Senior Scientific Officer at Medical Research Council (MRC) Unit, The Gambia

The Medical Research Council (MRC) Unit, The Gambia, is the Medical Research Council's largest establishment conducting laboratory, field based and clinical research in a developing country. To reflect changes in national and global health priorities and new international funding opportunities a new research portfolio has been organized under three themes: Child Survival: Disease Control & Elimination: Vaccinology. These themes have been selected to target national health needs, to reinforce sub-regional and international links and to address some of the major current priorities in the Millennium Global Health Goals.

The Keneba field station has carded out nutritional research in Keneba village and the surrounding villages for over 50 years. The permanent research station and clinic provides routine antenatal, mother-and-baby clinics, dietary supplementation and general medical clinics. There are a team of local and international scientists and research clinicians all engaged in their own research projects. and a team of medical doctors, midwives, nurses, laboratory technicians, field workers, data-entry clerks and administrative staff, all supporting the Keneba research programme and clinic facility. Data from the clinics, research projects, biobank and demographic surveillance systems are all maintained in a single integrated database system. Copied: www.hotnigerianjobs.com

Title Job: Senior Scientific Officer

Job Description

• The Keneba Field Station is seeking to appoint a Senior Scientific Officer to conduct and manage research activities in the Calcium, Vitamin D and Bone Health (CDBH) group.
• The CDBH group conducts studies across the life course and aims to identity the role of diet and lifestyle in bone health and the prevention of osteoporosis and rickets.
• The post-holder will contribute directly to the research and strategy of the group.
• The focus of research will be determined by the experience of the successful applicant and is likely to include studies of local people that require physiological measures, laboratory assays and data analysis.
• S/he is also responsible for aspects of the management, co-ordination and smooth-running of the work of CDBH at MRG Keneba.

We seek someone with:
Essential

• A PhD or equivalent in an area relevant to CDBH research.
• A minimum of one year post-doctoral experience.
• At least 4 years research and/or other experience (including PhD) in a relevant area to CDBH.
• Ability to supervise staff, ensuring that high standards are maintained at all times.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Good communication skills including scientific discussion and writing.
• Experience with computer-based data analysis and presentation of experimental data.
• Good inter-personal skills with experience of working with multi-disciplinary teams.
• Ability to work co-operatively in a diverse team.
  

Desirable

• Previous work or training in a range of physiological measurements.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct demanding research work in a productive and disciplined manner.
• Willingness to work outside normal working hours.
• Experience in training others.
• Experience in relationships with suppliers and technical support personnel. Copied: www.hotnigerianjobs.com

Remuneration
An attractive salary will be paid in MRCs Grade 2.

Application Closing Date
25th April, 2014.

Method of Application
If you are interested and have the skills and abilities for this senior position please contact the Human Resources Office for an application form and a copy of the job description and person specification for the post.

Completed application forms together with photocopies of qualifications should be returned to:

Human Resources Office
Vacancy for: Senior Scientific Officer (MRC Keneba)
MRC Unit, Fajara,
P.O. Box 273, Banjul,
Telephone: 4495442-6 & 4494072-9
Email: [email protected]

The Medical Research Council is an Equal Opportunities Employer and operates a strict no smoking policy. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.