Salary: £29,588 - £33,951 p.a. pro rata
Part-Time (17.5 hours), Fixed-term appointment for 1 year
The Department of Vector Biology at LSTM is one of the largest of its kind with a broad portfolio of research and technical assistance activities targeted at improving the control of insect-borne diseases. An exciting opportunity has arisen for a motivated and skilled Research Technicianto join this dynamic research team.
The successful candidate will provide molecular biology and insectary support for research projects investigating mosquito behaviour, physiology, and fitness, particularly in response to pathogen-derived bioproducts with a focus on behavioural approaches to understand vector biology and its implications for disease transmission.
Key responsibilities will include:
Provide an efficient and effective technical service to research teams within the Vector Department
1. Mosquito rearing and behavioural studies
2. Provide molecular biology support, including molecular extracting, potential parasite culturing, to senior researchers
3. Follow standard protocols for Vesicles, DNA/RNA extractions, PCR, and quantitative PCR
4. Undertake general plasmid cloning and screening procedures
5. Prepare and maintain adequate laboratory records of methods, sample details and results
6. Maintain an array of mosquito lines and ensure there is a steady supply of mosquitoes for experiments
7. Contribute to the development of standard operating procedures and risk assessments
8. Prepare written data reports and Powerpoint presentations for line manager and funders
9. Collate and assess data using excel, R, and Graphpad, prism and other appropriate software
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:
10. BSc in Biological Science or science related subject (or equivalent experience)
11. Knowledge of general principles of molecular biology, mosquito rearing and vector-pathogen interaction biology
12. Relevant experience of working within a research laboratory & experience of standard laboratory protocols
13. Maintenance of mosquito rearing, behavioual recording, and infection biology experience
14. Experience of conducting scientific experiments
15. Hands on experience of general molecular biology techniques
Additional benefits of joining LSTM:
16. 30 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, plus Christmas closure days
17. Generous occupational pension schemes
18. Government backed “cycle to work” scheme.
19. Affiliated, discounted staff membership to the University of Liverpool Sports Centre
20. A range of additional family friendly policies
Please note the working pattern for this role is Monday - Friday (3.5 hours per day)
There will also be the occasional weekend work on a rota basis