Fixed-term appointment up to 3 years
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Research Assistant to join the Functional Genetics Group at LSTM, led by ProfessorTony Nolan. The post-holder will contribute to a new project within the Target Malaria research consortium, focused on developing and testing genetic approaches, including gene drive technologies, to reduce the global burden of malaria.
The role sits within the Department of Vector Biology, one of the largest of its kind, offering a vibrant and collaborative research environment. Building on recent advances demonstrating transgenesis and genome editing in Anopheles funestus, this project aims to develop effective gene drive strategies in this important malaria vector species. In collaboration with the Target Malaria consortium, this project aims to build on these advances towards the development of effective gene drive strategies in this important species.
The successful candidate will assist the Post-Doctoral Research Associate with experimental design, data collection and analysis, and preparation of manuscripts.
Key responsibilities will include:
Molecular biology support
1. Provide molecular biology support, including molecular genotyping and basic cloning, to senior researchers
2. Assist in the design of genetic constructs for the generation of transgenic lines
3. Follow standard molecular biology protocols (DNA/RNA extractions, PCR and qPCR)
4. Design and execute plasmid cloning and screening procedures
5. Perform basic bioinformatic analysis and plasmid and primer design
6. Assist in the design of guide RNAs for CRISPR-based genome editing
Mosquito husbandry
7. Maintain a range of mosquito lines, ensuring steady supply of mosquitoes for experiments
8. Conduct and assist in the design of phenotypic assays of genetically edited mosquitoes
9. Inject mosquito embryos with DNA constructs
10. Analyse offspring of CRISPR-injected mosquitoes to identify genome editing or transgenesis events
Data recording, presentation and analysis
11. Collate and analyse data using excel, prism, R or other appropriate software
12. Prepare written data reports and PowerPoint presentations
13. Present results from experiments to update the research team and wider research group on progress and findings
14. Provide initial analysis of data and draft sections of reports and manuscripts for funders, external collaborators and journal submissions under guidance of line manager
Research group support
15. Develop standard operating procedures and risk assessments
16. Ensure laboratory space is kept clean, safe and well supplied
17. Organise and maintain lab reagents
18. Assist with supervision of students and visitors to the lab
19. Assist with the planning and organisation of resources for the smooth running of the laboratory, including overseeing the ordering of apparatus, equipment components and materials.
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. You will be able to demonstrate:
20. BSc in Biological Science or science related subject (or equivalent experience)
21. Hands on experience of molecular biology, including DNA cloning
22. Experience of working within a research laboratory
23. Experience of providing laboratory supervision to lab visitors and students
24. Familiarity with the general theory of genetic control approaches, including gene drive, for population control of insects
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. A range of additional family friendly policies