Post Doctoral Research Associate - Viral immunology

Location: Liverpool

Salary: £39,906 – £42,254 per annum

Contract: Fixed‑term contract until 30th April 2028

We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to join our Immunology of Infectious Diseases research team, working on a project focused on studying host immunological and viral factors driving severe dengue virus infection. Under the supervision of Dr Laura Rivino, you will identify immune signatures predictive of severe dengue using experimental and bioinformatic methods. You will work with datasets from a Vietnamese dengue patient cohort generated using cutting‑edge methodologies including flow cytometry, single‑cell RNA sequencing, genomics and proteomics. You will further investigate these signatures in blood samples from dengue patients using established immunological assays and develop novel assays. Techniques used in this role include PBMC and dengue virus culture, spectral flow cytometry, T‑cell functional assays, and proteomics/RNA sequencing.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the research project and contribute with innovative ideas
• Work in high containment CL‑3 laboratories following safety guidelines and adhering to regulatory standards and SOPs
• Handle samples derived from individuals with laboratory confirmed dengue infection
• Implement high‑throughput workflows to undertake laboratory analyses in CL‑2 and CL‑3 laboratories, including PBMC isolation, virus culture, spectral flow cytometry, T‑cell functional assays and proteomics/RNA sequencing
• Analyse large experimental datasets using statistical and visualisation tools (e.g., FlowJo, R/Python) and work closely with computational biologists
• Collaborate with scientists and clinicians across Asia and Africa, building and fostering equitable and productive partnerships

Data Analysis and Communication

• Accurately document laboratory activities and results, supporting traceability and quality control
• Analyse and interpret disease characterisation data
• Work with research teams and partners to meet project timelines and objectives
• Present research findings at meetings, conferences and workshops
• Engage with academic and industry partners to facilitate knowledge exchange and collaborative research endeavours
• Prepare manuscripts, technical reports, and assist in funding proposals

Mentorship and Training

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

The Ideal Candidate

• PhD in a relevant discipline such as immunology or viral immunology
• Experience in working with human peripheral blood mononuclear cells
• Experience in performing high dimensional flow cytometry and related data analyses
• Experience in performing virus infections of cells in vitro
• Experience in general cell biology and molecular biology techniques
• Experience in omics technologies (e.g., RNA sequencing, proteomics)
• Basic bioinformatic knowledge and ability to work with large datasets
• Ability to plan and manage own research, troubleshoot, meet deadlines, and maintain accurate records
• Experience in academic paper writing/evidence of published paper authorship and international presentations
• Proven ability to synthesise research information for a range of audiences (e.g., academic, governmental, and public)
• Innovative and critical thinking skills to tackle complex scientific challenges and a self‑motivated approach to work

Additional Benefits of Joining LSTM

• 30 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and Christmas closure days
• Generous occupational pension scheme
• Government‑backed cycle‑to‑work scheme
• Affiliated, discounted staff membership to the University of Liverpool Sports Centre
• A range of additional family‑friendly policies

Equal Opportunity

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.

Flexible Working and Return to Employment

LSTM welcomes conversations about flexible working and welcomes applications from those returning to employment after a break from their careers.