Job Description

Reference:

AUG20258698

Expiry date: 04:00, Tue, 26th Aug 2025


Location: Liverpool


Salary: 29,588.00 - 30,378.00 Per Annum


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


Duration: Fixed-term appointment to 31st October 2025



We are seeking a dedicated and highly motivated Research Technician to join the Tropical Disease Biology Department at LSTM on a short contract. This role will support experimental laboratory work for our UKRI/DEFRA-funded 'UK Mosquitoes' project, which investigates mosquito-borne viral threats to public health.


Specifically, the postholder will work on innovative approaches to block Usutu virus and West Nile virus infections in mosquitoes. This includes the application of glycosylation inhibitors and recombinant fusion proteins in both mosquito cell lines and live mosquitoes.

Key responsibilities will include:

Cell and virus culture

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Routine passaging of mammalian and insect cells Routine infection of mammalian cells to generate virus stocks Preparation of cell culture media and supplements

Research

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Perform infection of mammalian and insect cells with arboviruses in the presence of serially diluted drugs Viral infection characterisation using plaque assay, qRT-PCR, and immunostaining Generation of DNA plasmids using standard and advanced cloning methods to produce recombinant proteins Production of recombinant fusion proteins in E. coli*
Biochemical and functional characterisation of recombinant proteins Generation of cDNA infectious clones to rescue genetically modified arboviruses Keep accurate records of experimental details and results Analyse results

Laboratory duties

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Maintenance of laboratory and tissue culture laboratories Preparation of stock solutions Keep materials inventoried Undertake relevant administrative tasks

Contribution to team and departmental meetings

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Regularly report results to line manager Eventual presentation of results at internal meetings

Contribute to generate, interpret, and present results

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1. Generate text and figures for presentation and publications


2. Critically discuss results and troubleshoot


3. Contribute to the publication of research outcomes in appropriate peer-reviewed journals



The ideal candidate will have excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work as an integral and flexible member of fast-paced multi-disciplinary research team. Ideally, you will be able to demonstrate:

Master's degree in Biological Sciences (or related discipline) Working in laboratory research projects Experience in mammalian and insect cell culture Experience in molecular cloning and DNA assembly techniques Experience in standard virology methods to characterise infections Experience in recombinant protein production in bacteria Experience generation virus infection clones

(For a full list of essential and desirable criteria please refer to the job description and person specification)



Informal enquiries can be made to: Aitor.Casas-Sanchez@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 Plus, a host of additional family friendly policies

Expected date of interviews:

27th August 2025

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