0.5 FTE - Research Technician (89498)

Lstmed; Liverpool; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading research institution is seeking a part-time Research Technician to support entomological studies focused on mosquito control. The role involves laboratory analyses, data recording, and collaboration with a dynamic research team. Ideal candidates will have a BSc in Biological Science and strong molecular biology skills. Additional benefits include a generous pension scheme and discounted sports centre membership.

Benefits

Generous occupational pension schemes

Cycle to work scheme

Discounted staff membership to the University of Liverpool Sports Centre

Family friendly policies

Qualifications

• Experience in a research laboratory and standard laboratory protocols.
• Hands-on experience of general molecular biology techniques.
• Experience of conducting scientific experiments.

Responsibilities

• Implement and optimise molecular entomological procedures.
• Prepare and maintain laboratory records of methods and results.
• Organise and maintain catalogue of lab reagents.

Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Data Analysis

Molecular Biology

Laboratory Protocols

Education

BSc in Biological Science

Tools

PCR

DNA/RNA Extraction

Bioinformatics Software

Job description

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0.5 FTE - Research Technician (89498)

Reference: MAY20259006

Expiry date: 09:00, Wed, 21st May 2025

Location: Liverpool

Duration: Fixed-term appointment for up to 3 years

Part-Time (17.5 hours), Fixed-term appointment for up to 3 years

Based in Liverpool with occasional international travel

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.

Funded by the NIHR, the DengRIP project aims to develop enhanced surveillance methods for dengue transmission risk by integrated modelling of Ae. aegypti abundance, distribution, behaviour, genomics, immunological biomarkers and digital surveillance, and to trial promising community-embedded mosquito control tools.

The successful candidate will work within the entomological work packages of the research to implement and optimise laboratory analyses of mosquito population genomics, species and insecticide resistance diagnostics and molecular entomology, including blood meal and pathogen detection.

Key responsibilities will include:

Research Activities

• Responsible for day-to-day activities working independently as well as collaboratively and in accordance with laboratory procedures and protocols
• Assist with the development and optimisation of amplicon sequencing protocols
• Implement and optimise molecular entomological procedures, e.g. species diagnosis, blood source identification, mosquito infection status
• Implement standard protocols for DNA/RNA extractions, PCR, and quantitative PCR, optimising as required
• Assist with establishment and maintenance of mosquito colonies
• Assist with supervising students and visitors to the lab

Data recording/ analysis

• Prepare and maintain adequate laboratory records of methods, sample details and results
• Perform basic bioinformatic analyses
• Collate and assess data using appropriate software
• Prepare written data reports and Powerpoint presentations for line manager and funders
• Provide initial analysis of data and draft sections of reports and manuscripts for funders, external collaborators and journal submissions under guidance of line manager…

Technical responsibilities

• Organise and maintain catalogue of lab reagents and order supplies as required
• Maintain a safe working environment
• Provide an efficient and effective technical service to research teams within the department at LSTM
• Contribute to the development of standard operating procedures and risk assessments

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. You will be able to demonstrate:

• BSc in Biological Science or science related subject (or equivalent experience)
• Good knowledge of general principles of molecular biology
• Maintenance of laboratory data, book and record keeping experience
• Experience of working within a research laboratory and standard laboratory protocols
• Hands on experience of general molecular biology techniques
• Hands on experience of mosquito rearing
• Experience of conducting scientific experiments
• Good numeracy skills with the ability to collate data and accurately conduct basic data analysis
• Experience of genome or amplicon sequencing or a related technique (desirable)

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

Additional benefits of joining LSTM:

• Generous occupational pension schemes
• Government backed “cycle to work” scheme.
• Affiliated, discounted staff membership to the University of Liverpool Sports Centre
• A range of additional family friendly policies

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:

LSTM actively promotes Equal Opportunities and Safeguarding Policies