Job Description

Reference:

OCT20254718

Expiry date: 07:08, Mon, 17th Nov 2025


Location: Liverpool


Salary: 39,906.00 - 46,049.00 Per Annum


Benefits: 30 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, plus Christmas closure days


Duration: Full-Time, Fixed-term appointment for 2 years

Full-Time, Fixed-term appointment for 2 years

The Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) is seeking to appoint aPost-Doctoral Research Associate to join an internationally recognised team tackling one of the most pressing public health challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa: malaria control in the face of growing insecticide resistance.


This position offers an exciting opportunity tostatistically interrogate empirical entomological and epidemiological dataand todevelop modes of action within the malariasimulation model - a well-established, individual-based model for malaria transmission.


The successful candidate will be directly involved in two large-scale cluster-randomised controlled trials (RCTs):

A trial of long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs)with and without the synergistPiperonyl Butoxide (PBO). A trial of Attractive Targeted Sugar Baits (ATSBs)- a novel vector control intervention.

You will integrate whole genome sequencing data from key malaria vectors (Anopheles gambiae, An. funestus, and An. arabiensis) collected from these trial sites to understand and modelinsecticide resistance and its epidemiological impact.


The position will be working within a 5-year NIAID-funded programme that involves collaborators from KEMRI, Kenya and Imperial College, London with plenty of opportunity for multi-disciplinary research.

Key responsibilities will include:

Analyse polygenic scores data and associate outcomes with phenotype

To learn about the basic standardized insecticide resistance testing assays and to process the data Develop novel statistical methods that translate polygenetic information into estimates of SS, SR or RR phenotypes Develop statistical models that capture the uncertainty in these processes, and identify data requirements for expanding this process beyond the trial settings.

Develop the transmission model to simulate efficacy of interventions where resistant vectors exist

Understand the current mechanisms employed by malariasimulationto capture lost efficacy with increasing phenotypic resistance Understand and develop the version of this model that allows SS, SR and RR phenotypes in different ratios to be considered Develop a mode of action that can translate the polygenetic scores into efficacy outcomes.

Simulate trial cluster level data

Using the updated version(s) of the transmission model, simulate trial cluster level results and evaluate the statistical methods developed to appreciate which gives us the best predictive power.

Provide support and supervision to PhD students and technical staff within the group

Contribute to training materials for, and provide training in, analytical techniques to others in the group Assist in the design and supervision of student projects

Develop novel projects

Generate ideas and data to support new project applications Contribute to the writing of research grants/ fellowships in collaboration with PIs Disseminate findings through publications and conferences, as relevant to research


The ideal candidate will demonstrate:





PhD in Ecology, mosquito biology/entomology or statistics - demonstrating quantitative ability Significant experience in statistical analysis Experience in transmission modelling Experience or knowledge of the genetics of trait inheritance Well-developed research skills with the ability to present research findings in oral or written format Evidence of preparing publications for specialist/ general science journals

(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

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:

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.

LSTM actively promotes Equal Opportunities and Safeguarding Policies