Research Assistant

The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) is one of the world's leading public health universities. Our mission is to improve health and health equity in the UK and worldwide; working in partnership to achieve excellence in public and global health research, education and translation of knowledge into policy and practice.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Research Assistant to join a new ERC funded research programme investigating the fundamental biology of Treponema pallidum, the causative agent of syphilis, and its interactions with the human host. By combining basic and clinically relevant research, the group aims to improve understanding of this difficult-to-culture pathogen and support the identification of potential vaccine targets.

The postholder will provide specialist experimental support for a Containment Level 2 (CL2) laboratory project. Key responsibilities will include maintaining complex host–pathogen co-culture systems; handling clinical samples, tissue biopsies, and explants; supporting laboratory management and organisation; training and assisting other researchers; and contributing to experimental design, protocol development, data collection and analysis, and the successful delivery of the wider research programme.

We are seeking an experienced experimentalist who can lead research projects independently, optimise assays, work under strict sterile conditions, and deliver high-quality results within agreed timelines.

The successful candidate will hold a first degree in cell biology, microbiology or a related discipline. They will have relevant experience in aseptic techniques and sterile workflows, familiarity with CL2 environments, strong tissue culture experience, and good laboratory organisation and management. They will also have experience in, or a strong interest in, infection biology and host-pathogen interactions.

The post is fixed term until 31 October 2028 and full-time 35 hours per week, 1.0 FTE. The post is funded by the European Research Council (ERC) and is available immediately.

The salary will be on the LSHTM salary scale, Grade 5 in the range £39,984 - £45,728 per annum pro rata (inclusive of London Weighting). Annual leave entitlement is 30 working days per year, pro rata for part time staff. In addition to this there are discretionary Wellbeing Days. Membership of the Pension Scheme is available. The post is based in London at LSHTM.