent communication skills [oral and written], and ability to communicate complex data/concepts clearly and concisely

C6. Excellent interpersonal skills including team working and a collegiate approach

C7. Appropriate workload/time/project/ management skills

C8. Extensive IT and data analysis/interpretation skills as appropriate

C9. Self-motivation, initiative and independent thought/working

C10. Problem solving skills including a flexible and pragmatic approach

D2. Experience of cell culture and/or high-throughput screening.

Experience

E2. Proven ability to deliver quality outputs in a timely and efficient manner

E3. Experience of scientific writing

E4. Experience in undertaking independent research

F2. Commitment to open research, as appropriate to the discipline, through open data, open code, open educational resources and practices that support replication.

F3. Proven commitment to supporting the career development of colleagues and to other forms of collegiality appropriate to the career stage.

F4. Evidence of an emerging track record of publications in a relevant field

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 6, £31,502 - £35,308 per annum.

This post is full time, and has funding for up to 30 June 2026.

As part of Team UofG you will be a member of a world changing, inclusive community, which values ambition, excellence, integrity and curiosity.

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 https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/, 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 https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/.

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 https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.

We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.

We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.