Post-Doctoral Research Associate (90370)

Full-Time, Fixed-term appointment for 2 years

Based in Liverpool with frequent national and international travel

The Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) is seeking a highly motivated Post-Doctoral Research Associate (PDRA) to join a multidisciplinary team investigating the evolution of insecticide resistance in malaria vectors. This exciting position forms part of a major collaborative programme with Imperial College London, the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), and the Wellcome Sanger Institute.

Project Overview

The successful candidate will play a key role in applying a broad array of -omics technologies to explore the evolutionary dynamics of insecticide resistance. A key aim of the project is to develop and apply genomic surveillance tools that support evidence-based malaria control strategies. While the role is based in Liverpool, it will include periodic travel to Kenya for field research, collaboration, and training activities.

Given the multidisciplinary nature of the project, we welcome applications from candidates who hold a PhD in range of fields including Biology, Computer Science, Epidemiology, Bioinformatics, Ecology or Genomics. Previous experience working with insect vectors is not essential and we would encourage all researchers interested in addressing fundamental evolutionary questions in an applied context to apply.

Key responsibilities will include

Apply evolutionary genetic approaches to the study of disease vectors

Design and implement transcriptomic- and genomic-based studies to address fundamental evolutionary questions in Anopheles mosquitoes.

Provide support and supervision to students and technical staff within the group

Assist in the design and supervision of PhD student projects To assist in training and mentoring staff that provide technical assistance to your project Support students and technicians working on similar topics, especially in the analysis of their data

Develop novel projects

Generate ideas and data to support new project applications Contribute to the writing of research grants/ fellowships in collaboration with PIs Disseminate findings through publications and conferences, as relevant to research Contribute to peer-reviewed research publications and scientific reports for donors

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

PhD in Biology, Computer Science, Epidemiology, Bioinformatics, Ecology or Genomics Well-developed research skills with the ability to present research findings in oral or written format Evidence of preparing publications for specialist/ general science journals Familiarity with the general research themes of the host lab and the wider Department of Vector Biology Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate at all levels. Experience or knowledge of next generation sequencing technologies (desirable) Experience of epidemiology, data management and bioinformatics (desirable)

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