Postdoctoral Research Associate (Biology)

Department
The aim of the lab, and of this project, is to use insect synthetic biology to develop new, safe, sustainable methods for reducing the harm caused by pest insects, particularly mosquitoes and mosquito-borne disease. This position is part of Gates Foundation-funded project (to end of April 2026) to develop, through synthetic biology, ‘local’ gene drives in the mosquito Anopheles stephensi.

RNA-guided gene drive elements could address many ecological problems by altering the traits of wild organisms, but the likelihood of global spread tremendously complicates ethical development and use. In principle, a local (vs global) drive can be constructed using a CRISPR-based gene drive composed of genetic elements arranged in a daisy-chain such that each element drives the next, with the basal element incapable of drive. Such "daisy drive" systems can duplicate any effect achievable using an equivalent global drive system, but their capacity to spread is limited by the successive loss of non-driving elements from the base of the chain. Simulation models indicate that releasing daisy drive organisms constituting a small fraction of the local wild population can drive a useful genetic element to local fixation for a wide range of fitness parameters without resulting in global spread. These methods are egalitarian – everyone within the protected area is equally protected, irrespective of wealth, ethnicity, gender, education etc.

We are developing components and prototypes to construct such a “daisy drive” system.

Nominal start date is mid-September 2025, but potentially negotiable. This is a part-time (20 hours/week) position.

Role
The core of the project is to develop and test components, modules and systems for these novel ‘local’ gene drive designs in the mosquito Anopheles stephensi. Correspondingly, the main component of the role is insect genetic studies (responsible for design and development of new transgenic/gene edited strains, rearing and colony maintenance, phenotypic analysis, experimental design and statistical analysis). Additional responsibilities include molecular biology (assisting with design and development of novel plasmids, preparing DNA for mosquito injections, molecular analysis of transgenic strains), communicating progress and data including assisting with manuscript preparation, and training/supervising other staff/students as required.

Skills, Experience & Qualifications Needed

• PhD in a relevant biological science, or equivalent.
• Knowledge of relevant research techniques and methodologies.
• Good communication skills, ability to write up research work for publication in high profile journals.
• Experience of development and analysis of transgenic insects.

Interview date: to be confirmed.

For informal enquiries: please contact Prof Luke Alphey (luke.alphey@york.ac.uk).

Biology at York was the first UK Biology Department to achieve Athena Swan Gold Award.

The University strives to be diverse and inclusive – a place where we can ALL be ourselves.

We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented at the University.

We offer family friendly, flexible working arrangements, with forums and inclusive facilities to support our staff. #EqualityatYork

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