Total 7 job vacancies by Vacancy Filler

Senior Research Excellence and Strategy ManagerFull time, permanent position
Liverpool
Salary: £46,485 - £58,596
The Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) is a globally recognised centre of excellence for research and teaching in tropical diseases. As a world leader in translating academic research into tangible health impacts we are proud of the work we do and the impact this has on the people who need our help most. Recently ranked in the top 5.3% of universities in the world, ranked 2^nd in the UK for research impact through REF2021, and having recently celebrated our 125^th anniversary, there has never been a more exciting time to join our organisation.

In preparation for LSTM’s REF2029 submission, we are looking to appoint a Senior Research Excellence and Strategy Manager to join our Office for Research Strategy and Knowledge Exchange within our professional services function.

The successful candidate will be responsible for a broad range activities including all aspects of REF (Research Excellence Framework) including providing advice, leadership, coordination, compliance, quality and submission. This post will also hold responsibility for providing research strategy insights, in addition to contributing the LSTM funder engagement strategy.

This is an exciting opportunity to work closely with the Head of Research Strategy & Knowledge Exchange in helping to shape a brand-new department. The post will also support the research committee Chair and leadership of the Secretariat, with the ultimate shared goal of creating an optimal research innovation ecosystem to deliver LSTM’s mission, whilst building on LSTM’s world-class reputation.

Key responsibilities will include:


Strategy Development




Working with the Head of the Research Strategy & Knowledge Exchange to provide leadership, guidance, and direction to the research strategy, fostering a collaborative and innovative approach.
Lead, advise and support as domain expert user within LSTM’s Research Information System.
Manage the relevant delivery priorities of the broader Office for Research Strategy and Knowledge Exchange team to sector-leading standards, ensuring a high quality, focussed and fully compliant service is provided.





Research Excellence Framework (REF)

Adopt the role of LSTM’s trusted REF (Research Excellence Framework) advisor, providing professional management of REF submissions and all subsequent exercises, including supporting the leadership team with the development and implementation of REF strategies.
Analyse, interpret and adopt external guidance and policy, highlighting potential risk and exposure of the organisation and developing appropriate mitigations.




Research Environment & Strategy

Lead regular dialogue and liaison with department heads, global hubs, faculty members and international partners to understand the research needs of the academic community
Develop and implement effective research horizon scanning, intelligence gathering and a strategic funder engagement approach.




External Engagement:

Support the Head of Research Strategy & Knowledge Exchange and senior academics to represent LSTM at relevant national and international forums related to research and knowledge exchange excellence, sharing best practices, and establishing collaborative networks.
Contribute and quality assure information/data returns for relevant Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), including developing local processes to gather appropriate information.



The successful candidate will bring:


Knowledge and experience of research within a higher education context, including REF and/or KEF and Research, Culture and Environment
Significant involvement in previous REF submissions
Knowledge and understanding of relevant funding bodies, their practice and strategic priorities
An excellent understanding of broader national policy priorities in relation to research and knowledge exchange
Experience in a senior research management or planning role in the higher education sector
The ability to assess research performance at all levels of institutional organisation, ensuring responsible use of metrics
Experience of the research cycle, in particular horizon scanning and funder engagement
Educated to degree level or equivalent


To see a full list of responsibilities and requirements, see the job description attached.

Additional benefits of joining LSTM:


30 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and 6 additional Christmas closure days
Generous occupational pension schemes
Agile working
Affiliated, discounted staff membership to the University of Liverpool Sports Centre
Employee assistance programme to support with employee well-being
High street discounts and cashback offers
Government-backed cycle to work scheme
Plus, a host of additional family friendly policies


Application process:

To apply for the position please click on the apply link and upload your CV and covering letter.

Due to the volume of applications, we receive, we may close our vacancies early. It is therefore advisable to apply as early as possible if you would like to be considered for a role.

Inclusion is central to our values at LSTM.

We seek to attract and recruit people who reflect the diversity across our communities, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, nationality, faith or belief, social background, age and disability. LSTM selects candidates based on skills, qualifications, and experience.

We welcome conversations about flexible working; and applications from those returning to employment after a break from their careers.

