Research Associate in Vector Control Strategies

We seek to appoint an experienced and dynamic Research Associate to join the Crisanti group. This role will contribute to a research award that aims to build and improve self-sustaining gene drive systems, based on the use of CRISPR/Cas9, with the ultimate goal of malaria control by decreasing the reproductive potential of mosquito populations and will be involved in the development of innovative genetic strategies to help reduce the disease burden.

The post holder will help produce independent and original research as part of a large team of postdocs and technicians within the group based at the South Kensington campus. The project aims to design, build, and test novel gene drives by incorporating three components: nucleases with improved activity; rational choice of new genetic targets to be affected by the gene drive;

and modulating and regulating gene drive expression in time and space. The post involves a high degree of teamwork and interdisciplinary research as well as daily interactions with other members of the lab.

The post is funded by the multi-disciplinary research consortium called Target Malaria.

The Research Associate will be expected to take initiative in planning their research, maintain an overview of the group’s efforts, submit publications to refereed journals, present their findings to colleagues and at conferences, contribute to the preparation of grant requests and take the lead in compiling quarterly reports to research sponsors. The post holder will also be required to supervise the work of smaller research teams including undergraduate and postgraduate students;

mentor and train less experienced members of the laboratory in learning and adapting new molecular approaches to vector control.

We strongly encourage applications from experienced, self-driven individuals with an established interest in cutting-edge scientific research that has the real potential to contribute to global malaria eradication efforts.

The ideal candidate must have a PhD in molecular biology and genetics, or a closely related discipline, and significant experience in a similar research environment working on genetic approaches to population control of disease-vector mosquitoes, particularly CRISPR/Cas9 gene drive development and testing. Expertise to be supported by a track record of publication in relevant and refereed journals. The post holder should be comfortable with molecular biology methods and proficient in working with genome editing tools like CRISPR/Cas.

Experience in laboratory and insectary practices and in experimental manipulation techniques is also required. The role also requires excellent organisational, communication and problem-solving skills, and the ability to lead effectively small teams and planning work to achieve research goals and milestones. Proficiency in transcriptomic analysis and DNA sequencing, including molecular workflows and bioinformatic analysis of genomic and gene expression data are highly desirable, though not essential.

Demonstrable experience in supervising and training junior technical staff and students is also required. Flexibility is also essential, including a willingness to support operational needs and occasionally travel to collaborating sites. You will also be expected to work collaboratively and be open-minded, taking a positive approach to routine work and training opportunities relevant to the role.

This role offers an exciting opportunity to work within a pioneering research group focused on advancing innovations that could significantly improve malaria control. It provides the chance to collaborate with leading scientists…