Postdoctoral Research Associate

Careers Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine

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Postdoctoral Research Associate

Reference: AUG

Expiry date: 2026-08-:59:00.000

Location: Liverpool

Benefits: 30 Days holiday + Bank Holiday and additional Christmas closure days

Duration: 1 fixed term contact until January 2029 & 1 fixed term contract until April 2029

Postdoctoral Research Associate
Salary: £39,906 - £46,049 per annum
Contract: Two fixed-term contracts available, one until January 2029 and one until April 2029
Location: Liverpool

About the Role

Tuberculosisremainsa serious global health problem and there is an urgent need for new therapeutic agents.The Parish Lab focuses on antimicrobial drug discovery, with an emphasis on tubercualosis

We are recruiting for two Postdoctoral Research Associate positions within the Parish Lab. We are looking for qualified chemists at the post-doctoral level with an interest in infectious diseases and global health to work on tuberculosis drug discovery projects. One post is available on a fixed-term contract until January 2029, and the second is available on a fixed-term contract until April 2029. While both roles contribute to our tuberculosis drug discovery programme and share many core responsibilities, each supports a different research project. Please refer to the attached job descriptions for details of the specific focus and responsibilities of each position.

The successful candidate will work in a multi-disciplinary research environment, interacting with microbiologists.

Conduct Primary Research

• Conduct research in tuberculosis drug discovery to develop novel antitubercular agents.
• Design, synthesis and purification of new analogs (small molecules).
• Characterization and confirmation of new analogs (analytical chemistry).
• ADME and pharmacokinetic studies of novel small molecules.
• Plan, design and execute research plans.
• Perform experimental procedures and make detailed observations; analyse and interpret data.
• Plan and conduct work requiring independent judgment in the evaluation, selection, and substantial adaptation/modification of standard techniques, procedures and criteria.
• Troubleshoot and solve experimental and technical problems.
• Maintain a detailed, accurate and timely record of all experimental work using electronic laboratory notebooks.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge and familiarity with the literature.

Data Analysis and Communication

• Analyse and interpret research data.
• Maintain quality control and data integrity for experimental work.
• Work collaboratively with internal and external partners to progress project.
• Present research findings at internal meetings, conferences, and workshops to disseminate knowledge and foster collaboration.
• Write standard protocols and validation data packages.
• Prepare manuscripts, technical reports, and assist in the preparation of new funding proposals.

We are looking for:

• BSc in a relevant field.
• A PhD in organic and/or medicinal chemistry.
• Experience in chemistry synthesis.
• Familiarity with organic chemistry concepts, practices, and procedures.
• Familiarity with analytical chemistry concepts, practices, and procedures.
• Experience with data handling.
• Computer literacy, including MS Office programs and literature searches.
• Experience in writing manuscripts and protocols.

It would be desirable if you have:

• Familiarity with medicinal chemistry concepts, practices, and procedures.
• Experience with laboratory information management systems.

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

Additional benefits of joining LSTM:

• Access to support for your career growth through a variety of internal and external learning and development opportunities
• Employee Assistance Platform offering a range of wellbeing initiatives and support, in addition to high-street discount offers
• 30 days annual leave, plus 8 UK bank holidays, in addition to 6 Christmas closure days
• Generous occupational pension schemes including USS (Universities Superannuation Scheme) and NHS pension schemes (subject to eligibility)
• Government backed "cycle to work" scheme
• Affiliated, discounted staff membership to the University of Liverpool Sports Centre
• A range of enhanced family friendly policies