Post-Doctoral Research Associate

Lstmed; Liverpool; On-site; GBP 60,000 - GBP 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institute in Liverpool is seeking an experienced Post-Doctoral Research Associate to lead gene drive research and manage a project within a vibrant research environment. Candidates should possess a PhD in relevant fields and demonstrated expertise in molecular biology and genome editing. Responsibilities include directing research efforts, collaborating internationally, and developing novel research directions. This full-time position offers an opportunity to contribute significantly to innovative gene drive strategies against malaria vectors.

Benefits

Generous occupational pension schemes

Cycle to work scheme

Qualifications

• Significant experience in molecular biology and cloning of genetic constructs.
• Experience of gene editing approaches, including CRISPR-Cas9.
• Experience working with gene drive.

Responsibilities

• Design and clone new genetic constructs for optimized performance in the mosquito.
• Direct the work of a small research team, ensuring progress towards project objectives.
• Develop and advance new scientific ideas, generating data to support future project applications.

Skills

Molecular biology

Genome editing

CRISPR technologies

Gene drive

Education

PhD in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry or mosquito biology/entomology

Job description

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Post-Doctoral Research Associate (91452)

Reference: JAN20262519

Expiry date: 23:59, Tue, 17th Feb 2026

Location: Liverpool

Full-Time, Fixed-term appointment for up to 3 years

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Post-Doctoral Research Associate (PDRA) to join the Functional Genetics Group at LSTM, led by Professor Tony Nolan. The successful candidate will lead gene drive research within the laboratory and manage a new project as part of the Target Malaria gene drive research consortium.

The role offers significant scope for scientific creativity, including the development of new research ideas and contributions to future grant applications. The post-holder will join the Department of Vector Biology, one of the largest of its kind globally, within a vibrant and collaborative research environment.

The project focuses on developing gene drive approaches in Anopheles funestus, a major malaria vector that has historically been refractory to laboratory colonisation and genetic manipulation. Building on recent advances in transgenesis and genome editing achieved by our group, this work aims to develop and test gene drive strategies in this important species in collaboration with the Target Malaria consortium.

The successful PDRA will have experience and interest in molecular biology, genome editing, and vector control, and will play a leading role in the day-to-day delivery of this research.

Key responsibilities will include:

Develop and expand genome editing approaches in mosquitoes

• Design and clone new genetic constructs for optimized performance in the mosquito
• Use CRISPR technologies to edit mosquito genomes
• Design, generate and characterise gene drive mosquito lines

Scientific coordination and delivery of the research project

• Direct the work of a small research team, ensuring progress towards project objectives
• Collaborate with national and international partners across the Target Malaria consortium
• Produce interim and annual project progress reports, in coordination with the PI and consortium partners

Support and supervision of students and technical staff

• Create training material for, and provide training in molecular and analytical techniques to others in the lab
• Contribute to the design and supervision of student projects
• Support students and technicians in the analysis and presentation of data

Develop of novel research directions

• Develop and advance new scientific ideas, generating data to support future project applications
• Play an active role in the development of research grants and fellowship applications in collaboration with PI
• Disseminate findings through publications and conferences, as relevant to the research

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• PhD in Molecular Biology, Genetics, Biochemistry or mosquito biology/entomology
• Significant experience in molecular biology and cloning of genetic constructs
• Experience of gene editing approaches, including CRISPR-Cas9
• Experience working with gene drive
• Evidence of preparing publications for specialist/ general science journals
• Experience working with mosquitoes or other insects (desirable)

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

• Generous occupational pension schemes
• Government backed “cycle to work” scheme.