Post-Doctoral Research Associate (90387)

Full-Time, Fixed-term appointment for 2 years 

The Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) is seeking to appoint aPost-Doctoral Research Associate to join an internationally recognised team tackling one of the most pressing public health challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa: malaria control in the face of growing insecticide resistance.

This position offers an exciting opportunity tostatistically interrogate empirical entomological and epidemiological dataand todevelop modes of action within the malariasimulation model - a well-established, individual-based model for malaria transmission.

The successful candidate will be directly involved in two large-scale cluster-randomised controlled trials (RCTs):

A trial of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs)with and without the synergistPiperonyl Butoxide (PBO). A trial of Attractive Targeted Sugar Baits (ATSBs)- a novel vector control intervention.

You will integrate whole genome sequencing data from key malaria vectors (Anopheles gambiae, An. funestus, and An. arabiensis) collected from these trial sites to understand and modelinsecticide resistance and its epidemiological impact.

The position will be working within a 5-year NIAID-funded programme that involves collaborators from KEMRI, Kenya and Imperial College, London with plenty of opportunity for multi-disciplinary research.

Key responsibilities will include:

Analyse polygenic scores data and associate outcomes with phenotype

To learn about the basic standardized insecticide resistance testing assays and to process the data Develop novel statistical methods that translate polygenetic information into estimates of SS, SR or RR phenotypes Develop statistical models that capture the uncertainty in these processes, and identify data requirements for expanding this process beyond the trial settings.

Develop the transmission model to simulate efficacy of interventions where resistant vectors exist

Understand the current mechanisms employed by malariasimulation to capture lost efficacy with increasing phenotypic resistance Understand and develop the version of this model that allows SS, SR and RR phenotypes in different ratios to be considered Develop a mode of action that can translate the polygenetic scores into efficacy outcomes.

Simulate trial cluster level data

Using the updated version(s) of the transmission model, simulate trial cluster level results and evaluate the statistical methods developed to appreciate which gives us the best predictive power.

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

Contribute to training materials for, and provide training in, analytical techniques to others in the group Assist in the design and supervision of student projects

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

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

PhD in Ecology, mosquito biology/entomology or statistics - demonstrating quantitative ability Significant experience in statistical analysis Experience in transmission modelling Experience or knowledge of the genetics of trait inheritance 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

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