About LSTM

Founded in 1898 and the oldest of its kind in the world, the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) is an internationally recognised centre of excellence for teaching and research in tropical diseases. Through the creation of effective links with governments, NGOs, private organisations, and global institutions and by responding to the health needs of communities, LSTM aims to promote improved health, particularly for people of the less developed/resource poorest countries in the tropics and sub-tropics.

Look at some of the great work we have achieved over the past year by viewing our annual report: https://www.lstmed.ac.uk/about/annual-reports-and-financial-statements

LSTM actively promotes Equal Opportunities and Safeguarding Policies

The Department of Vector Biology at LSTM is one of the largest of its kind with a broad portfolio of research and technical assistance activities targeted at improving the control of insect borne diseases. An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Research Technician to join this dynamic research team.

The successful candidate will provide molecular biology, and insectary support to research projects performing functional genetics in mosquitoes, particularly towards the study of insecticide resistance. Your role will involve supporting researchers in the group by using molecular biology, CRISPR genome editing and general genetic manipulation techniques to characterise and manipulate the mosquito genome.


Key responsibilities (but not limited to):



Prepare and maintain adequate laboratory records of methods, sample details and results
Provide an efficient and effective technical service to research teams
Undertake general plasmid cloning and screening procedures
Perform basic bioinformatic analysis and plasmid and primer design
Inject mosquito embryos with DNA constructs
Assist in the design of guide RNAs for CRISPR-based genome editing
Assist with the rearing of uninfected mosquito colonies in the insectaries
Contribute to the development of standard operating procedures and risk assessments
Collate and assess data using excel, prism and other appropriate software



The ideal candidate will have excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work as an integral and flexible member of fast-paced multi-disciplinary research team. Ideally, we are seeking a candidate that can demonstrate on their CV and application a combination of the below:


BSc in Biological Science or science related subject (or equivalent experience)
Good knowledge of general principles of molecular biology
Hands on experience of DNA cloning and general molecular biology techniques
Relevant experience of working within a research laboratory & experience of standard laboratory protocols
Ability to implement and adapt biological techniques or protocols
Experience of conducting scientific experiments



(For a full list of essential and desirable criteria please refer to the job description and person specification)

Informal enquiries can be made to: tony.nolan@lstmed.ac.uk






Additional benefits of joining LSTM:


30 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, plus Christmas closure days
Generous occupational pension schemes
Government backed “cycle to work” scheme.
Affiliated, discounted staff membership to the University of Liverpool Sports Centre
Plus, a host of additional family friendly policies


Closing Date: TBC

Application Process: To apply for the position please follow the apply link and upload your CV and covering letter.

Due to the volume of applications, we receive, we may close our vacancies early. It is therefore advisable to apply as early as possible if you would like to be considered for a role.

Inclusion is central to our values at LSTM.

We seek to attract and recruit people who reflect the diversity across our communities, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, nationality, faith or belief, social background, age and disability. LSTM selects candidates based on skills, qualifications, and experience.
We welcome conversations about flexible working; and applications from those returning to employment after a break from their careers.

About LSTM

Founded in 1898 and the oldest of its kind in the world, the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) is an internationally recognised centre of excellence for teaching and research in tropical diseases. Through the creation of effective links with governments, NGOs, private organisations and global institutions and by responding to the health needs of communities, LSTM aims to promote improved health, particularly for people of the less developed/resource poorest countries in the tropics and sub-tropics.
Look at some of the great work we have achieved over the past year by viewing our annual report:
https://www.lstmed.ac.uk/about/annual-reports-and-financial-statements

LSTM actively promotes Equal Opportunities and Safeguarding Policies

Salary: Dependant on experience and qualifications
Research Assistant £32,332 - £37,099 per annum
Post-Doctoral Research Associate £38,205 - £44,263 per annum
Full-time, Fixed-term appointment until March 2026
Based in Liverpool

Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) is a globally recognised centre of excellence, specialising in research that impacts global health. Recently named Business of the Year by Liverpool Chamber of Commerce, and celebrating our 125^th anniversary this year, there has never been a more exciting time to join our organisation.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Research Assistant or Post-Doctoral Research Associate to join the group of Dr Thomas Edwards within the Tropical Disease Biology Department, on an Academy of Medical Sciences funded project investigating the mechanisms behind an emerging antimicrobial resistance (AMR) phenotype in Escherichia coli.

