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Post Doctoral Research Associate (77731)
Reference: FEB20245900
Expiry date: 15:06, Thu, 23rd May 2024
Location: Liverpool
Benefits: 30 Days holiday + Bank Holiday and additional Christmas closure days
The Department of Vector Biology at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) is actively recruiting for a Post-Doctoral Research Associate to study the evolution of insecticide resistance in the malaria vector Anopheles gambiae.
Malaria is a major cause of mortality and morbidity in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and one of the biggest impediments to the economic development. The major method for controlling malaria-transmitting mosquitoes is through the use of chemical insecticides but resistance has emerged and is a major threat to the recent reductions in malaria infections.
A major challenge facing malaria control programme managers is knowing to what extent insecticide resistance is impacting control and when to take action e.g. by switching to a new intervention. As part of an initiative to develop genomic surveillance tools that facilitate evidence-based decision making in malaria control the candidate will develop amplicon panels for insecticide resistance detection in the major malaria vectors of SSA.
This position is part of a collaboration with the University of Ghana; the Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at LSHTM and the Genomic Surveillance Unit at the Wellcome Sanger Institute. The position will be based at LSTM but with the expectation of frequent travel to SSA to support assay development and deployment. Candidates must hold a PhD in Biology or a related field and should be well versed in molecular biology, genetics, and bioinformatics.
Key responsibilities include (but are not limited to):
* Develop amplicon-sequencing based genotyping approaches for resistance marker screening. Periodically revise the panels to include newly validated resistance variants and to ensure the panels are tailored to the transmission settings of project partners.
* Develop SOPs, data entry forms, analytical pipelines and training materials for the resistance panels
* Support partners in The Gambia and Ghana to implement amplicon sequencing to identify variants associated with insecticide resistance
* Support partners in The Gambia and Ghana in the development of report cards to inform malaria control programme staff
* Create training materials for, and provide training in, molecular and analytical techniques to others in the lab
* Assist in the design and supervision of student projects
* Assist in training and mentoring staff that provide technical assistance to your project
* Support students and technicians working on similar topics, especially in the analysis of their data
* Contribute to the writing of research grants/ fellowships in collaboration with PIs
Ideally, you will bring:
* PhD in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry or mosquito biology/entomology
* Significant experience in molecular biology
* Experience or knowledge of next generation sequencing technologies
* Experience of data management and bioinformatics
* Well-developed research skills with the ability to present research findings in oral or written format
* Experience of training staff in lab practices
* Evidence of preparing publications for specialist/ general science journals
* Able and willing to travel to partner institutes in the UK, The Gambia and Ghana
(Please read the full Job Description & Person Specification for more details.)
In return, we offer:
* 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 upload your CV and complete our application form. 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:
LSTM actively promotes Equal Opportunities and Safeguarding Policies
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