Job Description
Post:
Post-Doctoral Research Assistant – Preparing for field release of new public
health insecticides
Responsible to:
Helen S Williams (Head of LITE)
Group:
Department of Vector Biology
Summary of role
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 inset borne diseases.
A dedicated team within the department, the Liverpool Insect Testing Establishment (LITE) provides a
facility for testing lead chemicals for use in the control of public health pests. LITE is financially
supported by IVCC, a product development partnership that is working to accelerate development
and access to new public health insecticides. This role will work closely with both IVCC and the Vector
Biology Department to fill critical knowledge gaps in the pathway to the eventual field release of these
new products. The post holder will be responsible for designing and implementing study protocols for
laboratory and field work and for data interpretation and report/paper writing. The position is based
at the LSTM, although some overseas travel will be required for mosquito field collections and
technical assistance with overseas projects.
Main duties:
 Assist in the development of a resistance management plan for new public health insecticides
 Provide technical expertise on designing, implementing and interpreting insecticide bioassay data
for LITE/IVCC studies.
 Act as link between Vector Biology Dept and IVCC to address technical questions on insecticide
resistance
 Develop appropriate methodologies for statistical analysis of bioassay data and provide training
in implementation of these to other members of the Department
 Assist with supervision of PhD students, visitors and technical staff working on insecticide
resistance related projects
 Oversee determination of discriminating dose for new public health insecticides
 Provide assistance and training to staff at IVCC’s field sites when required
 Present result of data to clients and IVCC’s External Scientific Advisory Committee in both written
and oral formats
 Coordinate establishment of new field colonies
 Assist in drafting of new study proposals
 Identify and pursue research projects in insecticide resistance either by own research, supervision
of students or contribution to grant applications
 Prepare results of your own independent research and, work from others in the department, for
publication in scientific journals.
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Contribute to the teaching responsibilities of the Department of Vector Biology, either by
delivering formal teaching or supervising MSc student projects.
Represent the group at scientific meetings or consultations with external partners.
To assist (if required) in the maintenance and husbandry of LITE mosquito colonies including
bioassay procedures.
Person Specification: Postdoc Medical Entomologist
Criteria
Education &
Training
Experience
Competencies
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Skills, Abilities
and
Knowledge
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Interests
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PhD in Medical entomology or equivalent
experience
Experience of developing laboratory and bioassay
testing methods
Experience of mosquito field collections overseas
Experience of preparation of manuscripts for
publication
Ability to maintain records data and demonstrate
effective record keeping, ability to write
compliant SOPs (Standard Operating procedures)
Experience of rearing insects
Previous experience of field work
Previous experience of insect field collections
Experience of training students and staff
Experience of working to health and safety
regulations and legal requirements , and writing
of relevant risk assessments
Essential
Desirable
E
E
E
E
Assessment
Application Form/CV
Application form/CV,
Assessment &
interview
E
D
E
D
D
D
E
Knowledge of insecticide resistance
Good knowledge of statistics
Excellent verbal & written communication skills,
with the ability to communicate at all levels
Ability to provide laboratory/project supervision
Ability to work as an integral and cooperative
member of a multi-disciplinary team
Ability to read large volumes of scientific
literature and summarise important points.
Numerate, with good working knowledge of
Microsoft Office packages
Excellent time management and organisational
skills
Adaptable and able to work under different
conditions, and hot, humid conditions (insectary
husbandry)
Excellent time management skills
E
E
An enthusiasm for contributing to a multidisciplinary program and working towards the
goal of improving vector control
Scientifically inquisitive
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E
Application form/CV,
& interview
E
E
E
Application form/CV
& interview