Full-time, Fixed-term appointment to 31st August 2029

Tuberculosis remains one of the world’s most serious infectious diseases and there is an urgent need for new and effective therapeutic agents. The Parish Lab, based within the Tropical Disease Biology Department at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, focuses on antimicrobial drug discovery with particular emphasis on tuberculosis. Our work spans the discovery and development of new anti-tubercular agents, investigation of their mechanisms of action, exploration of drug resistance mechanisms, and research into the fundamental biology of the global pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

We have an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated Research Technician to join our core technical team. The successful candidate will contribute to the delivery of high-quality phenotypic assays that underpin our antimicrobial drug discovery programmes. Working closely with senior scientific staff, the postholder will support a portfolio of both standardised and novel assays in a collaborative and fast-paced research environment. The position requires work with Mycobacterium tuberculosis under Containment Level 3 conditions.

Key responsibilities will include:

Conduct and support primary research

• Perform laboratory procedures as part of ongoing research projects.
• Performing the required experiments, making detailed observations, analyzing data, interpreting results, and assisting in planning experiments as appropriate.
• Conduct a variety of microbiological and cellular assays
• Perform kill-kinetics, combination and solubility/stability assays.
• Support assay development including mode-of-action studies.
• Maintaining laboratory inventory and ordering supplies.
• Preparation of media and reagents.
• Maintenance and testing of eukaryotic and bacterial cultures and stocks.

Compound and Sample Handling

• Receive, register and manage compound inventories.
• Prepare compound stocks, assays plates, and conduct regular QC and analytical confirmation.
• Support shipping and storage of materials.
• Prepare media, cultures and cell lines.

Quality, Data, and Record Keeping

• Maintain accurate laboratory records.
• Participate in equipment QC and troubleshooting.
• Prepare data summaries and reports.

Teamwork and Collaboration

• Work collaboratively within multidisciplinary team.
• Support training of colleagues.
• Participate in meetings and method improvements.

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.

You will be detail-oriented, highly organised and capable of working both independently and as part of a collaborative research team. You will be able to demonstrate:

• Degree in relevant biological science discipline
• Practical laboratory experience
• Experience with laboratory safety and biosafety procedures
• Experience with mammalian cell culture or bacterial culture
• Experience generating laboratory data and maintaining accurate records
• Familiarity with computers, including data entry and spreadsheets
• Knowledge of basic microbiology (desirable)

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

Additional benefits of joining LSTM:

• Access to support for your career growth through a variety of internal and external learning and development opportunities

• Employee Assistance Platform offering a range of wellbeing initiatives and support, in addition to high-street discount offers
• 30 days annual leave, plus 8 UK bank holidays, in addition to 6 Christmas closure days
• Generous occupational pension schemes including USS (Universities Superannuation Scheme) and NHS pension schemes (subject to eligibility)
• Government backed “cycle to work” scheme
• Affiliated, discounted staff membership to the University of Liverpool Sports Centre
• A range of enhanced family friendly policies

Application Process: To apply for this position please follow the apply link and upload your CV, complete our application form and attach a covering letter outlining your interest in the post, and how your skills and experience align.

Due to the volume of applications we receive, we may sometimes 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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