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.

The successful candidate will contribute specifically to the workstream focused on understanding the inter- and intra-cellular dissemination of carbapenem resistance genes in Gram-negative Enterobacterales through mobile genetic elements. Motivated and driven candidates with experience in bacteriology, antimicrobial resistance, plasmid biology, mobile genetic elements, and/or molecular biology are strongly encouraged to apply.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Conduct primary research
• 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 plans and execute them.
• Record, analyse and interpret data.
• Troubleshoot experimental problems and optimise laboratory assays.

Support the delivery of the research project and research team’s activities

• 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.
• Preparation of SOPs, risk assessments and COSHH forms.
• Perform DNA extractions from bacterial isolates.
• Perform qPCRs and library preparation for whole genome sequencing.

Laboratory duties

• Support maintenance and running of laboratory equipment.
• Management of project-related laboratory activities.
• Mentor and train other team members where necessary.
• Liaise and work collaboratively with other members of the team and collaborators.

Technical Responsibilities

• 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.

Support the production and dissemination of research outputs

• 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, plasmids assembly (desirable).
• Experience working with CL2 pathogens (desirable).

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. We welcome conversations about flexible working; and applications from those returning to employment after a break from their careers. 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.