Research Associate in Genetic Vector Control

1000scholars; Greater London; On-site; GBP 51,000 - 59,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career development support

Competitive benefits package

Sector-leading salary and pension

Job summary

Imperial College London on the South Kensington Campus is seeking a Research Associate to join a Gates Foundation-funded programme focusing on self-limiting genetic strategies for Anopheles malaria mosquitoes. You will plan and deliver experiments, design molecular approaches, and analyse robust data, while maintaining accurate records for publications and funder reports.

You will collaborate with Imperial scientists and external partners, supervise students and research assistants, coordinate

Qualifications

• Experience in molecular biology and genetic engineering.
• DNA cloning and CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing experience.
• Experience with mosquitoes or model organisms.
• Transcriptomic data analysis and basic bioinformatics.
• Embryo microinjection experience is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver research within the programme.
• Design and conduct experiments, develop molecular approaches.
• Analyse robust data and maintain accurate records.
• Contribute to publications and presentations to funders.
• Supervise and develop undergraduate/postgraduate students and research assistants.
• Coordinate small research teams and help run the lab safely.

Skills

Molecular biology

Genetic engineering

DNA cloning

CRISPR-Cas9

Transcriptomic analysis

Bioinformatics

Embryo microinjection

Education

PhD in Genetics or Molecular Biology

Job description

Location: South Kensington Campus

About the role:

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.

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])

£50,733 to £59,484 per annum