Research Technician (82751)

Are you passionate about combating vector-borne diseases and making a meaningful impact on global health? We're seeking a skilled and dedicated Research Technician to join our team focused on vector biology research.

The Department of Vector Biology in 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.  Our multidisciplinary team collaborates on cutting-edge projects that have the potential to make a real difference in global health.

The successful candidate will contribute to a BBSRC funded project in collaboration between laboratories based at LSTM and Keele University, with the support of laboratories from Spain and the USA, aimed to engineer new gene editing technologies (including the use of CRISPR/Cas tools) to develop new solutions to combat the spread of vector borne diseases such as malaria.

This project involves engineering of biological components and technologies for precise modulation, in time and space, of genome editing activity in the mosquito. These can be immediately applied to tackle some of the key challenges that are still hindering genetic approaches to the control of insect vectors of disease and, similarly, to many other genome editing applications. A major part of this work will be the building and testing, in transgenic mosquitoes, of DNA constructs designed with this aim.

The post holder will provide technical support towards the timely implementation of the experimental procedures including molecular cloning, engineering of mosquitoes via embryo microinjections and their genetic and phenotypic characterisation in the laboratory.

Key to this role is:

• BSc in Biological Science or science related subject
• Knowledge and training of general principles of molecular biology
• Knowledge of up-to-date molecular biology techniques

The ideal candidate will have excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability and interest in working as an integral and cooperative member of a multi-disciplinary research team. Ideally you will be able to demonstrate:

• Experience of working within a research laboratory & experience of standard laboratory protocols
• Maintenance of laboratory data, book and record keeping experience
• Proven ability to learn and assimilate new biological techniques
• Experience of conducting scientific experiments
• Experience of insect rearing (desirable)
• Experience of genetic manipulation of insects (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:

• 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

Join us in our mission to combat vector-borne diseases and contribute to improving global health outcomes!

Closing Date: 24th March 2024

Application Process: To apply for the position please click on 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.

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LSTM actively promotes Equal Opportunities and Safeguarding Policies