Post Doctoral Researcher - Anthropology at the Medical Research Council Unit the Gambia (MRCG)

Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia - The MRC Unit The Gambia at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) is one of two research units established in sub- Saharan Africa by the Medical Research Council UK and is the MRC Unit The Gambia at LSHTM’s single largest investment in medical research in a low and middle income country. MRC Unit The Gambia at LSHTM represents a unique concentration of scientific expertise and high quality research platforms in the West African region.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Post Doctoral Researcher - Anthropology

Location: Gambia
Accountability: The post-holder will be accountable to Dr Ed Clarke.
Grade: 2,35 points.

Purpose of the Job

• The VIT research has started to build up a significant social science component to its research, which extends across several projects in our portfolio, including (maternal) vaccine studies, perception of vaccination in the community, tuberculosis and other maternal and child health topics.
• This requires oversight and a coordinated approach. The post-holder will be responsible for the operational management and co-ordination of the social science aspects of the research in the Theme and in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, including governmental agencies.
• He/she will work closely with all members of each of the project teams involved and shape the social science aspects as well as coordinate the communication around these objectives to the various stakeholders and within the social science work across the Unit.
• It is anticipated that the post-holder will provide intellectual input into the projects from inception to implementation and outcomes.

Description

• We are seeking to appoint a Post-Doctoral Researcher with Anthropological skills to be based at Fajara.
• The post-holder will conduct, manage and oversee anthropological research activities to answer research questions, provide key oversight over the laboratory aspects and to coordinate the sample processing, including shipment and storage in collaboration with the investigator network in the US and Europe.
• It will also involve hands-on work in the laboratory together with the local team to optimize training and work-flow.

Role
The post-holder will perform the following:
Technical/Research:

• Working closely with the Principal Investigators (PIs) in developing and finalizing the study protocols.
• Working closely with the PIs in refining and implementing the study activities.
• Liaising with and managing the relationship with external partners to ensure the interventions are carried out as designed.
• Assisting the PIs in designing and testing appropriate project outcome measures and collection methods of these outcome measures.
• Undertaking core research activities across the project.
• Leading on the collection of all project outcomes, with a focus on ensuring quality of data collected.
• Leading on the processing of raw data collected, such as transcription and analysis of interview data.
• Contributing to project-specific reports, as directed by the study PIs.

Managerial:

• Helping to manage project resources, ensuring equipment and consumables are available at all times.
• Assisting PIs with drafting proposals for additional funding and resources, if necessary.
• Working with the PIs to define project tasks and resource requirements.
• Developing project timelines with the PIs and co-ordinating with team members on a regular basis
• Helping to implement and manage project changes, ensuring all partners are appropriately informed.
• Providing managerial support to the PIs.
• Helping to organise team and stakeholder meetings, writing minutes (when delegated to do so) and ensuring action points are followed up.
• Supervising field staff towards meeting study objectives and timelines.
• Ensuring all appropriate aspects of monitoring and quality assurance are implemented and conducted appropriately.
• Multi-tasking to ensure the co-ordination, monitoring and supervision of multiple ongoing components of the research project.

Training:

• Providing mentorship and training to project staff, especially fieldworkers / interpreters.
• Providing advice and information on social science aspects of the subject area to lay partners.
• Providing advice and information on local culture, norms and practices to visiting partners.

Communication:

• Contributing to relevant communications (e.g website, scientific reports).
• Contributing to social media information dissemination.
• Contributing to the Unit’s agenda to disseminate research findings both locally and internationally through participation in Unit seminars, regional and international scientific conferences.

Others:

• Travelling within the country and abroad based on work demands. The post-holder may need to be based fulltime in any part of The Gambia during this job.

Relationships:

• The post holder is a full-time member of staff at the MRCG at LSHTM.
• The post-holder will report to Dr Ed Clarke, Principal Investigator, Vaccines & Immunity.
• The Chief Operating Officer is Dr. Davis Nwakanma.
• The Unit Director is Professor Umberto D’Alessandro.

Appraisals:

• Appraisals are held annually.

Length of appointment:

• The appointment will be for 1 year initially and subject to a probationary period of 6 months.

Any other duties:

• To perform any other duties consistent with the remit of the post.

Essential Requirements

• Phd in Social Science or related field.
• Excellent anthropology skills.
• Experience in qualitative data analysis, including thematic analysis, using NVivo or other relevant software.
• Experience in creating, managing and analysing large datasets.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Good communication skills including scientific discussion and writing.
• The willingness to work outside working hours.
• The ability to work co-operatively in a diverse team.
• The ability to supervise staff, ensuring that high standards are maintained at all times.

Desirable:

• Some experience in contributing to research grant applications.
• Experience working with international partners.

Remuneration

• An attractive salary will be paid in Gambian Dalasi commensurate with the qualifications and experience.
• The appointment is for 1 year initially and subject to a probationary period of 6 months.

Application Closing Date
31st March, 2023.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should download and fill the Application Form below and send to: [email protected]

Click here to Download Application Form (MS Word)

Note

• MRC is an Equal Opportunities Employer and operates a strict no smoking policy.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.