Post-Doctoral Research Associate (91349) in Liverpool

Full-Time, Fixed-term appointment to 31st March 2028. Based in Liverpool with national and international travel. We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to contribute to cutting-edge research in malaria transmission and control. The successful candidate will have an exciting opportunity to statistically interrogate empirical data and develop novel modes of action within an established individual-based malaria transmission model, malariasimulation.

Malaria remains a major cause of mortality and morbidity in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and continues to be one of the greatest impediments to economic development in the region. Core malaria control interventions focus on prevention, particularly through the use of chemical insecticides to kill or repel mosquito vectors that transmit the malaria parasite. However, significant gaps in protection remain, and increasing insecticide resistance in vector populations makes it challenging to predict the impact of scaled combinations of interventions across diverse epidemiological settings.

The postholder will work closely with three major international malaria modelling groups, collectively addressing strategic research questions aimed at improving our capacity to design, evaluate, and deploy effective malaria interventions for communities bearing the greatest disease burden.

Key Responsibilities

• Quantify spatiotemporal patterns in residual transmission of malaria across the African continent
• Conduct and develop statistical and population-level modelling to inform on vector control intervention impacts
• Develop cost economics analyses that are useful for National Malaria Programs
• Submit publications to refereed journals, support peers, and engage in departmental and institutional activities
• Provide support and supervision to PhD students and technical staff within the group, and develop novel projects

The Ideal Candidate Will Demonstrate

• PhD in malaria ecology, statistics, mathematical modelling, biological computing/programming, health economics, or a related field and must be numerate with skills in R programming and statistical analysis
• Significant experience in statistical analysis
• Experience in transmission modelling
• Well-developed research skills with the ability to present research findings in oral or written format, including communication to non-modelling audiences
• Evidence of preparing publications for specialist/general science journals
• Evidence of an understanding of mosquito or other insect ecology (desirable)

Note: For a full list of essential and desirable criteria please refer to the job description and person specification. Informal enquiries can be made to: ellie.sherrard-smith@lstmed.ac.uk

Benefits

• 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
• A range of additional family friendly policies

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 vacancies early. It is advisable to apply as early as possible if you would like to be considered for a role.

Inclusion and About LSTM

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 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 in less developed/resource-poor countries in the tropics and subtropics.