Research Technician (90351)

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

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

Research

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

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

Contribution to team and departmental meetings

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

Contribute to generate, interpret, and present results

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

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