Research Assistant

Purpose of the role:

The Department of Vector Biology at LSTM is one of the largest of its kind with a broad portfolio of research and technical assistance activities targeted at improving the control of insect borne diseases.   

About the role:

The role will involve you providing molecular biology, microbiology and insectary support to research projects studying the microbiome of mosquito vectors, including laboratory management tasks, such as ordering and helping to draft SOPs and risk assessments. 

Key responsibilities (but not limited too): 

• Technical:
  • Prepare and maintain adequate laboratory records of methods, sample details and results.
  • Responsible for day-to-day activities working independently as well as collaboratively and in accordance with laboratory procedures and protocols.
  • Provide an efficient and effective technical service to research teams within the department at LSTM.
  • Follow standard protocols for DNA/RNA extractions, PCR, and quantitative PCR.
  • Undertake general plasmid cloning and screening procedures.
  • Undertake microbiology experiments.
  • Use and develop approaches to manipulate the microbiome of mosquitoes and administer symbionts to mosquitoes.
  • Use standard culturing approaches to maintain and conduct experiments with insect and mammalian cells lines.
  • Maintain any array of mosquito lines and ensure there is a steady supply of mosquitoes for experiments.
  • Assist with the rearing of uninfected mosquito colonies in the insectaries.
  • Organise and maintain catalogue of lab reagents and bacterial cultures.
  • Assist with mentoring students and visitors to the laboratory.
  • Assisting with the planning and organisation of resources for the smooth running of the laboratory, including overseeing the ordering of apparatus, equipment components and materials 

• Data Recording:
  • Collate and assess data using excel, prism and other appropriate software.
  • Prepare written data reports and power point presentations for line manager and funders.
  • Provide initial analysis of data and draft sections of reports and manuscripts for funders, external collaborators, and journal submissions. 

The Candidate:

The successful candidate will have the ability to prioritise their own workload and be able to handle conflicting demands and respond to unexpected needs within a fast-changing environment, whilst being part of multi-disciplinary, multi-national research team. 

• Higher education qualification in relevant subject
• BSc in Biological Science or sciences related subject (or equivalent)
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations and legal requirements 
• Experience of working within a research laboratory & experience of standard laboratory protocols.
• Experience of working to health and safety regulations and legal requirements and writing of relevant risk assessments.
• Experience of providing laboratory supervision to lab visitors, undergraduate and postgraduate students.
• Experience of working to targets and deadlines.
• Ability to implement and adapt complex biological techniques or protocols.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to develop effective working relationships with a range of people at all levels from diverse cultures. 

(Please read the full job description and person specification for more about the role) 

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
• Plus, a host of additional family friendly policies 

Closing Date: 28th February 2021. 

Application Process: To apply for the position please follow this link and upload your CV and Covering Letter. 

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. 

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. 

Due to the volume of applications, we receive, we sometimes close our vacancies early. It is therefore advisable to apply as early as possible if you would like to be considered for a role. 

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/publications/lstm-annual-report-2019-2020 

LSTM actively promotes Equal Opportunities and Safeguarding Policies