Research Funding and Support Officer
Full time, Permanent
Grade 7 (£37,999 - £45,163 increasing to £38,249 - £45,413 from March 2025)

Abertay is a modern university with a global outlook, rooted in its local and national communities. We have made our mark with high quality, well-directed teaching and research, and a stimulating and enriching experience for our students.
Research, Innovation and Enterprise Support Office (RIES)

You will join a small professional team and help drive the development of a newly formed RIES Office. The new RIES Office brings together staff, support and management functions from across the University, to provide an integrated, efficient, and coherent support and management service for the funding submission and award lifecycle. The RIES Office team will provide expert advice, guidance and operational support for the entire university RKE portfolio. The team will collaborate with the academic community, various university leadership groups and support services, to deliver against university and external key performance indicators to ensure the University’s compliance with major funders and government agencies.

The new RIES Office is co-located with the Graduate School team, who provide support and professional development opportunities to our vibrant postgraduate and researcher community. The teams are overseen by the Dean of Research and the Graduate School within a dedicated facility at the heart of the University. Together the RIES and Graduate School teams are central to the continued development of our excellent research culture and environment, supporting delivery of the University’s Research and Knowledge Exchange Strategy R-LINCS (https://www.abertay.ac.uk/research-overview/research-strategy-and-structure/), and achievement of its RKE ambitions.

The University now seeks to appoint a Research Funding and Support Officer.

Reporting to the Head of the Research Innovation and Enterprise Support (RIES) office, the Research Funding and Support Officer manages and supports all the administrative processes involved in identifying, applying to, securing and setting up external research funds. Acting as the main point of contact for key sponsors, researchers wishing to submit funding proposals and collaborating Institutions wishing to establish agreements, you will be expected to develop a sound working knowledge of the sponsors who support research within the University. Establishing effective professional working relationships with staff at all levels within the University as well as all relevant funding bodies will be essential to your success.

As a key member of the RIES team you will report to and work with the Head of Research Innovation and Enterprise Support to ensure accurate grant costings are created and submitted to the required deadlines and there is a smooth transition from pre- to post- award when applications are successful.

Whilst this role is specialised, you will, over time, be expected to gain experience in a number of other related areas such as research funding, finance, human resources and project management, and as such this is an ideal role for individuals keen to develop their career within university professional support services.

You will be expected to exercise initiative and will usually work independently, consulting with the academic staff, the RIES team and Head of Research Innovation and Enterprise Support as appropriate.

If you believe you have the skills and experience for this exciting and challenging role, please submit your application through our online recruitment system, which can be found at https://www.abertay.ac.uk/discover/work-here/jobs/

Committed to Equal Opportunities
Abertay University is a Scottish Registered Charity,
No: SC016040

Job Title and Reporting: Research Technician (1x FTE)

Grade of Post/Salary: Grade 5 £25,138 - £28,759 Reporting Line Manager: Professor James Chalmers Duration of employment: 24 months

Location: School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital

The Respiratory Research group at the University of Dundee specialises in studies into the immunology and microbiology of respiratory diseases such as bronchiectasis, COPD and pneumonia. You will be expected to provide high quality technical assistance to Professor Chalmers and the other members of the research team. As a research technician you will play an important role in studies with direct benefit to patients such as clinical trials and patient cohort studies working alongside other research technicians within the group and overseeing the timely completion of research projects in partnership with the principal investigator, postdoctoral researchers and other research staff.

Core laboratory tasks may include processing biological samples, culture of airway epithelial cells at air liquid interface, microscopy, ELISA, and preparation of cells and biological samples for downstream processing such as flow cytometry and proteomics. You will support the principal investigator, post- doctoral researchers and PhD students as part of a multidisciplinary team. You will work collaboratively with team members to support multiple ongoing research studies where appropriate. You will work with external collaborators and internal department such as the Clinical Research Centre and core facilities to ensure the timely completion of research studies.

We are recruiting for a Grade 5 Research Technician

An opportunity has arisen for a research technician to join us within the Jackson Lab at the University of Dundee. This group will be exploring the role of Apolipoprotein E in Alzheimers Disease with an aim to target this important protein to prevent against Alzheimers Diseases.

You will be expected to provide high quality technical assistance to Dr Rosie Jackson and the other members of the research team. Core tasks will include culture of induced pluripotent stem cells derived astrocytes, HEK 293 cells, and primary astrocytes, and multiple molecular techniques including Maxiprep, ELISA, as well as in house assays of inflammation and protein thermal melt.

You will work with the principal investigator and overseas collaborators, performing laboratory research to a high standard and organising study data. You will work collaboratively with other team members including Postdoctoral fellows and PhD students to develop and validate protocols for sample collection and support curation of samples in long-term storage whilst supporting recruitment and sample collection to newly set-up clinical studies. You will be expected to work with the principal investigator to deliver research studies to a high standard in a timely manner.

