We are seeking a dedicated and highly motivated Research Technician to join the Tropical Disease Biology Department at LSTM on a short contract. This role will support experimental laboratory work for our UKRI/DEFRA-funded ‘UK Mosquitoes’ project, which investigates mosquito-borne viral threats to public health.
Specifically, the postholder will work on innovative approaches to block Usutu virus and West Nile virus infections in mosquitoes. This includes the application of glycosylation inhibitors and recombinant fusion proteins in both mosquito cell lines and live mosquitoes.
Key responsibilities will include:
Cell and virus culture
1. Routine passaging of mammalian and insect cells
2. Routine infection of mammalian cells to generate virus stocks
3. Preparation of cell culture media and supplements
Research
4. Perform infection of mammalian and insect cells with arboviruses in the presence of serially diluted drugs
5. Viral infection characterisation using plaque assay, qRT-PCR, and immunostaining
6. Generation of DNA plasmids using standard and advanced cloning methods to produce recombinant proteins
7. Production of recombinant fusion proteins in E. coli
8. Biochemical and functional characterisation of recombinant proteins
9. Generation of cDNA infectious clones to rescue genetically modified arboviruses
10. Keep accurate records of experimental details and results
11. Analyse results
Laboratory duties
12. Maintenance of laboratory and tissue culture laboratories
13. Preparation of stock solutions
14. Keep materials inventoried
15. Undertake relevant administrative tasks
Contribution to team and departmental meetings
16. Regularly report results to line manager
17. Eventual presentation of results at internal meetings
Contribute to generate, interpret, and present results
1. Generate text and figures for presentation and publications
2. Critically discuss results and troubleshoot
3. Contribute to the publication of research outcomes in appropriate peer-reviewed journals
The ideal candidate will have excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work as an integral and flexible member of fast-paced multi-disciplinary research team. Ideally, you will be able to demonstrate:
18. Master’s degree in Biological Sciences (or related discipline)
19. Working in laboratory research projects
20. Experience in mammalian and insect cell culture
21. Experience in molecular cloning and DNA assembly techniques
22. Experience in standard virology methods to characterise infections
23. Experience in recombinant protein production in bacteria
24. Experience generation virus infection clones
Additional benefits of joining LSTM:
25. 30 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, plus Christmas closure days
26. Generous occupational pension schemes
27. Government backed “cycle to work” scheme.
28. Affiliated, discounted staff membership to the University of Liverpool Sports Centre
29. Plus, a host of additional family friendly policies
Expected date of interviews: 27th August 2025