Job Description

Full-time, Fixed-term appointment to 31st December 2026

Based in Liverpool

The Department of Vector Biology at LSTM is one of the largest of its kind with a broad portfolio of research and technical assistance activities targeted at improving the control of insect borne diseases. An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Research Technician to join this dynamic research team.



This role will focus on the generation of transgenic or genome-edited Anopheles funestus mosquitoes, their maintenance, and laboratory testing for insecticide resistance and general life history traits. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to the design and cloning of DNA plasmid constructs for genome editing, insect embryo microinjection, transgenesis, and molecular genotyping.

Key responsibilities will include:

Use genome editing approaches in mosquitoes

Assist in the microinjection of mosquito embryos for the purpose of transgenesis or genome editing Assist in the cloning of CRISPR constructs to edit mosquito genomes Screen mosquito populations for fluorescent markers and perform genetic crosses to establish stable genetic lines Screen mosquito populations for genome-edited events without the use of a dominant selectable marker (i.e. via qPCR)

Employ systems for selecting for insecticide resistance in vivo

Learn and use basic standardized insecticide resistance testing assays and perform Use a screening protocol and selection regime for emergence of insecticide resistance in mosquitoes Assist in modifying resistance and genotype testing protocols, as required

Maintain genetically distinct mosquito lines

Maintain an array of new and existing mosquito lines and ensure there is a steady supply of mosquitoes for experiments Assist with the rearing of uninfected mosquito colonies of An. gambiae and An. funestusin the insectaries Contribute to the maintenance of the insectary suites, including the design of working rotas

General technical assistance

Prepare and maintain adequate laboratory records of methods, sample details and results Contribute to the development of standard operating procedures and risk assessments Assist in the logistics of transporting samples, reagents and general lab items between international collaborators Provide molecular biology support, including molecular genotyping and basic cloning Ensure laboratory space is kept clean and well supplied


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. You will demonstrate:



BSc in Biological Science or science related subject Relevant experience of working within a research laboratory & experience of standard laboratory protocols Experience of conducting scientific experiments Maintenance of laboratory data, book and record keeping experience Proven ability to learn and assimilate new biological techniques Experience of insect rearing (desirable)*

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



Informal enquiries can be made to: Charlotte.Quinn@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

Closing date:

1st May 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.

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.


Look at some of the great work we have achieved over the past year by viewing our annual report:


https://www.lstmed.ac.uk/about/annual-reports-and-financial-statements

LSTM actively promotes Equal Opportunities and Safeguarding Policies