The University of Dundee enjoys an international reputation for excellence that attracts top-class students and academics from across the world - with over 140 countries represented in the University community. You will be based in the medical sciences institute building at the School of Life Science. The group is part of the School of Medicine which provides outstanding medical education and training supported by world class research facilities.

Your priorities will include:

• Provide technical research support to the ApoE research group.


• Carry out laboratory-based research to a high standard.


• Work under the supervision of the principal investigator but assume responsibility for your projects.


• Maintenance of cell culture lines


• Deriving Astrocytes from induced pluripotent stem cells.


• Using various in-house assays to test drug compounds in vitro.


• Managing laboratory reagent stocks


• Contribute to group meetings an work collaboratively within the lab.

Who we're looking for:

• Proven ability to work in a multidisciplinary science team to deliver high quality research


• Experience with IPS cells is highly desirable but not a requirement.


• Ability to collaborate with members of other research groups within the University and other academic institutions.


• Capable of interpretation of raw data, assembly into summary reports and presentation to staff.


• Ability to work to deadlines and to meet milestone targets, with detailed attention to time management and multitasking.


• Flexibility and willingness to work outwith normal hours as and when required.

This role does not meet the minimum requirements set by the UKVI to enable sponsorship of migrant workers. Further information can be found at: https://uod.ac.uk/2qUx1RR

For further information about this position please contact Dr Rosie Jackson at rjackson001@dundee.ac.uk .

The closing date for applications 25th of November.

At the University we benefit from having access to a range of personal and professional development courses and training opportunities, we enjoy 34 days annual leave per year and are supported by a range of Work Life Balance policies, staff support networks, membership of Athena SWAN and Stonewall as well as a full range of disability services which all create an enjoyable and inclusive place to work. It is the diversity of our staff and students that make the University of Dundee an enjoyable place to work.

The School of Life Sciences at the University of Dundee is a world-class academic institution with a reputation for the excellence of its research, its high quality teaching and student experience, and the strong impact of its activities outside academia. With 900 staff from over 40 countries worldwide the School provides a dynamic, multi-national, collegiate and diverse environment with state-of-the-art laboratory, technology and teaching facilities.

We are recruiting for exceptional individuals to join us as postdoctoral research assistants within our Biological Chemistry and Drug Discovery Division, to work in the area of trypanosomatid molecular biology. This is a fixed-term appointment for up to 16 months.

We are looking for highly motivated researchers with appropriate skills in molecular and cell biology to work in the area of trypanosomatid molecular biology. The project is funded by Wellcome and a major goal is to understand gene expression control in African trypanosomes (see https://sites.dundee.ac.uk/david-horn/).

Projects may focus on gene expression control by RNA-binding proteins, expression of Variant Surface Glycoprotein related genes, or core histone tail editing.

Candidates interested in parasites that cause neglected tropical diseases and in applying state-of-the-art genetic technologies to these parasites should apply.

Please note that applications made on a part-time basis for this role will/will not be considered.

Your priorities will include:

• To pursue a research project involving predominantly molecular genetic and cell biology techniques.


• Work independently, and contribute to the teaching/training of other staff/Ph.D. students.


• Contribute to the life of the School of Life Sciences

Who we're looking for:

Essential:

• A PhD in a relevant subject


• Significant experience contributing to molecular biology projects in the laboratory


• Publication(s) in peer-reviewed journals


• Ability to work independently and/or as part of a team


• Experience with cell culture Desirable:


• Experience with containment level two pathogens


• Computer and data processing skills


• Good communication skills, both written and verbal

We are one of the UK's leading universities, internationally recognised for our expertise across a range of disciplines and research breakthroughs in multiple areas, including science, medicine and engineering, amongst many others. Our purpose is to transform lives, locally and globally, which we do as a community of staff (Professional Services and academic Schools), students and alumni. Professional Services directorates are key to delivering the University strategy and driving change across the University.

For further information about this position please contact Professor David Horn d.horn@dundee.ac.uk To find out more about Group/Unit/Team/School please visit the Website.

Commitment to DORA

The School of Life Sciences has been fully committed to the principals of the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA) since 2013. In assessing applicants, we consider the scientific quality of their published research papers, but do not take into account where the papers were published and do not consider journal-based metrics, such as Journal Impact Factors.

The diversity of our staff and students helps to make the University of Dundee a UK university of choice for undergraduate, postgraduate and distance learning. Family friendly policies, staff networks for BME, Disabled and LGBT staff, membership of Athena SWAN, the ECU Race Equality Charter and Stonewall as well a full range of disability services, create an enjoyable and inclusive place to work.

We are recruiting for an exceptional individual to join us as a Postdoctoral Researcher within The Stanley-Wall Laboratory, Molecular Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, with experience in bacterial genetics, transcriptions and/or microscopy (https://www.dundee.ac.uk/people/nicola-stanley-wall). This is a fixed-term appointment for up to 42 months.

