Research Assistant (86426)

Reference: JUN20246384
Expiry date: 17:59, Wed, 3rd Jul 2024
Location: Liverpool
Salary: £32,332.00 - £37,099.00 Per Annum
Benefits: 30 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, plus Christmas closure days
Duration: Fixed-term appointment up to 30th April 2026

Salary: £32,332 - £37,099 per annum (starting salary will be £32,332 p.a.)

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a dedicated and passionate Research Assistant to join our team in the Tropical Disease Biology department in advancing snakebite research and interventions.

Our Tropical Disease Biology (TDB) department is a leading national and international research and teaching department with a focus on translational research of tropical infectious diseases. The vision of TDB is aligned to that of LSTM’s to “save lives in resource poor countries through research, education and capacity strengthening”. To that end, research within the TDB department is focused on solutions that have the potential to have a material impact on the health and well-being of people from resource poor settings.

The Role

The successful candidate will play a crucial role in supporting new research enabling LSTM’s Centre for Snakebite Research & Interventions (CSRI). Led by Director Professor Nicholas Casewell, the research centre boasts some of the worlds leading snakebite experts and has access to LSTM’s herpetarium, the largest and most diverse collection of tropical venomous snakes in the UK, used to support its research activities.

The post holder will primarily be expected to characterise the coagulopathic and platelet-perturbing activity of haemotoxic snake venom proteins, to support the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic tools for the field of thrombosis and haemostasis. Based within the CSRI, this post will join a substantial, multi-disciplinary research team dedicated to identifying and implementing systems and tools to understand snake venoms and improve the treatment of tropical snakebite. The research position will focus predominately on defining the bioactivity of snake venom toxins on clotting factors and platelets, with the goal of identifying tools that could be repurposed for use as clotting test standards and/or therapeutics for thrombotic disorders.

Key deliverables will include (but not be limited to):

• Assist in the development and/or optimization of coagulation factor specific bioassays to define toxin activities
• Perform well-plate, aggregometry and/or flow cytometry-based platelet function assays to quantify toxin activity and define mechanisms of action on platelet aggregation
• Undertake one-stage clotting assays on normal and factor deficient plasma
• Assist in the purification of snake toxin proteins from native venom
• Perform data analysis on experimental results and deliver reports to the supervisory team
• Maintain accurate records of all research activity
• Work collaboratively in a research team and in partnership with external collaborators
• Contribute to the publication of research outcomes in appropriate peer reviewed journals and relevant grant writing activities
• Participate in related scientific and public engagement tasks

<u>The Candidate </u>

The post-holder will be expected to have a background in either haematology or biochemistry, and experience of protein purification is desirable. You will support our research initiatives by conducting literature reviews, collecting and analysing data, and contribute to the preparation of reports and publications.

Ideally you will be able to demonstrate:

• Master’s degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. haematology, biochemistry, pharmacology, biomedical science)
• Relevant laboratory research experience
• Experience in developing and running bioassays
• Experience performing and interpreting scientific data
• Experience working to health and safety regulations
• Experience performing research in the field of thrombosis and haemostasis (desirable)
• Knowledge of haemtaology, specifically thrombosis and haemostasis (desirable)

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

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

Apply now and join us in our mission to combat tropical diseases and make a difference in global health. We look forward to receiving your application.

Closing Date: 3rd July 2024

Application Process: To apply for the position please click on 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.

LSTM actively promotes Equal Opportunities and Safeguarding Policies