Research Technician (89330)

Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine; Liverpool; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 34,000; Part time

Job description

Salary: £29,179 - £33,482 per annum pro rata

Part-Time (17.5 hours), Fixed-term appointment to 01/08/2025 - 31/07/2027

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 to start in August 2025.

The successful candidate will provide molecular biology and insectary support for research projects investigating mosquito behaviour, physiology, and fitness, particularly in response to pathogen-derived bioproducts with a focus on behavioural approaches to understand vector biology and its implications for disease transmission.

Key Responsibilities Will Include

• Provide an efficient and effective technical service to research teams within the Vector Department
• Mosquito rearing and behavioural studies
• Provide molecular biology support, including molecular extracting, potential parasite culturing, to senior researchers
• Follow standard protocols for Vesicles, DNA/RNA extractions, PCR, and quantitative PCR
• Undertake general plasmid cloning and screening procedures
• Prepare and maintain adequate laboratory records of methods, sample details and results
• Maintain an array of mosquito lines and ensure there is a steady supply of mosquitoes for experiments
• Contribute to the development of standard operating procedures and risk assessments
• Prepare written data reports and Powerpoint presentations for line manager and funders
• Collate and assess data using excel, R, and Graphpad, prism and other appropriate software

Skills

The ideal candidate will have excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work as an integral and flexible member of a fast-paced multi-disciplinary research team. You will be able to demonstrate:

• BSc in Biological Science or science related subject (or equivalent experience)
• Knowledge of general principles of molecular biology, mosquito rearing and vector-pathogen interaction biology
• Relevant experience of working within a research laboratory & experience of standard laboratory protocols
• Maintenance of mosquito rearing, behavioural recording, and infection biology experience
• Experience of conducting scientific experiments
• Hands-on experience of general molecular biology techniques

(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 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

Please note the working pattern for this role is Mon - Fri (3.5 hours per day)

There will also be the occasional weekend work on a rota basis.

Closing date: 27th April 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:

Annual Report

LSTM actively promotes Equal Opportunities and Safeguarding Policies