Postdoctoral Research Associate (91734) in Liverpool

Full-Time, Fixed-term appointment for 1 year. 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 Containment Level 3 (CL3) conditions.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Conduct primary research.
• 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 and make detailed observations; analyze and interpret data.
• Plan and conduct work requiring independent judgment in the evaluation, selection, and substantial adaptation/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 project.
• 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.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• PhD in a relevant biological discipline (such as 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 with work under containment level 3 (desirable).
• Experience with robotics and liquid handling systems (desirable).

Additional benefits of joining LSTM:

• 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 on the LSTM job vacancy page. Due to the volume of applications, we receive, 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 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 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.