The successful candidate will join a collaborative research team (also including Fabrice Graf, LSTM, Dept Clinical Sciences; Eva Heinz, University of Strathclyde; Liverpool Clinical Laboratories, NHS) investigating the key factors that influence transposon mediated beta-lactamase gene amplification, which has been identified as a key driver of resistance to beta-lactamase inhibitor combination therapies. The successful candidate will use a mixture of microbiological assays, cloning, qPCR, and whole genome sequencing in order to determine to what extent the organism sequence type, transposon type, or AMR gene impact the likelihood and extent of gene amplification whilst under selective pressure. This position includes a conference/training budget for the post holder.

Key publications from the group on this topic can be found here;


Fraser, A., Ball, R., Cantillon, D., Brettell, L., Graf, F., Lewis, J., van Aartsen, J., Parry, C. Heinz, E. Edwards, T. (2024). A high-resolution genomic and phenotypic analysis of resistance evolution of an Escherichia coli strain from a critical care patient treated with piperacillin/tazobactam. Medrxiv. doi:
Edwards, T. Heinz, E., van Aartsen, J., Howard, A., Roberts, P., Corless, C., Fraser, A., Williams, C.T., Bulgasim, I., Cuevas, L.E., Parry, C.M., Roberts, A.P., Adams, E.R., Mason, J., Hubbard, A. (2022). Piperacillin/tazobactam resistant, cephalosporin susceptible Escherichia coli bloodstream infections driven by multiple resistance mechanisms across diverse sequence types. Microbial Genomics. 8:4
Hubbard, A., Mason, J., Roberts, P., Parry, C., Corless, C., van Aartsen, J., Howard, A., Fraser, A., Adams, E., Roberts, A., Edwards, T. (2020). Within-patient evolution to piperacillin/tazobactam resistance in a clinical isolate of Escherichia coli due to IS26-mediated amplification of bla_TEM-1B.Nature Communications. 11:4915



Key responsibilities include:


Generate full length transposons carrying AMR genes from clinical isolates of E. coli, using a Gibson Assembly approach
Cloning transposons into competent lab strains of E. coli and clinical isolates
Conducting broth microdilution MIC assays, and fitness assays
Using qPCR to determine relative gene copy numbers
Nanopore sequencing of selected isolates




General responsibilities


Liaising, working collaboratively with, and providing support to other members of the team and collaborators
Leading on the data analysis, design, execution, and write-up of research projects for publication
Developing appropriate Risk Assessments, SOPs and protocols to local and legal requirements
Recording all experimental data generated promptly and accurately, in accordance with relevant standard operating procedures, policies, guidelines protocols and best practice


The ideal candidate will possess the following:


MSc in a relevant subject


PhD in a relevant subject (PDRA role)
Knowledge of health and safety regulations and legal requirements for safe laboratory working
Experience of microbiological techniques
Experience in DNA cloning
relevant experience of qPCR, sequencing library preparation, DNA extraction
Knowledge of bacterial AMR mechanisms
Experience on leading manuscript drafting for publication (PDRA)



(For a full list of essential and desirable criteria please refer to the job description and person specification)

In return we offer:


30 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, and additional Christmas closure days
Generous occupational pension schemes
Government backed “cycle to work” scheme
Affiliated, discounted staff membership to the University of Liverpool Sports Centre
Plus, a host of additional family friendly policies


Informal enquiries can be made to: thomas.edwards@lstmed.ac.uk

Closing Date: 18^th August 2024


Application Process: To apply for the position please click on the apply link and upload your CV and covering letter.

Due to the volume of applications, we receive, we may close our vacancies early. It is therefore advisable to apply as early as possible if you would like to be considered for the role.
Inclusion is central to our values at LSTM
We seek to attract and recruit people who reflect the diversity across our communities, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, nationality, faith or belief, social background, age and disability. LSTM selects candidates based on skills, qualifications, and experience.
We welcome conversations about flexible working; and applications from those returning to employment after a break from their careers.

