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. Further particulars are available in the job description.
The post is fixed term until 31 October 2028 and full-time 35 hours per week, 1.0 FTE. The post is funded by 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). The post will be subject to the LSHTM terms and conditions of service. 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.
Applications should be made by clicking the 'Apply' button above. Online applications will be accepted by the automated system until 10pm of the closing date. Any queries regarding the application process may be addressed to jobs@lshtm.ac.uk. Please quote reference ITD-DIB-2026-15.
The supporting statement section should set out how your qualifications, experience and training meet each of the selection criteria. Please provide one or more paragraphs addressing each criterion. The supporting statement is an essential part of the selection process and thus a failure to provide this information will mean that the application will not be considered. An answer to any of the criteria such as "Please see attached CV" will not be considered acceptable.
Please note that if you are shortlisted and are unable to attend on the interview date it may not be possible to offer you an alternative date.
Further Details:
£39,984 to £45,728 per annum pro rata (inclusive of London Weighting), Grade 5