The ideal candidate will have excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work as an integral member of a multi-disciplinary, multi-national research team. You will have well-developed research skills with the ability to effectively present research findings in oral and written format. You will also demonstrate:

• PhD in a relevant discipline (e.g. biology, biochemistry, immunology, molecular biology)
• Laboratory research experience at postdoctoral level
• Experience developing and validating bioassays
• Experience performing and interpreting scientific data
• Experience working with clinical samples from snakebite patients
• Experience with immunoassays and PCR
• Experience communicating scientific findings at research conferences
• Experience developing biomarker-based measurements of venom pathology in clinical samples
• Knowledge of snakebite, venom biology and toxin variatio

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine is offering an exciting opportunity for a Post Doctoral Research Associate to join its world-renowned Centre for Snakebite Research & Interventions (CSRI).
Snakebite is a neglected tropical disease affecting hundreds of thousands of people annually, with a significant burden in sub-Saharan Africa. This role will support new antivenom clinical trials across Africa by developing and applying laboratory assays to better understand envenomation and treatment outcomes.
The successful candidate will play a key role in developing and applying diagnostic assays using clinical samples to:
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Identify the biting snake species, and

• Quantify antivenom-venom complexes in patient samples

This work will support clinical trial endpoints, enhance understanding of envenoming dynamics, and contribute to the global effort to improve snakebite treatment and reduce mortality.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• Evaluate polyclonal antibody responses in serum samples of venom-immunised sheep
• Develop and/or optimise ELISA based quantification of venom toxins in sera using polyclonal antibodies
• Develop and validate PCR-based detection of snake DNA in swabs collected from the site of snakebite
• Develop and validate ELISA based assays to quantify venom-antivenom complexes in clinical samples
• Perform data analysis on experimental results and deliver reports at the times needed to the supervisory team
• Assist in the day-to-day supervision of laboratory staff and students
• Actively participate in all lab maintenance activity
• Significantly contribute to the planning and advancement of research programmes
• Contribute to the publication of research outcomes in appropriate peer reviewed journals and relevant grant writing activities
• Participate in teaching activities and student supervision

The ideal candidate will have excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work as an integral member of a multi-disciplinary, multi-national research team. You will have well-developed research skills with the ability to effectively present research findings in oral and written format. You will also demonstrate:

• PhD in a relevant discipline (e.g. biology, biochemistry, immunology, molecular biology)
• Laboratory research experience at postdoctoral level
• Experience developing and validating bioassays
• Experience performing and interpreting scientific data
• Experience working with clinical samples from snakebite patients
• Experience with immunoassays and PCR
• Experience communicating scientific findings at research conferences
• Experience developing biomarker-based measurements of venom pathology in clinical samples
• Knowledge of snakebite, venom biology and toxin variation

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