Post-Doctoral Research Associate (91721) in Liverpool

Salary: £39,906 - £46,049 annum (Starting salary will be £39,906). Full‑time, fixed‑term appointment to 30th September 2028.

Overview

Tuberculosis remains a major global health challenge and there is an urgent need for new therapeutic agents. The Parish Lab in the Department of Tropical Disease Biology at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine focuses on antimicrobial drug discovery, particularly targeting Mycobacterium tuberculosis. We are seeking a motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to join our tuberculosis drug discovery programme. The successful candidate will evaluate novel anti‑tubercular agents, investigate their mechanisms of action, and determine mechanisms of resistance. You will work collaboratively with internal and external partners to advance promising new anti‑tubercular agents. The role involves a range of microbiological and molecular techniques, with substantial work conducted with M. tuberculosis under CL3 conditions.

Key Responsibilities

• Run a range of microbiological and cellular assays to profile compound activity.
• Conduct research into mechanism of action of novel antitubercular agents using a variety of microbiological and molecular techniques.
• Determine mechanisms of resistance to novel anti‑tubercular agents.
• Plan, design and execute research plans.
• Perform experimental procedures, make detailed observations, and analyse and interpret data.
• Plan and conduct work requiring independent judgment in the evaluation, selection, and substantial adaptation or modification of standard techniques, procedures, and criteria.
• Troubleshoot and solve experimental and technical problems.
• Maintain a detailed, accurate, and timely record of all experimental work using electronic laboratory notebooks.
• Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge and familiarity with literature.

Data Analysis and Communication

• Analyse and interpret research data.
• Maintain quality control and data integrity for experimental work.
• Work collaboratively with internal and external partners to progress projects.
• Present research findings at internal meetings, conferences, and workshops to disseminate knowledge and foster collaboration.
• Write standard protocols and validation data packages.
• Prepare manuscripts, technical reports, and assist in the preparation of new funding proposals.

Mentorship and Training

• Mentor and train junior researchers, PhD students, technicians, and lab visitors.
• Foster a collaborative research environment to encourage skill development and innovation.

Safety and Compliance

• Maintain a safe and efficient laboratory environment, ensuring adherence to all institutional and regulatory safety protocols.
• Conduct risk assessments and ensure compliance with biosafety and chemical safety regulations.

Ideal Candidate

• PhD in a relevant biological discipline (e.g., microbiology, infectious diseases, drug discovery, molecular biology, biochemistry).
• Experience in basic microbiological techniques.
• Familiarity with microbiology concepts, practices, and procedures.
• Computer literacy, including MS Office programs and literature searches.
• Experience with data handling.
• Experience in writing manuscripts and protocols.
• Experience working under containment level 3 (desirable).
• Experience with robotics and liquid handling systems (desirable).

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.
• 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 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

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. LSTM is committed to upholding freedom of speech and academic freedom within the law for all its members. Candidates will not be disadvantaged or adversely impacted for exercising their free speech within the law during our recruitment processes.

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 people of the less developed/resource poorest countries in the tropics and sub‑tropics.