About LSTM

Founded in 1898 and the oldest of its kind in the world, the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) is an internationally recognised centre of excellence for teaching and research in tropical diseases. Through the creation of effective links with governments, NGOs, private organisations and global institutions and by responding to the health needs of communities, LSTM aims to promote improved health, particularly for people of the less developed/resource poorest countries in the tropics and sub-tropics.
Look at some of the great work we have achieved over the past year by viewing our annual report:
https://www.lstmed.ac.uk/about/annual-reports-and-financial-statements

LSTM actively promotes Equal Opportunities and Safeguarding Policies

Salary: £32,332 - £37,099 per annum (starting salary will be £32,332 p.a.)

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a dedicated and passionate Research Assistant to join our team in the Tropical Disease Biology department in advancing snakebite research and interventions.
Our Tropical Disease Biology (TDB) department is a leading national and international research and teaching department with a focus on translational research of tropical infectious diseases. The vision of TDB is aligned to that of LSTM’s to “save lives in resource poor countries through research, education and capacity strengthening”. To that end, research within the TDB department is focused on solutions that have the potential to have a material impact the health and well-being of people from resource poor settings.
<u>The Role </u>

The successful candidate will play a crucial role in supporting new research enabling LSTM’s Centre for Snakebite Research & Interventions (CSRI). Led by Director Professor Nicholas Casewell, the research centre boasts some of the world's leading snakebite experts and has access to LSTM’s herpetarium, the largest and most diverse collection of tropical venomous snakes in the UK, used to support its research activities. The post holder will primarily be expected to characterise the coagulopathic and platelet-perturbing activity of haemotoxic snake venom proteins, to support the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic tools for the field of thrombosis and haemostasis. Based within the CSRI, this post will join a substantial, multi-disciplinary research team dedicated to identifying and implementing systems and tools to understand snake venoms and improve the treatment of tropical snakebite. The research position will focus predominately on defining the bioactivity of snake venom toxins on clotting factors and platelets, with the goal of identifying tools that could be repurposed for use as clotting test standards and/or therapeutics for thrombotic disorders.





Key deliverables will include (but not be limited to):


Assist in the development and/or optimization of coagulation factor specific bioassays to define toxin activities
Perform well-plate, aggregometry and/or flow cytometry-based platelet function assays to quantify toxin activity and define mechanisms of action on platelet aggregation
Undertake one-stage clotting assays on normal and factor deficient plasma
Assist in the purification of snake toxin proteins from native venom
Perform data analysis on experimental results and deliver reports to the supervisory team
Maintain accurate records of all research activity
Work collaboratively in a research team and in partnership with external collaborators
Contribute to the publication of research outcomes in appropriate peer reviewed journals and relevant grant writing activities
Participate in related scientific and public engagement tasks


<u>The Candidate </u>

The post-holder will be expected to have a background in either haematology or biochemistry, and experience of protein purification is desirable. You will support our research initiatives by conducting literature reviews, collecting and analysing data, and contribute to the preparation of reports and publications.

Ideally you will be able to demonstrate:


Master’s degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. haematology, biochemistry, pharmacology, biomedical science)
Relevant laboratory research experience
Experience in developing and running bioassays
Experience performing and interpreting scientific data
Experience working to health and safety regulations
Experience performing research in the field of thrombosis and haemostasis (desirable)
Knowledge of haemtaology, specifically thrombosis and haemostasis (desirable)






(For a full list of essential and desirable criteria please refer to the job description and person specification)

Additional benefits of joining LSTM:


30 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, plus Christmas closure days
Generous occupational pension schemes
Government backed “cycle to work” scheme.
Affiliated, discounted staff membership to the University of Liverpool Sports Centre
Plus, a host of additional family friendly policies


Apply now and join us in our mission to combat tropical diseases and make a difference in global health. We look forward to receiving your application.

Closing Date: 3^rd July 2024

Application Process: To apply for the position please click on the apply link and upload your CV and Covering Letter.

Due to the volume of applications, we receive, we may close our vacancies early. It is therefore advisable to apply as early as possible if you would like to be considered for a role.

Inclusion is central to our values at LSTM
We seek to attract and recruit people who reflect the diversity across our communities, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, nationality, faith or belief, social background, age and disability. LSTM selects candidates based on skills, qualifications, and experience.

We welcome conversations about flexible working; and applications from those returning to employment after a break from their careers.

