PhD Microbiology jobs

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Salary: £39,906 - £46,049 per annum

Contract: 1 fixed term contact until January 2029 & 1 fixed term contract until April 2029

Location: Liverpool

About the Role:

Tuberculosis remains a serious global health problem and there is an urgent need for new therapeutic agents. The Parish Lab focuses on antimicrobial drug discovery, with an emphasis on tuberculosis. Our research spans the discovery and development of novel anti-tubercular agents, understanding their mechanisms of action, investigating drug resistance, and exploring the biology of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

We are recruiting for two Postdoctoral Research Associate positions within the Parish Lab. One post is available on a fixed-term contract until January 2029, and the second is available on a fixed-term contract until April 2029. While both roles contribute to our tuberculosis drug discovery programme and share many core responsibilities, each supports a different research project. Please refer to the attached job descriptions for details of the specific focus and responsibilities of each position.

As a Postdoctoral Research Associate you will contribute to cutting-edge research evaluating and developing novel anti-tubercular compounds. Working as part of a collaborative research team, you will use a range of microbiological and molecular biology techniques to support drug discovery research, with a substantial proportion of work carried out using Mycobacterium tuberculosis under Containment Level 3 conditions.

Key Responsibilities:

Conduct Primary Research

• Conduct research in tuberculosis drug discovery to develop novel antitubercular agents.
• Plan, design and execute research plans.
• Perform experimental procedures and make detailed observations; analyse and interpret data.
• Plan and conduct work requiring independent judgment in the evaluation, selection, and substantial adaptation/modification of standard techniques, procedures and criteria.
• Troubleshoot and solve experimental and technical problems.
• Maintain a detailed, accurate and timely record of all experimental work using electronic laboratory notebooks.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge and familiarity with the literature

Data Analysis and Communication

• Analyse and interpret research data.
• Maintain quality control and data integrity for experimental work.
• Work collaboratively with internal and external partners to progress project.
• Present research findings at internal meetings, conferences, and workshops to disseminate knowledge and foster collaboration.
• Write standard protocols and validation data packages.
• 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.

We are looking for:

• BSc in relevant field
• A PhD in a relevant biological discipline
• Experience in basic microbiological techniques
• Familiarity with microbiology concepts, practices, and procedures.
• Experience with data handling
• Computer literacy, including MS Office programmes and literature searches.
• Experience with data handling and laboratory information management systems.
• Experience in writing manuscripts and protocols

It would be desirable if you have:

• Experience of working under Containment Level 3 conditions.
• Experience with robotics and liquid handling systems

(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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