Post Doctoral Research Associate (91912) in Liverpool

The Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) is seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the UKRI‑funded INTERCEPT project within the Clinical Sciences Department. INTERCEPT is an interdisciplinary international research programme investigating the transmission of carbapenem resistance in Indonesia at multiple biological and healthcare‑system levels. The project aims to understand pathways of transmission at the level of the health system, individual patients, bacterial cells, and intracellularly between the chromosome and mobile genetic elements.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Drive and conduct research into the mechanisms of carbapenem resistance transmission between bacterial cells and between replicons.
• Optimise and perform bacterial conjugation and intracellular transposition assays.
• Plan, design experimental protocols and execute them.
• Record, analyse and interpret data.
• Troubleshoot experimental problems and optimise laboratory assays.
• Actively participate in planning of research group activities including grant writing.
• Mentor development of junior team members and train research team members in analysis techniques where necessary.
• Laboratory processing and storage of clinical and environmental samples.
• Perform and interpret antibiotic susceptibility testing.
• Ensure appropriate records of sample processing, storage and results.
• Prepare SOPs, risk assessments and COSHH forms.
• Perform DNA extractions from bacterial isolates.
• Perform qPCRs and library preparation for whole genome sequencing.
• Support maintenance and running of laboratory equipment.
• Management of project‑related laboratory activities.
• Liaise and work collaboratively with other members of the team and collaborators.
• Responsible for day‑to‑day microbiology activities, working independently as well as collaboratively and in accordance with laboratory procedures and protocols.
• Responsible for managing the laboratory and ensuring the space is kept clean and well‑supplied.
• Maintain a safe working environment.
• Prepare and maintain adequate laboratory records of methods, sample details and results.
• Lead writing peer‑reviewed publications for the scientific community.
• Effectively communicate results to other members of the group at laboratory meetings and to the scientific community at conferences and meetings.
• Be part of the AMR network to collaborate in all aspects of our group's research.
• Effectively communicate results to other members of the group and actively participate in the planning of group research activities.

Ideally you will demonstrate:

• PhD in Microbiology, Molecular Biology or related biological science.
• Experience and training in bacteriology.
• Up‑to‑date knowledge of AMR and surrounding issues.
• Experience of conducting scientific experiments.
• Strong hands‑on experience and knowledge of up‑to‑date molecular biology and microbiology methods and techniques.
• Ability to contribute to the identification and communication of new research outputs to the scientific community.
• Experience in bioinformatics: whole genome sequencing, microbial genomics, plasmid assembly (desirable).
• Experience working with CL2 pathogens (desirable).

Benefits

• Generous occupational pension schemes.
• Government‑backed "cycle to work" scheme.
• Affiliated, discounted staff membership to the University of Liverpool Sports Centre.
• A range of additional family‑friendly policies.

Inclusion and Equality

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. LSTM actively promotes Equal Opportunities and Safeguarding Policies.