About LSTM
Founded in 1898 and the oldest of its kind in the world, the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) is an internationally recognised centre of excellence for teaching and research in tropical diseases. Through the creation of effective links with governments, NGOs, private organisations and global institutions and by responding to the health needs of communities, LSTM aims to promote improved health, particularly for people of the less developed/resource poorest countries in the tropics and sub-tropics.

Look at some of the great work we have achieved over the past year by viewing our annual report:
https://www.lstmed.ac.uk/about/annual-reports-and-financial-statements

LSTM actively promotes Equal Opportunities and Safeguarding Policies

Post-Doctoral Research Associate – Tropical Disease Biology
Full time, fixed-term contract until 30^th April 2026
Based in Liverpool, hybrid working
Salary £38,205
Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) is a world-renowned institution dedicated to the research, education, and control of tropical diseases. Established in 1898, LSTM has been at the forefront of groundbreaking discoveries and innovations that have significantly improved global health outcomes.
We have a brand-new opportunity for a Post-Doctoral Research Associate to join our Tropical Disease Biology department, based within the Centre for Snakebite Research & Interventions (CSRI) team. This position will lead new research enabling the CSRI to characterise the coagulopathic and platelet-perturbing activity of haemotoxic snake venom proteins, to support the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic tools for the field of thrombosis and haemostasis.
The successful candidate will join a substantial, multi-disciplinary research team dedicated to identifying and implementing systems and tools to understand snake venoms and improve the treatment of tropical snakebite. The research will focus on defining the bioactivity of snake venom toxins on clotting factors and platelets, with the goal of identifying tools that could be repurposed for use as clotting test standards and/or therapeutics for thrombotic disorders.
Key responsibilities will include:

Develop and/or optimise coagulation factor specific bioassays to define toxin activities
Perform well-plate, aggregometry and/or flow cytometry-based platelet function assays to quantify toxin activity and define mechanisms of action on platelet aggregation
Undertake one-stage clotting assays on normal and factor deficient plasma
Lead in the purification of snake toxin proteins from native venom
Perform data analysis on experimental results and deliver reports at the times needed to the supervisory team
Maintain accurate records of all research activity
Work collaboratively in a research team and in partnership with external collaborators
Actively participate in all lab-maintenance activity
Significantly contribute to the planning and advancement of research programmes

The ideal candidate will possess the following:

PhD in a relevant discipline, such as: haematology, biochemistry, pharmacology, biomedical science
Master’s degree in a relevant discipline, such as: haematology, biochemistry, pharmacology, biomedical science
Laboratory research experience
Experience developing and implementing bioassays
Demonstrable attention to detail and accuracy, leading to high quality control of research data and results
Experience performing and interpreting scientific data

Previous experience of performing research in the field of thrombosis and haemostasis and platelet function tests would also be beneficial, however, this is not essential.
For a full list of essential and desirable criteria please refer to the job description and person specification)
In return we offer:

A salary of £38,205
30 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, and additional Christmas closure days
Generous occupational pension schemes
Agile working
Government backed “cycle to work” scheme
Affiliated, discounted staff membership to the University of Liverpool Sports Centre
Plus, a host of additional family friendly policies

Application Process: To apply for the position please click on the apply link and upload your CV and covering letter.
Due to the volume of applications, we receive, we may close our vacancies early. It is therefore advisable to apply as early as possible if you would like to be considered for a role.
Inclusion is central to our values at LSTM
We seek to attract and recruit people who reflect the diversity across our communities, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, nationality, faith or belief, social background, age and disability. LSTM selects candidates based on skills, qualifications, and experience.
We welcome conversations about flexible working; and applications from those returning to employment after a break from their careers.
About LSTM
Founded in 1898 and the oldest of its kind in the world, the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) is an internationally recognised centre of excellence for teaching and research in tropical diseases. Through the creation of effective links with governments, NGOs, private organisations and global institutions and by responding to the health needs of communities, LSTM aims to promote improved health, particularly for people of the less developed/resource poorest countries in the tropics and sub-tropics.
LSTM actively promotes Equal Opportunities and Safeguarding Policies

The Department of Tropical Disease Biology (TDB) is a leading national and international research and teaching department with a focus on translational research of tropical infectious diseases. We are seeking a dedicated Research Technician to join our dynamic team to contribute to groundbreaking research aimed at understanding and mitigating the impact of tropical diseases on vulnerable populations worldwide.

