Research Associate

The University has an exciting opportunity for a Research Associate who will make a leading contribution to PEEN (Plasmon-Enhanced Expansion Nanoscopy), a 12-month project funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) through its Transformative Research Technologies scheme to build a new platform for super-resolution, label-free metabolic imaging of microbial cells.

The project is led by Dr Jiabao Xu with Professor Huabing Yin. PEEN places the resolving power in the sample chemistry rather than the optics: bacterial cells are physically expanded in a hydrogel that retains their biomolecules, and silver nanoparticles are then grown inside the expanded gel to create a three-dimensional surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate.

In this role, the successful candidate will lead this chemistry: developing and validating the expansion and in situ nanoparticle synthesis, characterising the plasmonic substrate, and demonstrating the platform on deuterium-labelled Escherichia coli. Computational analysis of the spectral images is delivered by the PI, so no machine learning experience is required.

In addition, the postholder 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.

For informal enquiries please contact Dr Jiabao Xu on Jiabao.Xu@glasgow.ac.uk

This post is full-time (35 hours per week) and has funding available until 31^st January 2028. A starting date of 1^st February 2027 is envisaged, or as soon as possible thereafter.

All applicants must have the right to live and work in the UK or be eligible to obtain permission to work in the UK.

This role may be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route, subject to meeting the relevant Home Office requirements, including any applicable tradeable points criteria. Further information can be found on the University of Glasgow’s UKVI Website.

For research and academic roles, we will also consider whether the Global Talent visa route may be available, subject to individual eligibility.

For more information and to apply online: www.jobs.gla.ac.uk/job/research-associate-6082012?source=gla.ac.uk

Closing date: 2^nd December 2026 at 23:45pm

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.

The University of Glasgow, charity number SC004401.

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