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

Medical Research Council (MRC) Unit, The Gambia - We are the leading research centre in sub-Saharan Africa, carrying out internationally competitive research into tropical medicine for over 50 years. Our current research agenda focuses on three themes: Disease Control & Elimination; Nutrition; Vaccines & Immunity. Looking towards the future. we are aiming to push forward into new and challenging areas. refiecflng changes in national and global health priorities.

We are conducting a rota virus vaccine impact and effectiveness study in children less than 5 years old residing in the areas of Basse, Upper River Region and Fuladu West, Central River Region Health Demographic Surveillance Systems (HDSS).

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Higher Scientific Officer (Vaccine Impact on Diarrhoea in Africa Study)

Location: Gambia
The appointments up to 28th February 2018 in the first instance.

Job Descriptions

• Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for a Higher Scientific Officer for the Rotavirus study. The post-holder will undertake technical and supervisory roles to support the study.
• S/he will, in addition, to conducting laboratory assays and procedures, undertake tabulation of laboratory results and compilation of reports, contribute to drafting of SOPs and work instructions and also train and supervise Trainee Scientific Officers, Senior Laboratory Technicians and laboratory technicians to meet the project goals and objectives.
• The post-holder will be based at MRCG Basse.

Essential Requirements

• M.Sc degree in Biomedical Sciences or relevant Biological Sciences.
• Substantial experience in a research microbiology laboratory.
• Computer literacy in Excel, MS words, power points etc.
• Knowledge and Experience of the standards/guidelines/regulations applicable to the clinical laboratories working practices towards GCLP/ISO 15189 accreditation.
• Knowledge of current literature, techniques, diagnostic tools and equipment applicable to the clinical laboratories.
• An ability to take initiatives.

Desirable

• Ability to work in a highly disciplined manner in a laboratory.
• Ability to maintain high standards of work.
• Ability to work co-operatively in team.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Participate in the shipment of biological samples following training by an agent/trainer certified by the International Air Transportation Association (IATA).
• Being able to provide training and lectures to scientific and support staff
• A basic technical knowledge of the pieces of equipment within the clinical laboratories, and be able to troubleshoot with the biomedical engineering department
• Contribute to the writing of scientific articles if required.

Remuneration

• The salary will be paid in Grade 3, 27 Points of MRC Unit The Gambias payscale at a net monthly salary of 47, 670 Dalasi. This converts to a net pay of $1, 059 approximately per month using the prevailing Dalasi/USD exchange rate.
• 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
28th October 2016.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should contact the Human Resources Office for an Application Form and a copy of the Job descriptions by emailing: [email protected]  Completed application forms together with photocopies of qualifications should be returned to:
Human Resources Office,
Vacancy for: Higher Scientific Officer,
MRCG Faraja,
P.O. Box 273,
Banjul, The Gambia.
E-mail: [email protected]

Note: Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.