The successful candidate will join the team dedicated to investigating the infection pharmacology of various human pathogens relevant to human health, particularly in low- and middle-income country (LMIC) settings. The primary responsibility of this role is to support an ongoing Medical Research Council (MRC) funded project focused on elucidating the antimalarial mode of action of 8-aminoquinolines through a range of in vitro biochemical, cell biology, molecular, and infection-pharmacology experiments. Additionally, the successful applicant will contribute to similar laboratory investigations concerning the infection pharmacology and therapeutics of other significant human pathogens, including but not limited to Mycobacterium, SARS-CoV-2, and antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacterial pathogens.


Key role responsibilities include:


Technical responsibilities: Prepare, maintain, and store adequate laboratory records of methods, sample details and results; Provide an efficient and effective technical service to research teams; Conduct in vitro biochemical, cell biology, molecular, and infection-pharmacology experiments; Collaborate with researchers and scientists to design and execute experiments; Participate in laboratory management tasks.
Data Recording: Collate and assess data using excel, R and other appropriate software; Prepare written data reports and presentations for line manager and funders; Provide initial analysis of data and draft sections of reports and manuscripts.
Support the production and dissemination of research outputs: Contribute to research publication/scientific reports for donors; Contribute to research ideas and the preparation and writing of scientific reports and peer-reviewed publications for the scientific community


The ideal candidate will have excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability and interest in working as an integral and cooperative member of a multi-disciplinary research team. Ideally you will be able to demonstrate:


Higher education qualification in relevant subject
Experience of working within a research laboratory & experience of standard laboratory protocols
Maintenance of laboratory data, book and record keeping
Proficient computer skills with good working knowledge of R
Knowledge of infection biology/pharmacology of pathogens relevant to human health in LMICs
Ability to implement and adapt complex biological techniques or protocols
Experience of fluorescence microscopy techniques

(For a full list of essential and desirable criteria please refer to the job description and person specification)



Additional benefits of joining LSTM:


30 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, plus Christmas closure days
Generous occupational pension schemes
Government backed “cycle to work” scheme.
Affiliated, discounted staff membership to the University of Liverpool Sports Centre
Plus, a host of additional family friendly policies


Join us in our mission to advance scientific knowledge and combat tropical diseases for the betterment of global health! Apply today and be a part of our dedicated team of researchers and scientists.

Closing Date: 25^th April 2024

Application Process: To apply for the position please click on the apply link and upload your CV and Covering Letter.

Due to the volume of applications, we receive, we may close our vacancies early. It is therefore advisable to apply as early as possible if you would like to be considered for a role.
Inclusion is central to our values at LSTM
We seek to attract and recruit people who reflect the diversity across our communities, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, nationality, faith or belief, social background, age and disability. LSTM selects candidates based on skills, qualifications, and experience.
We welcome conversations about flexible working; and applications from those returning to employment after a break from their careers.
About LSTM
Founded in 1898 and the oldest of its kind in the world, the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) is an internationally recognised centre of excellence for teaching and research in tropical diseases. Through the creation of effective links with governments, NGOs, private organisations and global institutions and by responding to the health needs of communities, LSTM aims to promote improved health, particularly for people of the less developed/resource poorest countries in the tropics and sub-tropics.
Look at some of the great work we have achieved over the past year by viewing our annual report:
https://www.lstmed.ac.uk/about/annual-reports-and-financial-statements

LSTM actively promotes Equal Opportunities and Safeguarding Policies

Full time, fixed-term appointment to 31^st December 2026
Based in Liverpool with international travel

We have an exciting opportunity for a Post-Doctoral Research Associate to join the Vector Biology team at LSTM. Primarily the successful candidate will be required to support developing functional genetics tools for the study of insecticide resistance in Anopheles funestus.

Background

Anopheles funestus mosquitoes are the dominant vectors of malaria in many regions of sub-Saharan Africa, yet this species has hitherto been understudied due, in part, to the difficulty in rearing strains in the laboratory and a lack of functional genetics tools to discover the genetic basis of key biological traits. Nonetheless, our research, using genomic surveillance, shows that insecticide resistance is compromising malaria control efforts that look to suppress this mosquito and that the genetic basis of these resistance mechanisms is often unique from that emerging in other malaria-transmitting species.
Given the paucity of novel classes of insecticides, resistance management strategies such as rotation, mosaics, mixtures and combinations are essential to prolong the susceptibility of mosquito vectors to insecticides. This cannot be properly done without understanding the molecular drivers of insecticide resistance.

