icddr,b is a Bangladesh-based international health research institute that strives to solve key public health problems through high-quality scientific research and innovation. As a values-based organization icddr,b encourages women and people with disabilities.

The programme for Emerging Infections under the Infectious Diseases Division conducts research for multiple projects. Among all, one research project is the Characterization of the Epidemiological Diversity of Nipah Strains from Bangladesh. We aimed to do retrospective identification and sequencing of additional human NiV samples from Bangladesh and analysis of the metadata associated with existing human NiV sample along with prospective collection and analysis of samples and data from suspected Nipah cases in Bangladesh.

Position Description:

The Research Investigator will report to the Associate Scientist and will be mainly responsible for Conduct scientific research; support development of successful proposals; Develop and implement rigorous protocols; review data and provide feedback to the team for improving data quality on the Microbiological aspects, Genetics, Genome sequencing and coach junior scientists with the objective of generating knowledge from research evidence within the strategy of centre and organisational values and guidelines. The specific areas of responsibilities include:

• Conduct scientific literature review with updated information, participate in writing the research results related to emerging pathogens and publish in international, peer-reviewed journals as first-author and/or co-authors;
• Develop research proposals that include a thorough research design methodology involving innovative microbiological technique to explore emerging pathogens and apply for grant funding opportunities related to emerging pathogens to the donor;
• Monitor and review data and provide feedback to the team for improving data quality on the Microbiological aspects, Genetics, Genome sequencing etc.;
• Develop research protocols, give valuable input on microbiological and genomics, distribute drafts of them both internally and externally, get feedback and make necessary revisions, and help the research team to obtain approval from RRC and ERC;
• Conduct associative and descriptive analysis, interpret data related to microbiological and genetics, genome sequencing, and communicate research findings to internal and external audiences in the most comprehensible way;
• Support the research team in arranging laboratory testing and finalizing of data collection tools, assign work to team members and initiate activities as per the project plan;
• Monitor data collection, ensure data quality, and coach staff on how to address issues faced during fieldwork.
• Prepare and track the research budget efficiently.

Required qualifications and experience:

• MBBS with MPhil in Microbiology;
• At least 5 years of relevant working experience preferably in academic settings with strong interpersonal and excellent communication and writing skills in English.
• Preference will be given to candidates with publications in peer-reviewed journals.

Location: Dhaka

Contract Type and duration:

• Fixed Term Contract; duration will be for 1 year with a possibility of extension subject to availability of funds and performance

Salary & benefits:

• Annual Tk. 15,31,970/- inclusive of house rent and conveyance allowances and other admissible benefits
• 14.8% provident fund contribution, income tax paid by icddr,b, children allowance @Tk.1,917/- per child per month, festival bonus, contributory healthcare support including dependent spouse and children, group life insurance, and subsidized canteen. Transport and daycare facilities are subject to space availability

Notes of attention:

• Only short-listed candidates shall be invited for written test /interview
• The organization reserves the right to make an appointment at a grade lower than that advertised
• icddr,b does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process

Interested candidates who fulfill the requirements should submit online applications using icddr,b website: career.icddrb.org by March 19, 2024.