Research Associate in Genetic Vector Control

Location: South Kensington Campus

About the role:

Do you have expertise in genetic engineering and want to contribute to developing next-generation strategies to control mosquito populations that transmit malaria? We have an exciting opportunity for a Research Associate to join a new research programme funded by the Gates Foundation and focused on developing self-limiting genetic strategies for the population suppression of Anopheles mosquitoes.

The successful candidate will play a key role in conducting independent research as part of a small team. The experimental work will focus on improving proof-of-principle technologies that we have already developed, with the aim of advancing them towards potential future deployment, as well as investigating new target genes and developing novel molecular tools to support the next generation of these technologies.

What you would be doing:

As a Research Associate, you will play an active role in planning and delivering research within our programme. You will take initiative in designing and conducting experiments, developing appropriate molecular and experimental approaches, and analysing robust and reproducible data. You will maintain accurate records of your work and contribute to publications, presentations to funders and research meetings.

You will work collaboratively with scientists, technicians and students at Imperial and with external collaborators in the UK and internationally. You will also contribute to the supervision and development of undergraduate and postgraduate students and research assistants and, where appropriate, help coordinate the work of small research teams. Alongside your research, you will contribute to the smooth running of the laboratory and to maintaining a safe, collaborative and productive research environment.

What we are looking for:

We are looking for a motivated and proactive researcher with experience in molecular biology and genetic engineering, including DNA cloning, genetic construct design and CRISPR-Cas9 or related genome-editing approaches. You will also have experience with mosquitoes or other model organisms and transcriptomic data analysis. Previous experience with molecular and genetic assays is required as well as basic experience in bioinformatics and data analysis. Experience in embryo microinjection work would be highly advantageous.

What we can offer you:

• You will join a collaborative research environment at Imperial College London, with the opportunity to contribute to research addressing major global health challenges. The Group has a long-standing relationship with the Target Malaria research consortium, providing opportunities to engage with researchers and initiatives across the consortium and gain insight into the development, evaluation and potential deployment of genetic strategies for malaria control.
• You will have access to Imperial’s dedicated career development support for researchers, including 10 development days each year, alongside opportunities for progression, a competitive benefits package and a supportive, inclusive working environment.
• Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 43 days off a year and generous pension schemes).

Further Information

Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have not yet been officially awarded will be appointed as a Research Assistant.

This is a full-time post.

This role is for a fixed-term contract 31 August 2028, extendable for an additional 12 months subject to funding availability.

If you require any further details about the role, please contact:

Dr Federica Bernardini (f.bernardini11@imperial.ac.uk) or Ms Clelia Supparo (c.supparo@imperial.ac.uk)

£50,733 to £59,484 per annum