The groups of Wondji and Nolan are world leading in the discovery of insecticide resistance mechanisms and the development of functional genetics tools, respectively. They have recently developed efficient genome editing technologies for Anopheles funestus, allowing the precise introduction of transgenes and/or precise genome ‘edits’ that faithfully recapitulate alleles that appear to be under selection in the wild. These tools, for the first time, allow us to functionally validate insecticide-resistant alleles, and potentially novel resistance pathways, in the laboratory.

The candidate

The successful candidate will have significant experience in molecular biology and cloning of genetic constructs. You will demonstrate excellent research skills, analytic expertise, and communication skills, plus the ability to work as a member of a multi-disciplinary team.

As the Post-Doctoral Research Associate, you will be involved in liaising with field scientists and genomics specialists to prioritise mutations or genomic rearrangements that appear to be under selection in response to various insecticide deployments. The post will involve working in collaboration with and travel to LSTM research collaborators abroad, particularly with researchers from the Centre for Research on Infectious Diseases in Cameroon.


Key responsibilities are (but not limited to):


Develop and expand genome editing approaches in mosquitoes: Design and clone new genetic constructs for optimized performance in the mosquito; Use CRISPR technologies to edit mosquito genomes; Optimise a screening protocol to recover genome-edited mosquitoes without the use of a dominant selectable marker.
Develop and expand systems for selecting for insecticide resistance in vivo: To learn the basic standardized insecticide resistance testing assays and to perform these with sufficient statistical power; Establish a screening protocol and selection regime for emergence of insecticide resistance in mosquitoes; Liaise with field scientists and genomics specialists
Provide support and supervision to PhD students and technical staff: Create training material for, and provide training in molecular and analytical techniques; Assist in the design and supervision of student projects; Assist in training and mentoring staff;
Develop novel projects: Generate ideas and data to support new project applications; Contribute to the writing of research grants/ fellowships in collaboration with PIs; Disseminate findings through publications and conferences.


The ideal candidate will demonstrate:


PhD in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry or mosquito biology/entomology
Significant experience in molecular biology and cloning of genetic constructs
Experience or knowledge of genome editing approaches using site-specific nucleases such as CRISPR, TALENs, Zinc Finger Nucleases etc
Basic bioinformatic skills (e.g. genome browsing and data mining, use of DNA cloning software packages
Evidence of preparing publications for specialist/ general science journals
Experience working with mosquitoes or other insects (desirable)



(Please refer to the job description and person specification for the full list of essential and desirable criteria)

Informal enquiries can be made to: tony.nolan@lstmed.ac.uk

Additional benefits of joining LSTM:


30 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, plus Christmas closure days
Generous occupational pension schemes
Government backed “cycle to work” scheme.
Affiliated, discounted staff membership to the University of Liverpool Sports Centre


Closing Date: 3^rd January 2024

Interviews are expected to take place mid- January

Application Process: To apply for the position please follow the apply link and upload your CV and covering letter.

Due to the volume of applications, we receive, we may close our vacancies early. It is therefore advisable to apply as early as possible if you would like to be considered for a role.

Inclusion is central to our values at LSTM.

We seek to attract and recruit people who reflect the diversity across our communities, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, nationality, faith or belief, social background, age and disability. LSTM selects candidates based on skills, qualifications, and experience.
We welcome conversations about flexible working; and applications from those returning to employment after a break from their careers.
About LSTM

Founded in 1898 and the oldest of its kind in the world, the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) is an internationally recognised centre of excellence for teaching and research in tropical diseases. Through the creation of effective links with governments, NGOs, private organisations and global institutions and by responding to the health needs of communities, LSTM aims to promote improved health, particularly for disadvantaged populations.
Look at some of the great work we have achieved over the past year by viewing our annual report:
LSTM Annual Report 2021 - 2022
LSTM actively promotes Equal Opportunities and Safeguarding Policies

Please note the Recruitment Office will be closed from 20^th December, and re-opens on 2^nd January 2024.