Research Assistant (75582)

We have an exciting opportunity for a self-motivated Research Assistant to join the team in Liverpool. As the first institution of its kind in the world, dedicated to education and research in tropical diseases, it’s an exciting time to join LSTM as we enter our 125th anniversary year in 2023.

The position will be based within the Departments of Tropical Disease Biology at LSTM. The Department of Tropical Disease Biology (TDB) is a leading national and international research and teaching department with a focus on translational research of tropical infectious diseases.

Primarily the successful candidate will provide support on projects focused on the identification and refinement of interventions targeting bacterial and viral pathogens. The post holder will work as part of a collaborative research group, supporting a diverse research portfolio.

Your day-to-day responsibilities will include the maintenance of mammalian cell culture, as well as viral and bacterial propagation. The focus of experimental work will involve execution of established methodologies alongside other members of our team. The team are continually developing new methodologies to support research activities and we are keen that the post holder contribute to these activities.

Key responsibilities are (but not limited to):

• General Laboratory duties: Support general administrative and maintenance tasks; Support production of new SOPs and risk assessments; Maintenance accurate laboratory records; Preparation stock compounds and reagents; Maintenance of laboratory stock inventory
• Cell Culture: Preparation of cell culture media; Maintenance of mammalian cell cultures; Viral stock propagation and storage; Bacterial stock propagation and storage
• Experimental execution: Perform experiments independently according to established protocols; Support collaborative research activities within the group; Support the work of research students; Identify and report project risks and opportunities
• Communication: Support paper writing activities - editing, formatting and referencing: Communicate data via appropriate mediums

The ideal candidate will work well with others and has an interest in translational research activities. You will hold a BSc or MSc in Biological Sciences or relevant discipline and will have excellent interpersonal skills with the ability and interest in working as an integral and cooperative member of a multi-disciplinary team. Ideally you will be able to demonstrate:

• Practical laboratory experience
• Experience generating laboratory data and maintaining accurate records
• Experience in mammalian cell culture
• Experience in viral and bacteria culture (desirable)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience managing multiple projects
• Attention to detail and accuracy in all aspects of data generation

(For a full list of essential and desirable criteria please refer to the job description and person specification)

Informal enquiries can be made to: shaun.pennington@lstmed.ac.uk

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

Closing Date: 14th April 2023

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 disadvantaged populations.

Look at some of the great work we have achieved over the past year by viewing our annual report:

LSTM Annual Report 2021-2022 | LSTM (lstmed.ac.uk)

LSTM actively promotes Equal Opportunities and Safeguarding Policies