Description
Location:Pembroke Place, Liverpool, L3 5QA
Working for Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine
The Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM), founded in 1898, is a world-leading institution dedicated to improving global health. As a registered charity, we combat diseases such as TB, HIV/AIDS, malaria, dengue, and different neglected tropical diseases through cutting-edge research, innovative interventions, and partnerships in over 68 countries.
With a research portfolio exceeding £210 million, state-of-the-art facilities, and a commitment to training future health leaders, LSTM is at the forefront of tropical medicine and infectious disease research. We also provide expert consultancy services and travel health clinics in Liverpool and Chester.
The Package
- Starting salary of £24,044 per annum
- Monday to Friday
- 35 Hours
- 30 Days annual leave (plus Christmas closure days), plus bank holidays
- Generous occupational pension schemes
- Government backed “cycle to work” scheme
- Affiliated, discounted staff membership to the University of Liverpool Sports Centre
- Plus, a host of additional family friendly policies
What will I be doing as an apprentice?
An exciting new lab technician apprenticeship position has become available at the department of tropical disease biology to carry out day-to-day lab functions and technical support to the highest standard The Apprentice will work in a variety of biological research laboratories and insectaries as part of a team of scientists and students within the filariasis research group.
The successful candidate will be trained to provide technical support for parasite life-cycle maintenance in the filariasis research laboratory. They will be trained to provide routine technical support in a range of biochemical, and immunological and image-based assays in a scientific laboratory setting where needed.
Key Responsibilities
Assist with evaluations of candidate therapeutics for filariasis:
- Assist with in vivo infection models to test new therapeutics for filariasis
- Assist in quantifying pathological changes in lymphographic images by software ‘morphometric’ analyses
- Support the research team in running biochemical and immunological assays and support with data analysis
- Stock check and inventory control of all consumables and equipment
- Washing of personnel workwear and lab coats as required
- Management of waste within the facility, ensuring close liaison with LSTM cleaning staff.
Support rearing of mosquito colonies and maintaining parasite life cycle:
- Contribute to the smooth running of filariasis mosquito insectaries, including inventory control and weekly stock checks, ensuring good standards of housekeeping are maintained always. Preparation of routine solutions used in rearing also assist in routine cleaning of the insectaries.
- Cleaning of all equipment associated with rearing of mosquitoes including larval trays and adult mosquito cages to approved Standard Operating Procedure.
- Provide assistance for maintaining parasite production when needed.
General:
- Prioritise, organise efficiently, work independently under provided guidance and use own initiative to balance a varied and busy workload.
- Participate in staff development and training sessions as required to enhance and update skills to maintain an efficient and effective service.
- Adhere to local and legal requirements. Undertake personal health and safety responsibilities in accordance with H&S legislation and LSTM’s Health & Safety Policy and procedures.
- Any other duties commensurate with the grade and nature of the role.
- Promote equality of opportunity and inclusive practice in all aspects of work undertaken.
- Act in a manner that safeguards children and/or vulnerable adults as applicable to the role
What could the future look like?
When you join the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine the possibilities for your success are limitless. As a successful applicant, you have the potential to secure a full-time position within the company at the conclusion of your apprenticeship.
Through practical training on the job, you can look forward to a range of potential career paths in industries such as manufacturing, construction, engineering, aerospace, automotive, or research and development. There is a growing demand for skilled professionals who can ensure the quality and reliability of materials used in various sectors.
This apprenticeship program also serves as a stepping-stone towards a rewarding career in laboratory testing, with the added opportunity for the apprentice to become a registered Science technician (RSci Tech).
This apprenticeship can also help pave the way for further educational and professional advancement such as our Level 6 Bachelor of Science (BSc) Apprenticeship, enabling you to take on more specialised roles or progress into leadership positions.
Skills, Knowledge, and Experience
About you
We are seeking a highly motivated individual with a proven ability to meet tight targets and deadlines, demonstrating meticulous attention to detail and excellent prioritisation skills in a fast-changing environment. You have experience working independently and using your initiative to manage tasks effectively, even in high-pressure situations.
Your friendly and helpful personality ensures you remain calm and courteous in demanding scenarios, and you are committed to supporting equality, diversity, and inclusive practices. While laboratory experience is desirable, a willingness to work in a hot, humid insectary and with small animal models under Home Office regulations is essential.
Please note, due to the nature of the role candidates must be aged 18 or over, and have up-to-date vaccinations for Hepatitis B and Tetanus, or be willing to have the vaccinations if appointed. These are essential to ensure the safety and well-being of candidates working in the specified environments.
Experience
Whilst previous experience is great, we at Tiro are always open to wildcards. We’re not just interested in experience and qualifications; we’re looking for someone with the right attitude and aptitude to fit right in at Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine.
Qualifications
It’s about enthusiasm, not school results. In our experience the most successful apprentices are those who are driven to find out more about the sector, can be up front about what they do and don’t already know, are considerate, self-reflective, and impatient to learn the job role!
So how does the apprenticeship work?
At Tiro we’re obsessed with changing lives through science and technology apprenticeships so we can’t wait to have you on board.
Over 21 months, you’ll devote a minimum of 6 hours of your working week on ‘off the job’ training. This can include theory training (for example, virtual lessons & online learning), alongside practical training (for example shadowing, mentoring, & time spent writing assignments. Together this will count towards a Level 3 Laboratory Technician apprenticeship. You’ll be trained by an expert tutor from Tiro as well as an experienced mentor at LSTM who together, will make sure you develop the knowledge, skills, and work habits you’ll need to succeed in your career.Being an apprentice is hands-on, so you’ll get the chance to learn things you might otherwise not have experienced in a university or college environment.
The best part? You’ll be earning a salary while you gain your qualifications, meaning no huge student loans to pay back at the end of the programme!
Eligibility
While we never want to hinder your job application process with obstacles, there are some minimum requirements you’ll need to meet in order to do an apprenticeship, these are rules set by the UK Government.
As a training provider, we are committed to ensuring that our apprenticeship programs deliver significant new knowledge and skills. To be eligible, applicants must demonstrate that the program will provide learning and experiences beyond their current qualifications and professional expertise.
If you already hold a Level 3, degree or equivalent higher-level qualification in a closely related field, or possess substantial relevant experience, you may not be eligible for apprenticeship funding, as these programmes are designed for individuals who require upskilling or reskilling in their chosen career pathway.
You’ll need to be over 16, not in full time education, have lived in the UK for 3 years and have the right to work in the UK.
If you don’t quite meet these minimum requirements yet, let us know you’re interested
hereand we’ll get in touch to discuss this further with you.
We're Tiro (pronounced ‘Tea-ro’ as in white, two sugars).
In Latin, it means novice, recruit, apprentice, beginner and soldier. The perfect name for a company that’s been helping fearless apprentices to join ambitious businesses since 2005.
We believe that great apprenticeships help everyone. There are remarkable apprentices out there just waiting to be found, and fantastic employment opportunities waiting to be filled.
Our work will never be just about getting bums on seats and pocketing our commission. In our own small way, we’re helping to change the world – finding people that are working on COVID vaccines, finding new ways for technology to help humanity and helping to tackle the big issues of the day, like climate change. As well as helping people – young and old – to find their way.
