Full-Time, Fixed-term appointment for 1 year
Tuberculosis remains a major global health challenge and there is an urgent need for new therapeutic agents. The Parish Lab in the Department of Tropical Disease Biology at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine focuses on antimicrobial drug discovery, particularly targeting Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
We are seeking a motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to join our tuberculosis drug discovery programme. The successful candidate will evaluate novel anti-tubercular agents, investigate their mechanisms of action, and determine mechanisms of resistance. You will work collaboratively with internal and external partners to advance promising new anti-tubercular agents. The role involves a range of microbiological and molecular techniques, with substantial work conducted with M. tuberculosis under Containment Level 3 (CL3) conditions.
Key responsibilities will include:
Conduct primary research
1. Run a range of microbiological and cellular assays to profile compound activity.
2. Conduct research into mechanism of action of novel antitubercular agents using a variety of microbiological and molecular techniques.
3. Determine mechanisms of resistance to novel anti-tubercular agents.
4. Plan, design and execute research plans.
5. Perform experimental procedures and make detailed observations; analyze and interpret data.
6. Plan and conduct work requiring independent judgment in the evaluation, selection, and substantial adaptation/modification of standard techniques, procedures and criteria.
7. Troubleshoot and solve experimental and technical problems.
8. Maintain a detailed, accurate and timely record of all experimental work using electronic laboratory notebooks.
9. Maintain up-to-date knowledge and familiarity with literature.
Data analysis and communication
10. Analyse and interpret research data.
11. Maintain quality control and data integrity for experimental work.
12. Work collaboratively with internal and external partners to progress project.
13. Present research findings at internal meetings, conferences, and workshops to disseminate knowledge and foster collaboration.
14. Write standard protocols and validation data packages.
15. Prepare manuscripts, technical reports, and assist in the preparation of new funding proposals.
Mentorship and training
16. Mentor and train junior researchers, PhD students, technicians, and lab visitors.
17. Foster a collaborative research environment to encourage skill development and innovation.
Safety and compliance
18. Maintain a safe and efficient laboratory environment, ensuring adherence to all institutional and regulatory safety protocols.
19. Conduct risk assessments and ensure compliance with biosafety and chemical safety regulations.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
20. PhD in a relevant biological discipline (such as microbiology, infectious diseases, drug discovery, molecular biology, biochemistry)
21. Experience in basic microbiological techniques
22. Familiarity with microbiology concepts, practices, and procedures
23. Computer literacy, including MS Office programs and literature searches
24. Experience with data handling
25. Experience in writing manuscripts and protocols
26. Experience with work under containment level 3 (desirable)
27. Experience with robotics and liquid handling systems (desirable)
Additional benefits of joining LSTM:
28. 30 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, plus Christmas closure days
29. Generous occupational pension schemes
30. Government backed “cycle to work” scheme.
31. Affiliated, discounted staff membership to the University of Liverpool Sports Centre
32. A range of additional family friendly policies