Research Assistant

Career Choices Dewis Gyrfa Ltd; Liverpool; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days annual leave

Generous occupational pension schemes

Cycle to work scheme

Affiliated staff membership to Sports/

Job summary

Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine is seeking a Research Assistant to join the Tropical Disease Biology Department. The role involves assembling and screening a large environmental microbial isolate library to discover novel antimicrobial compounds.

You will work on project iiCON, contribute to lab records, SOPs, safety, and outreach with collaborators to maximise the library's potential; mentoring students and coordinating resources.

Qualifications

• The ideal candidate will demonstrate an MRes or equivalent in microbiology.
• Knowledge and wet lab training in bacteriology.
• Knowledge of up-to-date molecular biology techniques.
• Training in bacterial identification using MALDI-TOF.
• Thorough understanding of antimicrobial chemotherapy and resistance.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and maintain laboratory records of methods, samples and results.
• Day-to-day microbiology activities within the project portfolio, working independently and with others.
• Assist in development of SOPs and risk assessments.
• Ensure lab space is clean, safe and well supplied.
• Coordinate outreach and engagement for the environmental isolate library expansion and related projects.

Skills

Molecular biology techniques

Bacteriology wet lab training

Bacterial identification MALDI-TOF

Microbial genetics knowledge

Education

MRes in microbiology or equivalent

Tools

MALDI-TOF

Job description

Research Assistant (90496) Tropical Disease Biology Salary: £33,951 - £38,784 annum Full-time, Fixed-term appointment to 31st August 2027Liverpool You will join the Tropical Disease Biology Department and contribute to a unique work package focused on assembling and screening a large environmental microbial isolate library.

The primary aim is to discover novel antimicrobial compounds and other bioactive molecules with potential applications across sectors.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a variety of projects within the antimicrobial, chemotherapy and resistance space including preparation and screening of an environmental microbial isolate library as part of iiCON. Key Accountabilities:Technical ResponsibilitiesPrepare and maintain adequate laboratory records of methods, sample details and resultsResponsible for day-to-day microbiology activities within the project portfolio, working independently as well as collaboratively and in accordance with laboratory procedures and protocolsContribute to the development of standard operating procedures and risk assessmentsEnsure laboratory space is kept clean and well suppliedMaintain a safe working environmentOrganise and maintain stocks of laboratory reagentsOrganise and maintain stocks of microbial isolatesAssist with supervising students and visitors to the labAssist with the planning and organisation of resources for the smooth running of the laboratory, including overseeing the ordering of apparatus, equipment components and materialsExpand our environmental isolate library through public and community engagementWork with collaborators and stakeholders to ensure the maximum potential of the isolate library is realised.Co-ordinate and participate in outreach activities within the aligned Swab and Send project.

Project administration Liaise with other project partners at LSTM and within the iiCON consortium to determine if synergistic expertise exists which could benefit individual projectsProvide assistance to undergraduate and postgraduate project students where appropriateAssist in preparation of presentations and reports for the line manager and consortium partners, and the funder where appropriateProvide assistance and actively participate in the planning of group research activities and aligned projects.Provide informal mentoring to group members working on other projects.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate: MRes or equivalent in microbiology or equivalentKnowledge and wet lab training in bacteriologyKnowledge of up-to-date molecular biology techniquesTraining in bacterial identification using MALDI-TOFA thorough understanding of microbial geneticsDetailed knowledge of the antimicrobial chemotherapy and resistance spaceRelevant experience of working within a bacteriology research laboratory Hands on experience of general molecular biology techniques (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:Access to support for your career growth through a variety of internal and external learning and development opportunitiesEmployee Assistance Platform offering a range of wellbeing initiatives and support, in addition to high-street discount offers30 days annual leave, plus 8 UK bank holidays, in addition to 6 Christmas closure daysGenerous occupational pension schemes including USS (Universities Superannuation Scheme) and NHS pension schemes (subject to eligibility) Government backed “cycle to work” schemeAffiliated, discounted staff membership to the University of Liverpool Sports CentreA range of enhanced family friendly policies

Due to the volume of applications we receive, we may sometimes 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.