Research Technician (89419)
| Posting date: | 17 April 2025 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £29,179.00 to £33,482.00 per year |
| Additional salary information: | 29179 - 33482 |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 01 May 2025 |
| Location: | Liverpool, L3 5QA |
| Company: | Vacancy Filler |
| Job type: | Contract |
| Job reference: | APR20256180 |
Summary
Full-time, Fixed-term appointment to 31<sup>st</sup> December 2026 Based in Liverpool 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. An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Research Technician to join this dynamic research team. This role will focus on the generation of transgenic or genome-edited Anopheles funestus mosquitoes, their maintenance, and laboratory testing for insecticide resistance and general life history traits. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to the design and cloning of DNA plasmid constructs for genome editing, insect embryo microinjection, transgenesis, and molecular genotyping. Key responsibilities will include: Use genome editing approaches in mosquitoes Assist in the microinjection of mosquito embryos for the purpose of transgenesis or genome editingAssist in the cloning of CRISPR constructs to edit mosquito genomesScreen mosquito populations for fluorescent markers and perform genetic crosses to establish stable genetic linesScreen mosquito populations for genome-edited events without the use of a dominant selectable marker (i.e. via qPCR) Employ systems for selecting for insecticide resistance in vivo Learn and use basic standardized insecticide resistance testing assays and performUse a screening protocol and selection regime for emergence of insecticide resistance in mosquitoesAssist in modifying resistance and genotype testing protocols, as required Maintain genetically distinct mosquito lines Maintain an array of new and existing mosquito lines and ensure there is a steady supply of mosquitoes for experimentsAssist with the rearing of uninfected mosquito colonies of An. gambiae and An. funestus in the insectariesContribute to the maintenance of the insectary suites, including the design of working rotas General technical assistance Prepare and maintain adequate laboratory records of methods, sample details and resultsContribute to the development of standard operating procedures and risk assessmentsAssist in the logistics of transporting samples, reagents and general lab items between international collaboratorsProvide molecular biology support, including molecular genotyping and basic cloningEnsure laboratory space is kept clean and well supplied The ideal candidate will have excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work as an integral and flexible member of fast-paced multi-disciplinary research team. Ideally, you will be able to demonstrate: BSc in Biological Science or science related subjectRelevant experience of working within a research laboratory & experience of standard laboratory protocolsExperience of conducting scientific experimentsMaintenance of laboratory data, book and record keeping experienceProven ability to learn and assimilate new biological techniquesExperience of insect rearing (desirable) (For a full list of essential and desirable criteria please refer to the job description and person specification) Additional benefits of joining LSTM: 30 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, plus Christmas closure daysGenerous occupational pension schemesGovernment backed “cycle to work” scheme.Affiliated, discounted staff membership to the University of Liverpool Sports CentrePlus, a host of additional family friendly policies Closing date: 1<sup>st</sup> May 2025 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. 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 LSTM actively promotes Equal Opportunities and Safeguarding Policies