Post Doctoral Research Associate (93158)

Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine; West Kirby; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days annual leave

UK bank holidays + Christmas closure

University pension schemes

Employee Assistance Platform

Sport Centre membership

Job summary

Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine invites applications for a Post Doctoral Research Associate to drive genome editing and gene drive work in Anopheles funestus as part of the Target Malaria consortium.

The role offers a fixed-term appointment through 31 December 2029 in Liverpool, with opportunities for grant development and collaboration across international partners. A strong molecular biology background and CRISPR experience are essential.

Qualifications

• PhD in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry or mosquito biology/entomology.

Responsibilities

• Develop and expand genome editing approaches in mosquitoes.
• Scientific coordination and delivery of the research project.
• Support and supervision of students and technical staff.
• Develop of novel research directions.
• Disseminate findings through publications and conferences.

Education

PhD in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry or mosquito biology/entomology

Tools

CRISPR-Cas9

Job description

Position not right for you?
Share it with someone you know.

Post Doctoral Research Associate (93158)

Reference: OCT20262902

Expiry date: 23:59, Tue, 10th Nov 2026

Location: Liverpool

Duration: Fixed-term appointment to 31st December 2029

Full-Time, Fixed-term appointment to 31 st December 2029

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Post Doctoral Research Associate to join the Functional Genetics Group, led by Professor Tony Nolan at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM). The successful post holder will contribute to pioneering gene drive research in Anopheles funestus, a major malaria vector species.

Working as part of the international Target Malaria research consortium, you will help build on recent breakthroughs in transgenesis and genome editing to develop and test gene drive approaches in An. funestus for the first time. This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to an emerging area of research with potential to advance malaria vector control.

You will join a dynamic, collaborative team working at the forefront of mosquito genetics and vector control. The role offers opportunities for scientific creativity, including developing new project ideas and contributing to future grant applications, and is ideally suited to a highly motivated researcher with experience or interests in molecular biology, genome editing and mosquito genetics.

Key responsibilities will include:

Develop and expand genome editing approaches in mosquitoes

• Design and clone new genetic constructs for optimized performance in the mosquito
• Use CRISPR technologies to edit mosquito genomes
• Design, generate and characterise gene drive mosquito lines

Scientific coordination and delivery of the research project

• Together with another PDRA - direct the work of a small research team, ensuring progress towards project objectives
• Collaborate with national and international partners across the Target Malaria consortium
• Together with another PDRA and programme manager - produce interim and annual project progress reports, in coordination with the PI and consortium partners

Support and supervision of students and technical staff

• Create training material for, and provide training in molecular and analytical techniques to others in the lab
• Contribute to the design and supervision of student projects
• Support students and technicians in the analysis and presentation of data

Develop of novel research directions

• Develop and advance new scientific ideas, generating data to support future project applications
• Play an active role in the development of research grants and fellowship applications in collaboration with the PI and other PDRAs
• Disseminate findings through publications and conferences, as relevant to the research

Ideally you will demonstrate:

• PhD in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry or mosquito biology/entomology
• Significant experience in molecular biology and cloning of genetic constructs
• Evidence of a strong research track record, demonstrated through authorship of peer-reviewed publications
• Knowledge of CRISPR-Cas9 systems
• Experience of gene editing approaches, including CRISPR-Cas9
• Experience working with gene drive
• Experience of training staff in lab practices

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

• Access to support for your career growth through a variety of internal and external learning and development opportunities
• Employee Assistance Platform offering a range of wellbeing initiatives and support, in addition to high-street discount offers
• 30 days annual leave, plus 8 UK bank holidays, in addition to 6 Christmas closure days
• Generous occupational pension schemes including USS (Universities Superannuation Scheme) and NHS pension schemes (subject to eligibility)
• Government backed “cycle to work” scheme
• Affiliated, discounted staff membership to the University of Liverpool Sports Centre
• A range of enhanced family friendly policies