Full-Time, Fixed-term appointment for up to 3 years
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Post-Doctoral Research Associate (PDRA) to join the Functional Genetics Group at LSTM, led by Professor Tony Nolan.The successful candidate will lead gene drive research within the laboratory and manage a new project as part of the Target Malaria gene drive research consortium.
The role offers significant scope for scientific creativity, including the development of new research ideas and contributions to future grant applications. The post-holder will join the Department of Vector Biology, one of the largest of its kind globally, within a vibrant and collaborative research environment.
The project focuses on developing gene drive approaches in Anopheles funestus, a major malaria vector that has historically been refractory to laboratory colonisation and genetic manipulation. Building on recent advances in transgenesis and genome editing achieved by our group, this work aims to develop and test gene drive strategies in this important species in collaboration with the Target Malaria consortium.
The successful PDRA will have experience and interest in molecular biology, genome editing, and vector control, and will play a leading role in the day-to-day delivery of this research.
Key responsibilities will include:
Develop and expand genome editing approaches in mosquitoes
1. Design and clone new genetic constructs for optimized performance in the mosquito
2. Use CRISPR technologies to edit mosquito genomes
3. Design, generate and characterise gene drive mosquito lines
Scientific coordination and delivery of the research project
4. Direct the work of a small research team, ensuring progress towards project objectives
5. Collaborate with national and international partners across the Target Malaria consortium
6. Produce interim and annual project progress reports, in coordination with the PI and consortium partners
Support and supervision of students and technical staff
7. Create training material for, and provide training in molecular and analytical techniques to others in the lab
8. Contribute to the design and supervision of student projects
9. Support students and technicians in the analysis and presentation of data
Develop of novel research directions
10. Develop and advance new scientific ideas, generating data to support future project applications
11. Play an active role in the development of research grants and fellowship applications in collaboration with PI
12. Disseminate findings through publications and conferences, as relevant to the research
The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
13. PhD in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry or mosquito biology/entomology
14. Significant experience in molecular biology and cloning of genetic constructs
15. Experience of gene editing approaches, including CRISPR-Cas9
16. Experience working with gene drive
17. Evidence of preparing publications for specialist/ general science journals
18. Experience working with mosquitoes or other insects (desirable)
Additional benefits of joining LSTM:
19. 30 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, plus Christmas closure days
20. Generous occupational pension schemes
21. Government backed “cycle to work” scheme.
22. Affiliated, discounted staff membership to the University of Liverpool Sports Centre
23. A range of additional family friendly policies