Senior Scientific Officer (VIDA) at Medical Research Council

Objectives
Diarrhoea is the second leading cause of death among children less than 5 years of age. Global Enteric Multicentre Study (GEMS) demonstrated that rotavirus was the most common etiology of moderate to severe diarrhoea (MSD) during the first 2 years of life. Montoring the impact and effectiveness of programmatic introduction of the rotavirus vaccine in The Gambia is a high priority.

The impact of vaccine introduction on the epidemiology of diarrheal diseases will likely extend beyond changes in rotavirus-associated morbidity and mortality alone; shifts in the predominant pathogens and adverse outcomes associated with MSD are also expected.

The study is utilizing the established GEMS infrastructure and methodology to conduct a 36-month case-control study of MSD in The Gambia to provide a detailed assessment of the changes in incidence, etiology, and adverse clinical outcomes of MSD that emerge now that the rotavirus vaccine is in use in The Gambia.

Job Description

• Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for appointment as a Senior Scientific Officer for the Study. The post-holder will be based at MRC Falara and will be responsible for the molecular aspects of the VIDA study.
• 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:

• MSc 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 and Important Information

• The salary will be paid in Grade 2 of MRC Unit, The Gambia's payscaleat a gross monthly salary of 71, 223 Dalasi and net monthly salary of 59, 977 Dalasi, This converts to a gross salary of $1, 780 and a net pay of $1, 499 approximately per month using the prevailing Dalasi/U$D exchange rate.
• Note: The salary will be paid in Dalasi and that the USC) 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.
• The appointment is for 2 years and is subject to a probationary period of six months,