Post-Doctoral Research Associate (90374)

Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine; Liverpool City Region; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading institution in tropical medicine is seeking a Post Doctoral Research Associate to support antivenom clinical trials in Africa. This role involves developing laboratory assays to understand snakebite envenomation and outcomes. Candidates should have a PhD in a relevant field and experience in laboratory research, particularly with clinical samples. The position offers substantial annual leave and generous pension schemes.

Benefits

30 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Generous occupational pension schemes

Cycle to work scheme

Discounted sports centre membership

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant discipline (e.g., biology, biochemistry, immunology, molecular biology).
• Laboratory research experience at postdoctoral level.
• Experience developing and validating bioassays.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate antibody responses in serum samples.
• Develop and optimise ELISA assays for venom toxins.
• Develop and validate PCR detection of snake DNA.

Skills

Laboratory research experience

Experience developing and validating bioassays

Experience working with clinical samples

Experience with immunoassays and PCR

Knowledge of snakebite and toxin variation

Education

PhD in relevant discipline

Job description

Overview

Full-time, Fixed-term appointment for 3 years
Based in Liverpool with international travel

LSTM is a world-leading institution in tropical medicine and global health. The Centre for Snakebite Research & Interventions (CSRI) is a globally recognised programme that conducts basic, translational, and clinical research to reduce the burden of snakebite envenoming. The Centre works with partners in Africa and Asia to deliver impactful, evidence-based interventions in some of the world's most affected communities.

About the Role

The Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine is offering an exciting opportunity for a Post Doctoral Research Associate to join its world-renowned Centre for Snakebite Research & Interventions (CSRI).

Snakebite is a neglected tropical disease affecting hundreds of thousands of people annually, with a significant burden in sub-Saharan Africa. This role will support new antivenom clinical trials across Africa by developing and applying laboratory assays to better understand envenomation and treatment outcomes.

The successful candidate will play a key role in developing and applying diagnostic assays using clinical samples to:

• Identify the biting snake species, and
• Quantify antivenom-venom complexes in patient samples

This work will support clinical trial endpoints, enhance understanding of envenoming dynamics, and contribute to the global effort to improve snakebite treatment and reduce mortality.

Key responsibilities

• Evaluate polyclonal antibody responses in serum samples of venom-immunised sheep
• Develop and/or optimise ELISA based quantification of venom toxins in sera using polyclonal antibodies
• Develop and validate PCR-based detection of snake DNA in swabs collected from the site of snakebite
• Develop and validate ELISA based assays to quantify venom-antivenom complexes in clinical samples
• Perform data analysis on experimental results and deliver reports at the times needed to the supervisory team
• Assist in the day-to-day supervision of laboratory staff and students
• Actively participate in all lab maintenance activity
• Significantly contribute to the planning and advancement of research programmes
• Contribute to the publication of research outcomes in appropriate peer reviewed journals and relevant grant writing activities
• Participate in teaching activities and student supervision

Qualifications and profile

• PhD in a relevant discipline (e.g. biology, biochemistry, immunology, molecular biology)
• Laboratory research experience at postdoctoral level
• Experience developing and validating bioassays
• Experience performing and interpreting scientific data
• Experience working with clinical samples from snakebite patients
• Experience with immunoassays and PCR
• Experience communicating scientific findings at research conferences
• Experience developing biomarker-based measurements of venom pathology in clinical samples
• Knowledge of snakebite, venom biology and toxin variation

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

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

Please Note: Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we may close our vacancies earlier than the advertised deadline. Therefore, we strongly recommend applying as early as possible to ensure your application is considered.

Equality, diversity and 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

LSTM actively promotes Equal Opportunities and Safeguarding Policies