Full-time, fixed-term appointment to 31st December 2027 LSTM's Vector Biology Department seeks a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate (Chemical Biology or Biochemist) to join our dynamic team and contribute to a ground-breaking research program focused on insecticide resistance in malaria vectors. This stimulating project offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on the fields of chemical biology and resistance research to unravel the mechanisms of insecticide resistance in mosquitoes and contribute to the development of an innovative Insecticide Resistance Prediction Platform (IRPP).
This project, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, aims to deepen our understanding of insecticide resistance to novel vector control products developed to control malaria-transmitting mosquitoes. Reporting directly to Dr. Hanafy M. Ismail, the Project Principal Investigator, your primary responsibility will involve leading the design and creation of a specialized chemical-proteomic discovery pipeline.
Key responsibilities: - Investigate insecticide-protein interactions using cutting-edge chemical proteomic approaches.
- Perform gene cloning, recombinant protein expression, protein binding and enzymology assays to validate the identified protein targets.
- Work closely with a multidisciplinary team, including a medicinal chemists, bioinformatician, molecular biologist, and medical entomologists, to integrate data and accelerate research outcomes.
Key accountabilities include: - Identify candidate targets by designing and optimizing protein pull-down experiments in mosquito cell lines and Anopheles mosquitoes using chemical probes and mass spectrometry to map proteins involved in insecticide mode of action and resistance mechanisms.
- Validate resistance markers through biochemical methods, including protein degradation assays, protein-ligand interaction studies, and enzyme kinetics to confirm their role in insecticide resistance.
- Conduct molecular studies involving gene cloning and recombinant protein expression for further validation of identified targets.
- Functionally characterize resistance mechanisms by coordinating in-vitro and in-vivo validation assays to establish the role of target proteins in insecticide resistance.
- Drive project progression by managing experimental planning, troubleshooting challenges, refining hypotheses, and ensuring timely delivery of key milestones.
Data analysis and communication - Conduct meta-analysis utilizing statistical and computational methodologies to interpret proteomics data.
- Present research findings at internal meetings, conferences, and workshops to disseminate knowledge and foster collaboration.
- Engage with academic and industry partners to facilitate knowledge exchange and collaborative research endeavors.
- 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.
Why Join Us? - Engage in cutting-edge chemical biology research with a tangible impact on global health.
- Collaborate with world-renowned experts in malaria control research in a dynamic research environment.
- Access state-of-the-art analytical chemistry facilities at LSTM and the Material Innovation Factory at the University of Liverpool.
- Grow professionally and contribute to research that makes a difference.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate: - PhD in Chemical Biology, Biochemistry, or a related field
- A strong publication track record with evidence of key contributions to publications on molecular & cellular biology and/or chemical biology and related fields.
- Proficiency in interpreting complex biological data and contributing to scientific journals.
- Expertise in biochemical techniques, molecular biology assays, gene cloning, recombinant protein characterization, and biophysical techniques
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
- Passion for research and a commitment to global health.
(Please refer to the job description and person specification for the full list of essential and desirable criteria) Join LSTM and make a real difference in the fight against malaria! Informal enquiries can be made to: Hanafy.Ismail@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
Closing Date: 13 th April 2025 Application Process: To apply for the position please follow the apply link and upload your CV and covering letter.
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.
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