Post-Doctoral Research Associate (90387)

Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine; Liverpool; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institution in the UK seeks a Post-Doctoral Research Associate to tackle malaria control through statistical analysis of epidemiological data. The successful candidate will work on large-scale trials and develop models to understand insecticide resistance. A PhD in relevant fields and significant experience in statistical analysis are required. Additional benefits include generous leave and pension schemes.

Benefits

30 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Generous occupational pension schemes

Cycle to work scheme

Discounted staff membership to University of Liverpool Sports Centre

Family friendly policies

Qualifications

• Demonstrated quantitative ability through formal education.
• Significant experience in statistical analysis.
• Experience in transmission modelling and genetics.

Responsibilities

• Analyse polygenic scores data and associate outcomes with phenotype.
• Develop novel statistical methods for estimating phenotypes.
• Simulate trial cluster level results using updated models.

Skills

Statistical analysis

Transmission modelling

Ecology or mosquito biology/entomology

Quantitative ability

Research skills

Education

PhD in Ecology, mosquito biology/entomology or statistics

Job description

Full-Time, Fixed-term appointment for 2 years

The Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) is seeking to appoint a Post-Doctoral Research Associate to join an internationally recognised team tackling one of the most pressing public health challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa: malaria control in the face of growing insecticide resistance.

This position offers an exciting opportunity to statistically interrogate empirical entomological and epidemiological data and to develop modes of action within the malaria simulation model – a well-established, individual-based model for malaria transmission.

The successful candidate will be directly involved in two large-scale cluster‑randomised controlled trials (RCTs):

1. A trial of long‑lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) with and without the synergist Piperonyl Butoxide (PBO).
2. A trial of Attractive Targeted Sugar Baits (ATSBs) – a novel vector control intervention.

You will integrate whole genome sequencing data from key malaria vectors (Anopheles gambiae, An. funestus, and An. arabiensis) collected from these trial sites to understand and model insecticide resistance and its epidemiological impact.

The position will be working within a 5‑year NIAID‑funded programme that involves collaborators from KEMRI, Kenya and Imperial College, London with plenty of opportunity for multi-disciplinary research.

Key responsibilities will include:

Analyse polygenic scores data and associate outcomes with phenotype

• To learn about the basic standardized insecticide resistance testing assays and to process the data

• Develop novel statistical methods that translate polygenetic information into estimates of SS, SR or RR phenotypes
• Develop statistical models that capture the uncertainty in these processes, and identify data requirements for expanding this process beyond the trial settings.

Develop the transmission model to simulate efficacy of interventions where resistant vectors exist

• Understand the current mechanisms employed by malariasimulation to capture lost efficacy with increasing phenotypic resistance
• Understand and develop the version of this model that allows SS, SR and RR phenotypes in different ratios to be considered
• Develop a mode of action that can translate the polygenetic scores into efficacy outcomes.

Simulate trial cluster level data

• Using the updated version(s) of the transmission model, simulate trial cluster level results and evaluate the statistical methods developed to appreciate which gives us the best predictive power.

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

• Contribute to training materials for, and provide training in, analytical techniques to others in the group
• Assist in the design and supervision of student projects

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

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• PhD in Ecology, mosquito biology/entomology or statistics – demonstrating quantitative ability
• Significant experience in statistical analysis
• Experience in transmission modelling
• Experience or knowledge of the genetics of trait inheritance
• 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

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

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 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