Research Associate in Genetic Vector Control

Imperial Enterprise; Greater London; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

43 days off a year

Generous pension schemes

Career development support

Job summary

Imperial College London seeks a Research Associate to advance self-limiting genetic strategies for Anopheles mosquito population control. You will design experiments, apply molecular methods, and analyse results in a collaborative lab environment funded by the Gates Foundation.

This is a full‑time, fixed-term role through 31 August 2028, with potential extension depending on funding. The successful candidate will contribute to publications and engage with international collaborators, with

Qualifications

• PhD-level role; PhD in genetics/biotechnology preferred or nearing completion.
• Experience in molecular biology and genetic engineering, including DNA cloning and genome editing (CRISPR-Cas9).
• Experience with transcriptomic data analysis and working with model organisms such as mosquitoes.

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver research within the programme.
• Design and conduct experiments, develop molecular approaches, and analyse robust data.
• Maintain records and contribute to publications and funder presentations.
• Collaborate with Imperial College London scientists and external partners, supervise students and coordinate small teams.
• Help run a safe, productive laboratory and support ongoing projects within the group.

Skills

DNA cloning

CRISPR-Cas9

Genetic engineering

Molecular biology

Transcriptomic data analysis

Bioinformatics

Embryo microinjection

Mosquitoes model organisms

Education

PhD in genetics/biotechnology

Tools

Bioinformatics software

Job description

Research Associate in Genetic Vector Control

Do you have expertise in genetic engineering and want to contribute to developing next-generation strategies to control mosquito populations that transmit malaria? We have an exciting opportunity for a Research Associate to join a new research programme funded by the Gates Foundation and focused on developing self-limiting genetic strategies for the population suppression of Anopheles mosquitoes.

The successful candidate will play a key role in conducting independent research as part of a small team. The experimental work will focus on improving proof-of-principle technologies that we have already developed, with the aim of advancing them towards potential future deployment, as well as investigating new target genes and developing novel molecular tools to support the next generation of these technologies.

What you would be doing

As a Research Associate, you will play an active role in planning and delivering research within our programme. You will take initiative in designing and conducting experiments, developing appropriate molecular and experimental approaches, and analysing robust and reproducible data. You will maintain accurate records of your work and contribute to publications, presentations to funders and research meetings.

You will work collaboratively with scientists, technicians and students at Imperial and with external collaborators in the UK and internationally. You will also contribute to the supervision and development of undergraduate and postgraduate students and research assistants and, where appropriate, help coordinate the work of small research teams. Alongside your research, you will contribute to the smooth running of the laboratory and to maintaining a safe, collaborative and productive research environment.

What we are looking for

We are looking for a motivated and proactive researcher with experience in molecular biology and genetic engineering, including DNA cloning, genetic construct design and CRISPR-Cas9 or related genome-editing approaches. You will also have experience with mosquitoes or other model organisms and transcriptomic data analysis. Previous experience with molecular and genetic assays is required as well as basic experience in bioinformatics and data analysis. Experience in embryo microinjection work would be highly advantageous.

What we can offer you

• You will join a collaborative research environment at Imperial College London, with the opportunity to contribute to research addressing major global health challenges. The Group has a long-standing relationship with the Target Malaria research consortium, providing opportunities to engage with researchers and initiatives across the consortium and gain insight into the development, evaluation and potential deployment of genetic strategies for malaria control.
• You will have access to Imperial’s dedicated career development support for researchers, including 10 development days each year, alongside opportunities for progression, a competitive benefits package and a supportive, inclusive working environment.
• Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 43 days off a year and generous pension schemes).

Further information

Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have not yet been officially awarded will be appointed as a Research Assistant.

This is a full-time post.

This role is for a fixed-term contract 31 August 2028, extendable for an additional 12 months subject to funding availability.

If you require any further details about the role, please contact: Dr Federica Bernardini ([e-mail]) or Ms Clelia Supparo ([e-mail]).

Attached documents are available under links. Clicking a document link will initialize its download.

Please note that job descriptions are not exhaustive, and you may be asked to take on additional duties that align with the key responsibilities mentioned above.

About Imperial

Welcome to Imperial, a global top-ten university where scientific imagination leads to world-changing impact.

Join us and be part of something bigger. From global health to climate change, AI to business leadership, here at Imperial we navigate some of the world’s toughest challenges. Whatever your role, your contribution will have a lasting impact.

As a member of our vibrant community of 22,000 students and 8,000 staff, you’ll collaborate with passionate minds across nine London campuses and a global network.

This is your chance to help shape the future. We hope you’ll join us at Imperial College London.

Our Culture

We work towards equality of opportunity, to eliminating discrimination, and to creating an inclusive working environment for all. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries, and are committed to employing a team that has diverse skills, experiences and abilities. You can read more about our commitment on our web pages .

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