Research Associate

Location: South Kensington Campus

Job Summary

We are seeking to appoint a Research Associate to join a world-leading and dynamic research team at the Department of Life Sciences. You will contribute to a research effort by the laboratory of Dr Angela Meccariello based at Imperial’s South Kensington Campus. The project aims to build and improve CRISPR design engineering, based on the use of CRISPR/Cas9, as well as other technologies with the ultimate goal of pest control by implementing pgSIT in the Mexfly populations.

The goal of the project is to develop new and innovative genetic control offers a species-specific approach to tackle this problem by delivering novel traits into target populations via the release of modified insects to therefore reduce the population size of harmful pest organisms. Mainly it will rely on the use of CRISPR/Cas9 technology to establish a precison-guided Sterile Insect Technique in the Mexfly. The role will involve a high degree of teamwork and interdisciplinary research.

You must be in possession of a PhD focused on Tephritid pest control. Demonstrable experience of working with Tephritids, as well as a good knowledge of Tephritid genetics and transgenesis, and practical experience of working within a highly competitive research environment in the relevant field. An emerging successful track record of academic publications commensurate with experience is also essential. Good knowledge of genomics and experience in Tephritids biology is desirable.

You must be a highly motivated, innovative, and creative individual with demonstrable ability to develop and apply new concepts, and a proactive approach to problem solving. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, and proven ability to write clearly and succinctly for high profile publications are also essential. You must be able to organise and prioritise your own work with minimal supervision and to independently drive forward their research project.

Duties and responsibilities

• To take initiatives in the planning of research and conduct data analysis.

• To rear a Mexfly colony, carry out embryo microinjections and set up genetic experimental crosses

• To carry out tissue dissections and genomic DNA and RNA extraction from Mexfly samples

• To keep the conditions and hygiene of insectary facilities at a high standard

• To prepare and carry out experiments following guidelines and analyse results using a range of agreed procedures

• To contribute to the preparation of grant reports to funder, scientific publications and regular technical updates.

• To collaborate with other allied scientists within Imperial College and elsewhere in London and abroad as appropriate.

Essential requirements

• Hold, or be near completion of, a PhD in an appropriate biological science with a strong focus on Tephritid pest control.

• Previous experience with Tephritid genetics and Mexfly rearing.

• High level of expertise and skills in molecular/synthetic biology.

• Track record of publications in peer-reviewed journals.

• Previous experience of Mexfly embryo mucroinjections.

Further Information

This is a full-time, fixed term position available for up to 6 months, with the possibility of extension subject to the availability of funding. You will be based at South Kensington Campus.

Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as a Research Assistant within the salary range £38,194 - £41,388 per annum.

For any queries about the role please contact Dr Angela Meccariello a.meccariello@imperial.ac.uk.

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