Research Associate in Vector Control Strategies

Imperial College London; City Of London; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Imperial Enterprise invites applications for a Research Associate role focused on molecular genetics and vector control. You will drive research initiatives, supervise junior researchers, and contribute to grant applications while presenting findings at conferences.

The successful candidate will work within a leading international consortium, publish in refereed journals, and travel to collaborating sites as required. A PhD in molecular biology and genetics is essential.

Qualifications

• PhD in molecular biology and genetics or related field.
• Significant experience with genetic approaches to population control of disease vectors.
• Experience with CRISPR/Cas9 gene drive development and testing.
• Publications in refereed journals.
• Experience supervising junior staff and students.
• Strong organisational and communication skills.
• Willingness to travel to collaborating sites.

Responsibilities

• Plan research and take initiative in planning their research; maintain an overview of the group’s efforts.
• Submit publications to refereed journals and present findings to colleagues and at conferences.
• Contribute to preparation of grant requests and lead in compiling quarterly reports to sponsors.
• Supervise the work of smaller research teams including undergraduate and postgraduate students.
• Mentor and train less experienced members of the laboratory in learning molecular approaches to vector control.
• Collaborate across international consortium and travel as needed.

Skills

CRISPR/Cas9

Molecular biology

Genetics

Transcriptomics

Bioinformatics

Team leadership

Education

PhD in molecular biology and genetics

Job description

as daily interactions with other members of the lab.The post is funded by the multi-disciplinary research consortium called Target Malaria.

What you would be doing

The Research Associate will be expected to take initiative in planning their research, maintain an overview of the group's efforts, submit publications to refereed journals, present their findings to colleagues and at conferences, contribute to the preparation of grant requests and take the lead in compiling quarterly reports to research sponsors. The post holder will also be required to supervise the work of smaller research teams including undergraduate and postgraduate students; mentor and train less experienced members of the laboratory in learning and adapting new molecular approaches to vector control. We strongly encourage applications from experienced, self-driven individuals with an established interest in cutting-edge scientific research that has the real potential to contribute to global malaria eradication efforts.

What we are looking for

The ideal candidate must have a PhD in molecular biology and genetics, or a closely related discipline, and significant experience in a similar research environment working on genetic approaches to population control of disease-vector mosquitoes, particularly CRISPR/Cas9 gene drive development and testing. Expertise to be supported by a track record of publication in relevant and refereed journals. The post holder should be comfortable with molecular biology methods and proficient in working with genome editing tools like CRISPR/Cas. Experience in laboratory and insectary practices and in experimental manipulation techniques is also required. The role also requires excellent organisational, communication and problem-solving skills, and the ability to lead effectively small teams and planning work to achieve research goals and milestones. Proficiency in transcriptomic analysis and DNA sequencing, including molecular workflows and bioinformatic analysis of genomic and gene expression data are highly desirable, though not essential. Demonstrable experience in supervising and training junior technical staff and students is also required. Flexibility is also essential, including a willingness to support operational needs and occasionally travel to collaborating sites. You will also be expected to work collaboratively and be open-minded, taking a positive approach to routine work and training opportunities relevant to the role.

What we can offer you

This role offers an exciting opportunity to work within a pioneering research group focused on advancing innovations that could significantly improve malaria control. It provides the chance to collaborate with leading scientists across Europe, Africa and North America as part of a major international consortium, while working with cutting-edge molecular and insectary technologies that support ongoing professional development. The successful candidate will join a supportive, inclusive community at one of the world's top universities and benefit from a competitive salary and generous leave.

Further information

This is a full-time fixed-term post to 31st December 2029. If you require any further details about the role, please contact: Dr Federica Bernardini ( ) or Ms Clelia Supparo ( )