Post-Doctoral Research Associate – Molecular Entomology

Purpose of the role:

The identification of the invasive malaria mosquito Anopheles stephensi in the Horn of Africa presents a major threat to malaria control and elimination in the African continent, particularly in the context of rapid urbanisation. 

Funded by The Wellcome Trust, The Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine is leading a project evaluating the spatial and temporal distribution, population biology, epidemiological importance, and control of Anopheles stephensi in Ethiopia and Sudan. The project is being conducted with partners in Ethiopia and Sudan along with the Imperial College London, Institute of Tropical Medicine in Antwerp, Lancaster University,  University of Oxford and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

The Role:

You will be working within the entomological work package of the research, in particular to develop and implement molecular methods for analyses of mosquito biology and population genomics, and lead analyses of resulting datasets. You will support the design and analysis of field work to investigate mosquito distributions, and contributing factors, and assist with the design of pilot studies of control tools. All work will be performed in collaboration with co-investigators and field teams in Ethiopia and Sudan. 

Key Responsibilities are (but not limited to):

• Develop, test and optimise laboratory methodologies for molecular analyses of population biology, including genetic population structure, dispersal, infection and behaviour.
• Liaise with staff at LSTM and external partners including the Wellcome Sanger Institute to implement and optimise pipelines for population genomic analyses, including scans for adaptive variation relevant to control.
• Provide support in production and implementation of study tools for in-country partners and deliver training, data monitoring and supervision
• Take a leading role in preparation of manuscripts for peer review and other outputs where required, e.g., website content, policy briefs etc.

The Candidate:

The ideal candidate will have excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work as an integral member of a multi-disciplinary, multi-national research team. You will have well-developed research skills with the ability to effectively present research findings in oral and written format.

• PhD in relevant discipline e.g. Entomology, genetics, biology, biological computing)
• Experience of molecular laboratory techniques
• Strong molecular genetic analysis skills and experience of handling large datasets
• Able to plan and design field entomological studies
• Willingness to travel to Ethiopia and Sudan to provide support and training to partner teams
• Excellent communication skills and experience in writing up study findings for publication.
• (For a full list of essential and desirable criteria please refer to the job description and person specification)

Informal enquiries can be made to Dr David Weetman  [email protected] (link sends e-mail)   

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: 12th December 2021

Application Process: To apply for the position please click HERE (link is external) and upload your CV and Covering Letter. 

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. 

Please note that the successful candidate will be required to undergo a DBS and/or other international criminal record check prior to appointment and at regular points during employment. The outcome must be satisfactory to LSTM, as the duties of this post will involve direct and/or indirect contact with vulnerable adults and/or children. 

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

Due to the nature of our teams and work, we are continually seeking candidates with skills as outlined on this job advert and have multiple opportunities available. 

LSTM actively promotes Equal Opportunities and Safeguarding Policies