Post-Doctoral Research Associate (90370)

Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine; Liverpool; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global health research institution in Liverpool is seeking a Post-Doctoral Research Associate to investigate insecticide resistance in malaria vectors. The role involves multidisciplinary collaboration and includes national and international travel. Ideal candidates should have a PhD in relevant fields and strong research skills. This position offers competitive benefits including generous annual leave and pension schemes.

Benefits

30 days annual leave

Generous occupational pension schemes

Cycle to work scheme

Discounted membership to University of Liverpool Sports Centre

Family friendly policies

Qualifications

• PhD in relevant fields is mandatory.
• Well-developed research skills for presentation of findings.
• Experience or knowledge of next-generation sequencing technologies is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Apply evolutionary genetic approaches to study disease vectors.
• Assist in the design and supervision of PhD projects.
• Generate ideas and data for new project applications.

Skills

Research skills

Communication skills

Knowledge of next-generation sequencing

Experience in epidemiology

Bioinformatics knowledge

Education

PhD in Biology, Computer Science, Epidemiology, Bioinformatics, Ecology or Genomics

Job description

Full‑Time, Fixed‑term appointment for 2 years

Based in Liverpool with frequent national and international travel.

The Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) is seeking a highly motivated Post‑Doctoral Research Associate (PDRA) to join a multidisciplinary team investigating the evolution of insecticide resistance in malaria vectors. This exciting position forms part of a major collaborative programme with Imperial College London, the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), and the Wellcome Sanger Institute.

Project Overview

The successful candidate will play a key role in applying a broad array of -omics technologies to explore the evolutionary dynamics of insecticide resistance. A key aim of the project is to develop and apply genomic surveillance tools that support evidence‑based malaria control strategies. While the role is based in Liverpool, it will include periodic travel to Kenya for field research, collaboration, and training activities.

Given the multidisciplinary nature of the project, we welcome applications from candidates who hold a PhD in a range of fields including Biology, Computer Science, Epidemiology, Bioinformatics, Ecology or Genomics. Previous experience working with insect vectors is not essential and we would encourage all researchers interested in addressing fundamental evolutionary questions in an applied context to apply.

Key responsibilities will include

Apply evolutionary genetic approaches to the study of disease vectors

• Design and implement transcriptomic- and genomic-based studies to address fundamental evolutionary questions in Anopheles mosquitoes.

Provide support and supervision to students and technical staff within the group

• Assist in the design and supervision of PhD student projects.
• Assist in training and mentoring staff that provide technical assistance to your project.
• Support students and technicians working on similar topics, especially in the analysis of their data.

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, as relevant to research.
• Contribute to peer‑reviewed research publications and scientific reports for donors.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate

• PhD in Biology, Computer Science, Epidemiology, Bioinformatics, Ecology or Genomics.
• Well‑developed research skills with the ability to present research findings in oral or written format.
• Evidence of preparing publications for specialist/general science journals.
• Familiarity with the general research themes of the host lab and the wider Department of Vector Biology.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate at all levels.
• Experience or knowledge of next‑generation sequencing technologies (desirable).
• Experience of epidemiology, data management and bioinformatics (desirable).

Informal enquiries can be made to: [e-mail]

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.
• 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 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

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.

Equal Opportunities and Safeguarding Policies

LSTM actively promotes Equal Opportunities and Safeguarding Policies.