Animal Schistosomiasis Drug Discovery

The Role

We are seeking to appoint a highly motivated Animal (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). join an energetic and enthusiastic team of investigators working on a new project, ‘Accelerating pre-clinical drug discovery for schistosomiasis’, funded by Wellcome. This is a collaborative project built upon the interdisciplinary expertise of Aberystwyth University, University of Dundee and UT Southwestern Medical Center. The research programme is structured across two milestones and the funding for Milestone 2 will be confirmed by the external sponsor following the successful completion of Milestone 1 (31 December 2027).

With at least 240 million people suffering from schistosomiasis, a neglected infectious disease caused by parasitic trematode worms of the genus Schistosoma and with no vaccine near clinical deployment, the cornerstone of schistosomiasis control is predominantly facilitated by just one singe chemotherapeutic agent, praziquantel (PZQ). PZQ, however, is ineffectual against juvenile worms and, with its increased use in mass administration programs, increased resistance to the treatment is a major concern.

Consequently, this Wellcome project aims to develop and apply the most advanced tools to increase drug discovery efficiency and make these available to the international NTD drug discovery community. To achieve morbidity control and elimination, new effective treatment options are required. This project aims to accelerate the progression of new chemical entities (NCEs) towards clinical candidate selection and the project team will combine phenotypic and target-based drug discovery to accelerate the drug discovery process.

To make an informal enquiry, please contact Prof. Karl Hoffmann ().

Successful applicants may be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service Check(DBS) check.

Appointments are normally made within 4 - 8 weeks of the closing date.

The appointed AT will be based in the Hoffmann Research Laboratory at Aberystwyth University and will be required to assist our Post-doctoral Research Associates (PDRAs), Senior Scientist and the AU Lead PI. The post-holder will provide support for the maintenance and operation of our animal-housing facilities and the Schistosoma mansoni lifecycle. This will involve working with mice and snails to maintain their health and housing, propagating parasites, performing HO regulated procedures and participating in schistosomiasis efficacy trials in the murine model.

The post-holder will also support the day-to-day activities of the laboratories and assist in the group’s wider research, which may include operating the ‘Roboworm’ Platform and associated equipment, preparing compounds for use on the screening platform, running the screening process and collecting and collating output data. The post-holder will be supervised by the Senior Scientist to the project and may, in turn, be required to support and supervise undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Hours will predominantly be worked during Monday – Friday, however, occasional evening or weekend work may be required.

• To assist in the day-to-day operation and maintenance of the parasitology laboratories and animal housing facilities.
• To undertake work on animal (mouse) efficacy studies (drug formulation, oral dosing, blood from tail veins for DMPK, etc) using our schistosome/mouse model.
• To undertake ordering of lab consumables and supplies, monitor spend against a budget and receive and check goods deliveries and ensure safe and appropriate storage.
• To support in the assay of compounds against the different life-cycle stages of the parasites (schistosomula, adult worms, juvenile worms).
• To operate the Roboworm Platform and other associated laboratory equipment, including preparation and screening of compounds and data collection.
• To provide support to the wider research programme of the project and the full range of activities undertaken by the Hoffmann group.

• To undertake health and safety duties and responsibilities appropriate to the post.
• To be committed to the University’s Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy, together…