Research Technician

University of York; New Brunswick; On-site; CAD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institution in Canada, New Brunswick is seeking a technician to work on a BBSRC-funded project focused on developing piRNA-based antiviral effects in mosquitoes. This full-time role requires an undergraduate degree or equivalent and enthusiasm for working with insects. The successful candidate will join a team and contribute to developing virus-resistant strains, while engaging in various molecular techniques and training under expert supervision. Ideal for candidates passionate about synthetic biology and pest control.

Qualifications

• Educational background relevant to technician role.
• Strong enthusiasm for working with insects.
• Ability to work effectively in a team.

Responsibilities

• Join a team developing virus-refractory Aedes aegypti.
• Work under the project team leader and lab head.
• Engage in training for project-specific methods.

Skills

Knowledge of relevant research techniques

Experience of working with insects

Education

Undergraduate degree, HND, HNC, A levels, or equivalent

Job description

Department

Our lab aims to use insect synthetic biology to develop new, safe, sustainable methods for reducing the harm caused by pest insects. We have several potential vacancies for projects in this area, for all grades from new graduate to senior postdoc. We are particularly keen to recruit postdocs with the experience, scientific flair and management ability to direct a project team, ideal for an ambitious researcher looking for the next step towards an independent position, or a senior postdoc looking for more responsibility without yet wishing to be a group leader.

The present position is for technician (Grade 4 or Grade 5 depending on skills and experience) on a new BBSRC-funded project to develop piRNA-based antiviral effects in the mosquito Aedes aegypti. Informal enquiries regarding this, or other projects and potential positions in the lab may be made to Prof Luke Alphey [e-mail].

piRNAs (“PIWI-interacting RNAs) are short (26-31nt) non-coding RNA molecules whose best-known role is in silencing transposable elements but have more recently been found to have additional functions. One of these is an anti-viral effect: following infection of Aedes aegypti by any of a range of arboviruses, cDNA fragments of the virus are generated and from these siRNAs and piRNAs are produced which have a negative effect on virus replication. Short RNAs have been used, by our lab and others, to suppress replication of specific viruses; piRNAs potentially have some significant advantages.

We have preliminary data indicating that we can manipulate the piRNA pathway to provide strong resistance to some viruses in Aedes aegypti but that this effect is not universal. The aim of the project is primarily applied, to develop transgenic mosquitoes unable to transmit a range of severe human pathogens, but also a secondary fundamental aspect – understanding the range of viruses susceptible to this approach, and the basis for this.

Nominal start date is on/before 19 March 2026, but potentially negotiable. This is a full-time (37 hours a week) position.

Role

The post-holder will join a larger team developing virus-refractory Aedes aegypti through various molecular mechanisms (see and https://doi.org/10.1101/2023.02.06.527261 and https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2303080120 for other examples). The post-holder will have a HNC, HND, undergraduate degree, or equivalent experience appropriate to grade. They will have enthusiasm for, and experience of, working with insects, evidence of careful and reliable working and ability to work effectively in a team. Training in project-specific methods such as insect transgenesis and the rearing and analysis of transgenic strains will be provided. The post-holder will report to the project team leader and through her/him to the lab head, Prof Luke Alphey.

Skills, Experience & Qualification needed

• Undergraduate degree, HND, HNC, A levels, or equivalent depending on grade
• Knowledge of relevant research techniques and methodologies.
• Enthusiasm for, and experience of, working with insects

Interview date: To be confirmed

For informal enquiries: please contact Prof Luke Alphey [e-mail]