Full-Time, Fixed-term appointment for 19 months
Based in Liverpool with international travel
We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the Vector Biology Department at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM).
The project will investigate the functional genetics of insecticide resistance in Anopheles mosquitoes, focusing on the role of copy number variation (CNV) in the gene Cyp9k1. The successful candidate will combine fieldwork in Western Kenya with insectary bioassays, long-read sequencing, and CRISPR-based genome editing. By inserting and removing CNVs, the project will directly test their contribution to resistance across a range of insecticides.
The post is based in Liverpool, UK, with required travel to Kenya. The role will involve field sampling, laboratory experiments, genomic analysis, and contribution to publications.
Applicants should hold a PhD in a relevant discipline, have experience in molecular or genetic approaches, and be willing to undertake international fieldwork.
Key responsibilities will include:
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Collect mosquitoes that carry the CNV and establish a stable colony.
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Enrich the colony for the CNV to ensure it is at high frequency.
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Transfer the colony to LSTM and establish it in the insectaries there.
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Remove the CNV from the wild colony.
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Insert the CNV into an insecticide-susceptible laboratory colony
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Measure resistance of these colonies to insecticides.
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Generate ideas and data to support new project applications
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Actively participate to the writing of research grants/ fellowships in collaboration with PIs
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Contribute to peer-reviewed research publications and scientific reports for donors
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Disseminate findings through publications and conferences, as relevant to research
The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
- PhD in Biology, Epidemiology, Bioinformatics or Genomics
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Significant experience in molecular biology
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Well-developed research skills with the ability to present research findings in oral or written format
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Evidence of preparing publications for specialist/ general science journals
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Experience with CRISPR, particularly in insects (desirable)
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Experience of field work, particularly with mosquitoes (desirable)
(For a full list of essential and desirable criteria please refer to the job description and person specification)
Informal enquiries can be made to: [email protected]
Additional benefits of joining LSTM:
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30 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, plus Christmas closure days
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Generous occupational pension schemes
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Government backed “cycle to work” scheme.
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Affiliated, discounted staff membership to the University of Liverpool Sports Centre
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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
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