Postdoctoral Research Associate – Schistosomiasis Drug Discovery (Ref 6192)
Department: Department of Life Sciences, Aberystwyth University
Salary: £39,905.97‑£46,048.78 per annum (SP 31)
Contract: Fixed Term, 01/06/2026 – 31/12/2027; Full‑time, 36.5 hrs per week
Location: Hoffmann Research Laboratory, Aberystwyth University
About the Project
Accelerating pre‑clinical drug discovery for schistosomiasis, a neglected tropical disease affecting over 240 million people worldwide. The project is funded by Wellcome and involves collaborations with Aberystwyth University, University of Dundee and UT Southwestern Medical Center.
Responsibilities
* Carry out whole‑organism assays (rate of kill) of prioritized compounds against schistosomula, adult and juvenile worms, optimizing in‑vitro assay conditions and developing assays for phenotyping schistosome movement.
* Participate in mouse efficacy studies and target validation of prioritized compounds.
* Assist in quantifying compound exposure levels within parasites and studying parasite metabolism.
* Operate the Roboworm High‑Content Imaging (HCI) platform and other laboratory equipment, including preparation and screening of compounds, data collection and interpretation.
* Draft manuscripts for publication in peer‑reviewed journals.
* Provide support in day‑to‑day operation and maintenance of parasitology laboratories and animal housing facilities.
* Assist the wider research programme and communicate findings at national and international meetings.
* Perform health and safety duties and support the University’s Equal Opportunities and Diversity policy.
Qualifications
* Doctorate (PhD) in a biological science–related discipline.
* Experience in molecular biology, biochemistry or cell biology.
* Strong publication record in biological or chemical sciences.
* Experience in aseptic tissue culture techniques.
* Experience in whole‑organism or cell screening methods (e.g., phenotypic/lethality assays, cytotoxicity screens).
* Understanding of the preclinical pipeline for drug discovery.
* Knowledge of risk assessment protocols and COSHH paperwork.
* Excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams.
* Highly organized with meticulous record‑keeping.
* Willingness to work occasional evenings and/or weekends.
* Willingness to work bilingually (English and Welsh).
Desirable
* Experience with metazoan organisms.
* Home Office Personal Licence holder.
* Experience with RNA interference (RNAi).
* Experience working with Hazard Group 2 pathogens.
* Experience operating high‑throughput equipment.
* Competence with microscopy‑based image analysis software.
Benefits
* Flexible working policy and hybrid working options.
* 36.5‑hour week for full‑time roles.
* 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays and university closed days.
* Commitment to professional development.
* Enhanced contribution to workplace pension schemes.
* Staff recognition and reward schemes.
* Free Welsh language learning.
* Staff relocation bursary.
* Parental leave.
* Staff discount for gym facilities, hospitality and retail on campus.
Application
Applications from individuals seeking full‑time, part‑time, job share or term‑time only arrangements will be considered. Submit via jobs.aber.ac.uk. No visa sponsorship will be provided.
Equal Opportunity
Aberystwyth University is a bilingual institution that complies with Welsh Language Standards and is committed to Equal Opportunities and Diversity. All candidates, including those from underrepresented groups, are welcome to apply.
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