Senior Scientific Officers (VIDA) at the Medical Research Council (MRC) Unit, The Gambia

The MRC Unit, The Gambia is undertaking a randomized clinical trial that will examine the effects of administering a pneumococcal-conjugate vaccine either to expectant mothers at between 28 and 34 weeks gestation, or to newborn infants, shortly following birth, on pneumococcal carriage (as a surrogate of pneumococcal disease) in early life. The two groups will be compared to the routine 2, 3 and 4 month infant schedule currently recommended by WHO and used in The Gambia. As well as assessing pneumococcal carriage and the immunogenicity of the vaccines (including transplacental and breast milk antibody transfer), safety follow-up of both mothers during pregnancy and also their newborn infants will be central component of the trial.

We are recruiting to fill the position of:

Job Title: Senior Scientific Officer (VIDA)

Location: The Gambia
Start Date: Tuesday, February 2, 2016

Job Description

• Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for appointment as a Senior Scientific Officer for the VIDA study.
• The post-holder will be based at MRC Fajara and will be responsible for the molecular aspects of the VIDA study.
• The VIDA study is utilizing the established GEMS infrastructure and methodology to conduct a case-control study of moderate to severe diarrhoea (MSD) in The Gambia to provide a detailed assessment of the changes in incidence, etiology, and adverse clinical outcomes that emerge now that the rotavirus vaccine is in use in The Gambia.
• S/he will be assigned other tasks within the molecular microbiology laboratory and will be required to assist with the management of other team members within the molecular microbiology laboratory.

Requirements
Essential:

• A PhD in Molecular Biology/Microbiology or equivalent.
• At least 2 years research experience in molecular microbiology research.
• Hands on experience with real time PCR, quantitation using the TaqMan® Array Cards (TAC), multiplex PCR, pathogen genomics, bioinformatics.
• Experience with bacteriologic culture of diarrheal pathogens and immunoassays for the detection of Giardia, Entamoeba and Crytosporidium.
• A strong track record of publication in peer reviewed journals.
• Ability to supervise staff, ensuring that high standards are maintained at all times.
• Willingness to work outside working hours when required according to sample delivery.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Good communication skills including scientific discussion and writing.
• Experience with computer-based analyses and presentation of experimental data.

Desirable:

• M.Sc in Molecular Biology/Microbiology.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct demanding laboratory work in a productive and disciplined manner.
• Ability to work co-operatively in a diverse team.
• Experience of working according to ICH-GCP.
• Practical experience working in large multi-center studies.
• Practical experience with performing EQAs.
• Practical experience working in a developing country.
• Experience in writing SOP for laboratory procedures.
• Record of publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

Remuneration

• The salary will be paid in Grade 2, 32 Points of the MRC Unit, The Gambia’s payscale at a minimum take home of 59,977 Dalasis per month equivalent to a net salary of $1,420 per month using the prevailing USD/Dalasi exchange rate.
• Please note that the salary is paid in Gambian Dalasi and the USD figure quoted is only given as a guide using the prevailing Dalasi/USD exchange rate.
• For displaced staff the package will include rent-free furnished accommodation, flights contribution to school fees for children and shipment of personal effects.
• The appointment is for 2 years and is subject to a probationary period of six months.

Application Closing Date
25th February, 2016.

How to Apply
Interested candidates should contact the "Human Resources Office" for an MRC Application form and a copy of the Job Description by an email to: [email protected]

Completed application forms, together with photocopies of qualification should be sent to:
Human Resources Office,
Vacancy for: Senior Scientific Officer (VIDA)
MRC Unit, Fajara
P.O. Box 273,
Banjul, The Gambia,
West Africa

Telephone: 00220 4495442-6, 00220 4494072-9
E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.mrc.gm

Note: Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.