Salary: £39,906 -£43,482 per annum Full-Time, Fixed-term appointment for 3 years Based in Liverpool with occasional international travel The Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) is a world-leading centre for research and training in global health. The Vector Biology Department focuses on understanding the biology, ecology, and evolution of disease vectors to inform strategies for disease control. We are seeking a highly motivated and talented Postdoctoral Research Associate to join its Vector Biology Department. This exciting position offers an opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research aimed at understanding the complex interactions between mosquitoes, their gut microbiota, and human and zoonotic pathogens. The successful candidate will lead and support research investigating the interplay between mosquito vectors, their microbiome, and pathogen transmission. The project focuses on dissecting mosquito-pathogen interactions using a combination of systems-level approaches and functional assays. Key responsibilities will include: Develop and expand systems-level approaches to dissect mosquito-microbiota-pathogen interactions Perform infection assays of mosquitoes with different arbovirus and Plasmodium. Design and execute systems-level multi-omics assays, e.g. transcriptomics, 16S rRNA microbiomics, metabolomics. Identify and select novel genes, metabolic/immune pathways and factors for downstream functional assays. Maintain cell lines, pathogens and mosquitoes according to the demands of the project. Lead molecular experiments to dissect mosquito-pathogen interactions Evaluate the role of target mosquito genes, pathways and microbes on pathogen development and on vector physiology and life traits. Design and perform downstream assays involving the perturbation of mosquito midgut homeostasis, e.g. gene silencing, CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing and others. Scientific leadership and accomplishment Scientific coordination and delivery of the research project. Engage in collaborative activities involving partners at LSTM, Imperial College London, LSTM hubs in Africa, and/or partner institutions in Brazil. Produce partial and annual reports in coordination with the PI and external collaborators. Support, supervision and training of students and technical staff Contribute to supervision of students and technicians. Assist students with project design, and with data analysis, interpretation and presentation. Create training materials and protocols for, and provide training in molecular and analytical techniques to other lab members. Novel research and project development Develop and advance novel scientific ideas, generating data to support future projects and grant applications. Actively support the development of research grants and fellowship applications in collaboration with the PI. Communicate findings through conferences and publications as relevant to the research. Identify collaborative opportunities within and beyond LSTM. Ideally you will demonstrate: PhD in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Vector-pathogen interactions, Systems Biology, Entomology, Molecular Microbiology, Immunology or related area In-depth knowledge of the biological aspects orchestrating mosquito midgut homeostasis (e.g. immunity, metabolism, microbiome) and vector competence Experience with RNA-Seq and 16S rRNA-seq experimental design and data analysis/interpretation Experience with experimental infection of mosquitoes with Plasmodium, arboviruses or other blood-borne pathogens Experience working with gene silencing and/or editing Evidence of preparing publications for specialist/ general science journals Familiarity with the general theory of mosquito population modification and replacement for the control of vector-borne diseases (For a full list of essential and desirable criteria please refer to the job description and person specification) Additional benefits of joining LSTM: 30 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, plus Christmas closure days Generous occupational pension schemes Government backed “cycle to work” scheme. Affiliated, discounted staff membership to the University of Liverpool Sports Centre A range of additional family friendly policies Application Process: To apply for the position please follow the apply link and upload your CV and covering letter. Due to the volume of applications, we receive, we may close our vacancies early. It is therefore advisable to apply as early as possible if you would like to be considered for a role. Inclusion is central to our values at LSTM. We seek to attract and recruit people who reflect the diversity across our communities, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, nationality, faith or belief, social background, age and disability. LSTM selects candidates based on skills, qualifications, and experience. We welcome conversations about flexible working; and applications from those returning to employment after a break from their careers. LSTM is committed to upholding freedom of speech and academic freedom within the law for all its members. Candidates will not be disadvantaged or adversely impacted for exercising their free speech within the law during our recruitment processes. For more information, see our Freedom of Speech Code of practice https://www.lstmed.ac.uk/about/policies-and-procedures/freedom-of-speech-code-of-practice. About LSTM Founded in 1898 and the oldest of its kind in the world, the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) is an internationally recognised centre of excellence for teaching and research in tropical diseases. Through the creation of effective links with governments, NGOs, private organisations and global institutions and by responding to the health needs of communities, LSTM aims to promote improved health, particularly for people of the less developed/resource poorest countries in the tropics and sub-tropics. Look at some of the great work we have achieved over the past year by viewing our annual report: https://www.lstmed.ac.uk/about/annual-reports-and-financial-statements LSTM actively promotes Equal Opportunities and Safeguarding Policies