Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) - Schistosomiasis Drug Discovery in Aberystwyth

We are seeking to appoint a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) to join an energetic and enthusiastic team of investigators working on a new project, ‘Accelerating pre-clinical drug discovery for schistosomiasis’, funded by Wellcome. This is a collaborative project built upon the interdisciplinary expertise of Aberystwyth University, University of Dundee and UT Southwestern Medical Center. The research programme is structured across two milestones and the funding for Milestone 2 will be confirmed by the external sponsor following the successful completion of Milestone 1 (31 December 2027).

With at least 240 million people suffering from schistosomiasis, a neglected infectious disease caused by parasitic trematode worms of the genus Schistosoma and with no vaccine near clinical deployment, the cornerstone of schistosomiasis control is predominantly facilitated by just one single chemotherapeutic agent, praziquantel (PZQ). PZQ, however, is ineffectual against juvenile worms and, with its increased use in mass administration programs, increased resistance to the treatment is a major concern. Consequently, this Wellcome project aims to develop and apply the most advanced tools to increase drug discovery efficiency and make these available to the international NTD drug discovery community. To achieve morbidity control and elimination, new effective treatment options are required. This project aims to accelerate the progression of new chemical entities (NCEs) towards clinical candidate selection and the project team will combine phenotypic and target-based drug discovery to accelerate the drug discovery process.

The appointed PDRA will be based in the Hoffmann Research Laboratory at Aberystwyth University and will be required to support the AU Lead PI in the delivery of the project aims, both to time and to budget. The post-holder will be required to carry out whole organism assays (including rate of kill) of prioritized compounds against different life‑cycle stages of the parasites (schistosomula, adult worms, juvenile worms), including optimisation of in vitro assay conditions and the further optimisation/development of assays for quantifying schistosome movement. They will also be involved in mouse efficacy studies and target validation of prioritized compounds. In addition, the post-holder will assist in studies attempting to quantify compound exposure levels within the parasite and compound metabolism by the parasite. The post-holder will work alongside other PDRAs and be supported by up to two Research Assistants (to be appointed to the project) and will be expected to undertake some supervisory duties of staff and students, as needed.

Aberystwyth University operates a state‑of‑the‑art facility, ‘Roboworm’, for identifying new starting points for schistosomiasis drug discovery. Roboworm enables the automated analysis of anthelmintic phenotype and motility at a capacity of approximately 200,000 tests per annum. The post-holder will be required to operate the Roboworm Platform and other associated laboratory equipment and will be responsible for preparation of compounds for use on the screening platform, driving the screening process, collecting the output data via dedicated software, collating and interpreting the research data and drafting research manuscripts for publication in high quality journals. The post-holder will be expected to travel nationally and internationally to attend project development meetings and communicate research findings and to generally contribute to the success of the project’s wider research programme on a global scale. Hours will predominantly be worked during Monday – Friday, however, occasional evening or weekend work may be required.

Main Duties & Responsibilities

• To carry out assay of compounds against the different life‑cycle stages of the parasites (schistosomula, adult worms, juvenile worms), including optimisation of the in‑vitro assay conditions, compound uptake in and metabolism by the parasite and the further development/optimisation of assays for phenotyping schistosomes.
• To be involved in mouse efficacy studies.
• To operate the HCI Roboworm Platform and other associated laboratory equipment, including preparation and screening of compounds, data collection and interpretation.
• To draft manuscripts for publication.
• To assist in the day‑to‑day operation and maintenance of the parasitology laboratories and animal housing facilities and to support in the maintenance of the life cycle.
• To provide support to the wider research programme of the project.
• To be willing to travel both nationally and internationally to the benefit of the project.

Other Duties & Responsibilities

• To undertake health and safety duties and responsibilities appropriate to the post.
• To be committed to the University’s Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy, together with an understanding of how it operates within the responsibilities of the post.
• To be committed to your own development and that of your staff through the University’s Effective Contribution Scheme.
• Any other reasonable duties requested commensurate with the grade of this role.

This job description is subject to review and amendment in the light of the changing needs of the University, to provide appropriate development opportunities and/or the addition of any other reasonable duties. The responsibilities of this vacancy have been matched to the Academic Role Profile Research 2. Details of the role profile can be found at: Academic Profiles: Human Resources, Aberystwyth University.

Who you are – Qualifications, Experience, Knowledge and Skills required

Essential

• Qualified to doctorate‑level in a biological sciences‑related discipline.
• Experience in molecular biology, biochemistry or cell biology.
• Strong publication record in biological or chemical sciences.
• Experience in aseptic tissue culture techniques.
• Experience in whole‑organism or cell screening methods (e.g. phenotypic/lethality assays and cytotoxicity screens).
• An understanding of the preclinical pipeline for drug discovery.
• Understanding of risk assessment protocols and COSHH paperwork.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work well as part of a research team and to collaborate with people from different disciplines.
• Highly organised and meticulous record keeping skills.
• Willingness to work occasional evenings and/or weekends to provide support for out of hours animal welfare activities and to attend national and international meetings and events.
• An ability to understand the bilingual nature of the University and an awareness of the procedures in place to support working bilingually.

Desirable

• Experience in working with metazoan organisms.
• Previous or current Home Office Personal Licence‑holder.
• Experience in using RNA interference (RNAi).
• Experience in working with Hazard Group 2 pathogens.
• Experience in operating high‑throughput equipment.
• Competence in using microscopy‑based image analysis software.

How to apply

To promote a flexible workforce, the University will consider applications from individuals seeking full time, part time, job share, or term time only working arrangements. Applications for this role must be made through jobs.aber.ac.uk. You are welcome to apply for any vacancy in Welsh or English and any application submitted will be treated equally.

Benefits

• Flexible working policy
• Hybrid Working
• 36.5 – hour week for full‑time roles
• Generous leave entitlements – 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays and university closed days
• Commitment to Professional Development
• Enhanced contribution to our workplace pension schemes
• Staff recognition and reward schemes
• Opportunity to learn the Welsh language for free
• Staff relocation bursary
• Maternity, Paternity, Parental and Adoption Leave
• Staff discount for gym facilities, hospitality, and retail on campus.

Aberystwyth University generally supports hybrid working, allowing a mix of office‑based and remote working for suitable roles to enhance flexibility and productivity. Job descriptions typically detail a primary work location alongside opportunities for flexible, remote, or home‑based work, subject to service needs and manager approval. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and communities and, those that are currently underrepresented in our workforce. This includes but is not limited to Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic candidates, candidates with disabilities, and female candidates. We are a Bilingual Institution which complies with the Welsh Language Standards and is committed to Equal Opportunities. You are welcome to apply for any vacancy in Welsh or English and any application submitted will be treated equally.

Employment Visa

Under the UK Government’s points‑based system scheme, this role does not meet the criteria to be sponsored by Aberystwyth University (AU) for a Skilled Worker Route (SWR) application.