Manager Molecular Diagnostic Services/Platform at Medical Research Council Unit, The Gambia

The 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 four themes: Matemal, Neonatal & Child Health; Disease Control & Elimination; Nutrition; 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.

Medical Research Council Unit; The Gambia, is recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Manager Molecular Diagnostic Services/Platform

Location: Gambia

Job Descriptions
Job Information

• We are looking for a Manager for the Molecular Diagnostics Services/Platform who will be responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the Molecular Diagnostics (MDX) Laboratories and supervision of staff.
• S/he will be responsible for strengthening core platform capabilities to support research through conducting existing assays to a unified standard, developing standardised protocols, training members of the laboratory and developing new tools and methods in molecular analysis to meet the needs of Research Projects.
• The post- holder may dedicate up to 20% of work time to independent research in an area of interest in molecular biology towards strengthening the Unit's research agenda.

Essential Requirements
We seek someone with:

• Ph.D in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry or other Biomedical Sciences from an accredited University with significant experience in Molecular biology research.
• A minimum of 3 years experience of active work in a research laboratory environment.
• Applicants possessing a Masters degree with substantial (8-10 years) senior level experience managing a Molecular Diagnostics Facility may also apply.
• Experience managing a team of at least three staff.
• Demonstrated experience in current Molecular diagnostic technologies including variations of nucleic acid extraction, amplification and detection techniques.
• Demonstrated knowledge and training in GCLP implementation and accreditation to quality standards.
• Evidence of previous publications in the area of molecular biology techniques and genotyping.
• Experience in setting up basic bioinformatics pipelines and use of softwares for sequence and fragment analysis, primer and probe design, gene annotation and genetic mapping.
• Computer literate (e.g., Microsoft Office applications).
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Good organisational and staff management skills (note: with the ability to co-supervise staff with other managers).
• Experience of working with people from different disciplines and cultures.

Preferred

• Knowledge of Next Generation technologies and experience managing large diagnostic or genetic data sets, including whole genome sequencing and RNAseq.
• Knowledge of a bioinformatic scripting language applicable to molecular data management and analysis including but not limited to Perl and R.
• Training in quality management systems and processes in research and/or research laboratory environments.
• Working knowledge of another international language especially French or Portuguese.
• Good budgetary and cost management skills.
• Keenness to train and impart knowledge.
• The post will be for 3 years, extendable by mutual agreement.

Remuneration

• The salary will be paid in Grade 1 of MRC Unit, The Gambia's payscale at a gross monthly salary of between 141, 000 to 192, 978 Dalasi and net monthly salary range of 117, 144 and 160, 156 Dalasi. This converts to a net salary of approximately between $2, 857 to $3, 906 per month using the prevailing Dalasi/USD exchange rate. The final salary will depend on qualifications and experience of the successful candidate.
• Please note that the salary will be paid in Dalasi and that the USD figure quoted is only given as a guide.
• For displaced staff the package will include rent-free furnished accommodation, flights, displacement allowance for spouse and children, contribution to school fees and shipment of personal effects.

Application Closing Date
8th December 2014.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should 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: Manager Molecular Diagnostic Services/Platform
MRC Unit, Fajara
P.O. Box 273
Banjul.
Telephone: 4495442–6 & 4494072-9
E-mail: [email protected]

For further information about MRC Gambia visit: www.mrc.gm

Note:

• MRC is an equal opportunities employer and operates a strict no smoking policy.
• Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.