Scientific Officer / Trainee Scientific Officer at Medical Research Council Unit - The Gambia (Internal Recruitment)

Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia - The MRC Unit 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: Scientific Officer / Trainee Scientific Officer

Location: Fajara, Gambia
Grade: 3 – 24 points
Accountability: The post-holder will report to a Higher Scientific Officer

Overview

• Established in 1947, the Medical Research Council in The Gambia has an international reputation for ground-breaking research into some of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in low and middle income countries.
• Achievements include a large trial showing the efficacy of Haemophilus influenzae type B vaccine in The Gambia and the subsequent near elimination of the disease, pioneering studies of the impact  of insecticide treated bed nets as a preventive measure against malaria leading up to their worldwide use, studies demonstrating the impact of conjugate pneumococcal vaccines on pneumonia and child mortality and the demonstration of  a dramatic reduction in the carriage of Hepatitis B in The Gambia due to the effects of vaccination.  
• To reflect changes in national and global health priorities and new international funding opportunities a new research portfolio has been organized under three themes: Disease Control & Elimination; Vaccines & Immunity; Nutrition.  These themes have been selected to target health needs of low and middle income countries, to reinforce sub-regional and international collaborations and to address some of the major current priorities in the Sustainable Development Goals.
• The Unit established a clinical trials support office to conduct and advise others on the conduct of clinical research, to provide professional leadership and training in clinical trials, including support to address the current regulatory environment in relation to Good Clinical Practice and the EU Clinical Trials Directive.
• A number of clinical vaccine trial are currently ongoing at the Unit – predominantly within the Vaccines and Immunity Theme.  These include early phase trials of new vaccines targeting diseases prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa and well as trials exploring new vaccine schedules and alternative target age groups designed to facilitate implementation.
• The post-holder may be based at MRC Fajara or elsewhere in The Gambia according to the needs of ongoing trials.  The post-holder must be prepared to work anywhere in The Gambia.

Purpose of the Job

• The post-holder will initially be based in the infant immunology lab in Fajara although could also be expected to work in other parts of The Gambia, including but not limited to Keneba and Basse.  He/she will be trained in a range of Immunological techniques and will undertake immunological studies relevant to any project he/she will be part of.
• He/she will support the Head of the Immunology platform (Mrs Jainaba Njie-Jobe), the Infant Immunology post-doctoral scientist (Dr Julia Strandmark), and the head of Vaccines and Immunity Theme.
• The post holder will assist internal and external investigators in the development of specific immunological assays. Responsibilities also include significant and critical responsibility for the processing and storage of samples collected in clinical vaccine trials and requires the ability to work with an exceptionally high degree of attention to detail.

The post-holder will, following suitable training, perform:

• Be responsible for the coordination of sample reception, processing, documentation, storage and shipping of clinical trial samples
• Undertake immunological assays including serological assays, flow cytometry, cell culture, ELISA, ELISpot and multiplexing using the Bioplex as well as undertaking microbiological and molecular assays as appropriate with the necessary training and supervision.
• Work with external monitors and auditors reviewing clinical trials and other studies to ensure adherence to the principals of good clinical practice.
• Assist with other research projects that are part of the Vaccines and Immunity Theme.
• Assist the Infant Immunology laboratory manager.  This may involve generating and monitoring weekly laboratory (cleaning and the ordering of communal supplies) rotas and making sure the Laboratory environment is kept at a reasonable standard.
• Help in the management of Infant Immunology archive samples.
• Manage the safe and ordered storage of samples for future use.
• Ensure safe laboratory practice to avoid undue risk of infection, exposure to chemical and biological hazards, and preserve sample integrity.
• Participate in the regular scientific meetings organised at the MRC and present his/her own work as appropriate.
• Contribute to the writing of scientific articles and keep abreast of the relevant scientific literature.
• Undertake all work following the relevant safety rules and regulations as laid down in the MRC Safety Manual.
• Contribute to the management of shared facilities in the Research platform and be involved in development of SOPs and new assay protocols.
• Conduct all laboratory activities in compliance to Standard Operating Procedures and relevant sections of the MRC's Safety Manual.
• Ensure that laboratory data are appropriately managed and that reports are completed accurately.
• Ensuring proper documentation, collation and recording of laboratory data.
• Ensure all equipment and materials used are fit for purpose including ensuring calibration and maintenance records are available when appropriate and that reagents are appropriately stored and within their expiry date.
• Ensuring compliance of work practices to relevant international laboratory quality standards (e.g. GCLP and ISO 15189).
• Performing on-call / out-of-hours duties when required based on work demands.

Any other duties:

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

Length of appointment:

• The appointment is till 31st December 2026, with a 6-month probation.

Grade & Points:

• The post-holder will be paid Grade 3 – 24 points of the MRCG at LSHTM pay scale.

Relationships

• The post holder is a full-time member of staff at the MRC.
• The post-holder will report to Dr. Julia Strandmark
• The Theme leader is Prof. Ed Clarke
• The Director of Operations is Davis Nwakanma
• The Unit Director is Professor Umberto D’Alessandro

Appraisals:

• Appraisals are held at least annually.

Person Specification
Essential:

• A B.Sc (Hons) Degree in Biomedical Sciences or relevant Biological Sciences at 1st or 2nd Division (candidates funded by the Unit and completing a degree may be considered)
• Excellent written and spoken English
• Commitment to working in a multi-disciplinary team
• Excellent interpersonal and verbal/written communication skills
• A flexible and well-organized approach to work and an ability to meet deadlines
• Attentiveness to detail
• Excellent organizational skills
• Willingness to be on-call and work outside the normal working hours
• Willingness to work in any part of The Gambia
• Computer literacy including in the use of Excel and other standard software.

Desirable:

• Experience of handling samples in clinical trials
• Knowledge of ICH-GCP and GCLP
• Up to date GCP and GCLP certificates (training will be available)
• Additional experience of laboratory immunology including PBMC separation and culture, cellular immunology assays including flow cytometry, serological assays, multiplexing assays for the analysis of cytokines and other analytes
• Masters degree in a relevant subject
• Experience working with external and internal monitors and auditors
• Experience of sample management and tracking using external databases and/or ItemTracker.

Application Closing Date
4th February, 2026.