We investigate mechanisms underpinning Bacillus subtilis biofilm formation and conduct interdisciplinary studies combining classical molecular genetics, microbiology, and soft matter physics.

We aim to uncover key regulatory mechanisms underpinning Bacillus subtilis biofilm matrix remodelling, function, resilience, and competitiveness, that direct the ability of this organism to occupy a wide range of environmental niches. The successful applicants will exploit recent findings to uncover the molecular processes driving adaptation of the biofilm matrix and the impact for the function and success of the bacteria in different environments.

The project builds on our published work (see https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36528619/; https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34486975/). You will be part of a collaborative research project with colleagues based at the University of Edinburgh (Prof. Cait MacPhee and Dr. Ryan Morris).

The appointment as a Postdoctoral Research Assistant on the Grade 7 salary scale is dependent upon you having been awarded a PhD. An appointment may be considered if you are shortly expected to be awarded a PhD. In this case, the initial appointment would be made as a Research Assistant on the Training Grade 7 salary scale (Spinal Point 25 - 28).

To apply, please submit a single PDF file that contains:

• A cover letter that outlines your research interests and career goals, alongside a summary highlighting your expertise in microbial genetics and gene expression analysis.
• A curriculum vitae containing a list of publications and/or preprints with a brief description of your contribution to each piece of work.

It is intended that interviews for short listed candidates will be held on the 18th and/or 19th of November 2024.

Your priorities will include:

• Transcriptomic analysis of Bacillus subtilis biofilms in different environmental context
• Analysis of B. subtilis survival and adaptation to different contexts
• Engaging members of the public in our research

Who we're looking for:

Successful candidates will have a strong background in bacterial genetics, ideally with expertise in transcriptomics and/or microscopy. You should be creative, enthusiastic to solve challenging problems, be a team player, be equipped with excellent communication skills and have an awareness of working in a positive research culture.

Candidates are expected to have expertise in:

• Molecular biology, bacteriology
• Transcriptomic analysis

And/or

• Flow cytometry
• Microscopy
• Knowledge of biofilm formation Additional desired skills are:
• Undergraduate student supervision in laboratory settings
• Tutoring undergraduates

For further information about this position please contact Prof Nicola Stanley-Wall (Molecular Microbiology/School of Life Sciences) at n.r.stanleywall@dundee.ac.uk. To find out more about the Division of Molecular Microbiology (MMB) please visit https://www.dundee.ac.uk/life-sciences/research/molecular-microbiology

We are recruiting for an exceptional individual to join as a Postdoctoral Researcher in the laboratory of Dr Arpan Mehta. This is a fixed-term appointment for 18 months, with potential extension at the end of the term.

We are recruiting for a driven individual to join the laboratory of Dr Arpan Mehta, a clinician-scientist, with expertise in cell biology and/or gene-editing to conduct an innovative pooled CRISPR screen in human motor neurons derived from induced pluripotent stem cells. The overarching goal of the lab is to undertake fundamental research to understand the molecular basis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a form of motor neuron disease (MND), through open and interdisciplinary collaborations within and outwith of our unit.

The successful applicant will undertake a project as part of the MND Accelerator (MNDAcc) initiative funded by the Medical Research Council and National Institute for Health and Care Research to make the translation of discoveries into therapeutics easier for motor neuron disease and frontotemporal dementia. The goal is to make robust discoveries and share data openly in the space of 18 months.

Your priorities will include:

• Build C9ORF72-iCas9 iPS cell line and perform quality control followed by differentiation to motor neurons and microglia using published protocols.
• Optimise and perform a kinome-wide CRSIPR/Cas9 knock out-screen and sgRNA enrichment analysis.
• Validate the top candidate hits and create a CROP-seq library in partnership with UK Dementia Research Institute (UK DRI) single-cell facility.
• Public and patient involvement and engagement presentations.
• Dissemination of protocols and data openly and through formal peer-reviewed publications.
• Advising and mentoring undergraduate and PhD students.

Candidate requirements:

• PhD in molecular biology with a track record of academic success.

• Highly organised, motivated and meticulous, with an ability to work independently and to drive a project forwards robustly and at pace.
• Expertise in iPS cell culture is highly desirable, although the successful candidate would be supported and trained (if necessary) by Dr Lindsay Davidson who leads our iPSC core facility.
• Prior experience in gene editing and CRISPR screens would be highly desirable.

We are one of the UK's leading universities, internationally recognised for our expertise across a range of disciplines and research breakthroughs in multiple areas, including science, medicine and engineering, amongst many others. Our purpose is to transform lives, locally and globally, which we do as a community of staff (Professional Services and academic Schools), students and alumni. Professional Services directorates are key to delivering the University strategy and driving change across the University.

For further information about this position please contact Dr Arpan Mehta at amehta001@dundee.ac.uk. To find out more about MRC PPU please visit https://www.ppu.mrc.ac.uk/