If you’re interested in lecturing and research jobs in parasitology, this section of our Academic Jobs in Biological Sciences series tells you everything you need to know about the typical career path into this exciting field and where to find jobs.
What is Parasitology?
Parasitology focuses on the classification, biology and lifecycle of parasites, and the interaction between parasites and their host. This is no small task – it is estimated that over half of all species in the world are parasitic (Royal Society). Specialists investigate outbreaks and treatments for parasitic, tropical and zoonotic diseases such as malaria, which result in millions of deaths each year globally, particularly in the developing world.
Parasitologists are specialist scientists with backgrounds in microbiology, zoology and medicine. They work in higher education as lecturers and researchers, public health bodies, research organisations, charities and in private sector biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies.
Medical parasitologists help diagnose and treat parasitic diseases in humans in a clinical setting, whereas veterinary parasitologists focus on treating the effects of parasites in animals.
Parasitology Lecturer Jobs
Parasitology is mainly taught at postgraduate level, so lecturers are focused on the delivery of MSc courses, while also conducting individual and collaborative research.
Duties include:
- Delivery of lectures, tutorials and lab-based classes across biosciences and biomedicine disciplines.
- Pursuing high-quality research that contributes significantly to the field of parasitology.
- Applying for external research funding.
- Supervising PhD and MSc students and overseeing undergraduate specialist lab projects.
- Contributing to the publication of research outcomes.
- Facilitating new partnerships within the parasitology community and external organisations/stakeholders.
How to become a Parasitology Lecturer
Parasitology is a highly specialised field and universities look for candidates who have considerable research experience. Most employers ask for the following qualifications, experience and knowledge:
Essential qualifications
- A first degree in bio or life sciences.
- An MSc in parasitology, medical parasitology, molecular parasitology or related area.
- A PhD in parasitology or a closely related area.
- A higher education teaching qualification (this is often listed as ‘desirable’; however, you would be expected to complete the qualification on the job as a lecturer).
Experience and knowledge
Most lecturers in this field would have completed one or more postdoctoral research projects and would already have contributed to research publications in parasitology.
Experience in developing diagnostic tests for parasitic diseases would be essential, along with evidence of the generation of new methodologies and knowledge. The ability to network and forge new collaborations in the field is crucial in parasitology research.
Evidence of higher education teaching, mentoring and supervision would also be essential.
What’s the pay?
Parasitology lecturers can expect a starting salary in the range of £43,974 to £54,021, depending on research and teaching experience.
What can it lead to?
If you choose to stay in higher education teaching and research, you could apply for promotion to senior lecturer or research fellow. Most universities have established career frameworks for their academic staff which ensure development and promotion after several years in post as a lecturer and/or researcher.
Moving up the academic ranks depends on the quality and visibility of your research, your ability to forge new partnerships, attract funding and your teaching expertise.
Where can I find jobs?
You will find that there are more research roles than lecturing positions in parasitology. However, specialists in parasitology will find that broader experience in microbiology, zoology, and biomedical science opens up more opportunities.
Jobs.ac.uk is the leading national and international jobs board for academic teaching, research and scientific roles. Take a look at our current biosciences jobs and get tips on everything from writing the perfect academic CV to finding your first research job.
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