Research Technician (90342)

Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine; Liverpool; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading tropical research institution in Liverpool is seeking a dedicated Research Technician to join the Mosquito Symbiosis and Infection Lab. The successful candidate will support research into mosquito-microbe interactions, maintain mosquito colonies, and conduct molecular biology techniques. Applicants should possess a BSc in Biological Science or a related subject, along with strong communication skills and relevant lab experience. This full-time position includes generous annual leave and a supportive work environment.

Benefits

30 days annual leave

Generous occupational pension schemes

Cycle to work scheme

Discounted sports center membership

Qualifications

• Experience with rearing mosquitoes and insect cell culture.
• Ability to work independently in a research environment.
• Maintenance of laboratory data and record keeping.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to insectary activities to maintain mosquito colonies.
• Provide molecular biology and microbiological support.
• Prepare written data reports and presentations.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Experience working with mosquitoes

Molecular biology techniques

Scientific report writing

Education

BSc in Biological Science or related subject

MSc/MRes in Biological Science or related subject

Job description

Overview

Full-time, Fixed-term appointment to 31st October 2026. The Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) is looking to appoint a dedicated and enthusiastic Research Technician to join the Mosquito Symbiosis and Infection (Mossi) Lab within the Vector Biology Department. The Mossi Lab focuses on understanding and manipulating microbial interactions in mosquito vectors to develop novel disease control strategies. Our research spans fundamental biology through to applied vector control solutions targeting malaria and arboviruses. You will join a collaborative, supportive, and interdisciplinary team working at the forefront of vector biology and symbiosis research. This role will support cutting-edge research into mosquito-microbe interactions, contributing to the development of microbial control approaches aimed at reducing the global burden of arboviral diseases and malaria. The successful candidate will provide microbiology, molecular biology, and insectary support to a range of projects, while also assisting in the day-to-day running and organisation of the laboratory.

Key Responsibilities

Research

• Contribute to and co-ordinate the day-to-day insectary activities to rear and maintain uninfected mosquito colonies
• Provide molecular biology and microbiological support to researchers in the group
• Undertake fluorescent in situ hybridization and microscopy
• Undertake insect and mammalian cell culture and maintain the cell culture suite to high standards
• Undertake independent research projects to support the lab
• Undertake molecular and microbiology procedures following standard protocols

Data recording

• Collate and assess data using appropriate software
• Prepare written data reports and PowerPoint presentations for line manager and funders
• Provide initial analysis of data and draft sections of reports and manuscripts

Laboratory organisation

• Ensure laboratory space is kept clean, organized, and well supplied
• Maintain a safe working environment
• Organize and contribute to writing SOPs, risk assessments, and permit applications
• Communicate with partners and collaborators to co-ordinate collaborative research projects

Skills

The ideal candidate will have excellent communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to work as an integral and flexible member of fast-paced multi-disciplinary research team. You will be able to demonstrate:

• BSc in Biological Science or science related subject (or equivalent experience)
• MSc/MRes in Biological Science or sciences related subject (desirable)
• Experience working with/rearing mosquitoes, insect cell culture, or appropriate molecular/microbiological techniques
• Experience working independently or collaboratively in a research environment
• Maintenance of laboratory data, book and record keeping experience
• Experience of conducting scientific experiments
• Experience writing scientific reports and papers
• Experience with or knowledge of manipulating and dissecting mosquitoes
• Experience with or knowledge of working under sterile technique to culture cell lines

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

Additional Benefits Of Joining LSTM

• 30 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, plus Christmas closure days
• Generous occupational pension schemes
• Government backed “cycle to work” scheme
• Affiliated, discounted staff membership to the University of Liverpool Sports Centre
• Plus, a host of additional family friendly policies

Application Process

To apply for the position please follow the apply link and upload your CV and covering letter.

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

About LSTM

Founded in 1898 and the oldest of its kind in the world, the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) is an internationally recognised centre of excellence for teaching and research in tropical diseases. Through the creation of effective links with governments, NGOs, private organisations and global institutions and by responding to the health needs of communities, LSTM aims to promote improved health, particularly for people of the less developed/resource poorest countries in the tropics and sub-tropics.

Look at some of the great work we have achieved over the past year by viewing our annual report: https://www.lstmed.ac.uk/about/annual-reports-and-financial-statements

LSTM actively promotes Equal Opportunities and Safeguarding Policies