Genome Biologist
The KEMRI-Wellcome Research Programme in Kenya (Reference Number: GB-02-2012)
Description:
The KEMRI-Wellcome Research Programme in Kenya provides the platform for research on the molecular and population biology of pathogens causing infectious disease in children living in the tropics. In partnership with the Sanger Institute and a global network of collaborators, we use DNA sequence technology to study virulence factors and antigens of malaria parasites and other pathogens with emphasis on exploring pathogen diversity and the development of naturally acquired immunity. We are currently planning to establish on site high throughput sequencing in Kilifi. Next generation sequencing (NGS) is likely to radically change our approaches to these questions and open up exciting new opportunities for pathogen research in a clinical setting.
This new opening for a genomics specialist is intended to build the interface between NGS technologies and basic and applied research in pathogen biology (with an emphasis on malaria) in the Programme in Kenya. This is a unique opportunity for the successful candidate to establish new research directions in pathogen biology and to play a key role in building expertise in Africa for NGS technology.
To excel in this position you will have a postgraduate degree in a relevant subject and have a strong record in bioinformatics systems development, experience in NGS data processing and strong programming skills. Excellent interpersonal skills are essential.
The post is available for three years in the first instance.
Application deadline: 12.00 midday on Thursday 24 February 2012
To apply for this post please click on the link below:
https://www.recruit.ox.ac.uk/pls/hrisliverecruit/erq_jobspec_version_4.jobspec?p_id=101770

Epidemiologist
Medical Research Council, Gambia
Job Information         
The MRC Unit, The Gambia is the Council’s largest establishment conducting medical research in a developing country. The Unit aims to improve the health of people in low income countries by excellence in multi-disciplinary research programmes. We have developed an exciting new research agenda to reflect changes in national and global health priorities.  Our new science portfolio is organised around three themes:  Child Survival, Disease Control & Elimination and Vaccination.
We are looking for an experienced Epidemiologist to coordinate the epidemiological activities of the Research Program Grant, which will study the factors responsible (vectors, humans) for maintaining malaria transmission in a country where it has decreased substantially over the last 5-6 years. We will compare low and high prevalence villages and study how malaria parasites spread through the local human population.
Essential:

• MB BS/MD or equivalent medical qualification.
• FWACP Part 1 or equivalent.
• MSc in epidemiology or MPH.
• Extensive experience in malaria research.
• Significant experience working in a research institute.
• Significant experience on research projects conducted in low-income countries.
• Track record of publications in peer-reviewed journals.
• Experience in data analysis.
• Proven experience of managing staff.
• Excellent record keeping skills.
• Practical experience in the implementation and co-ordination of epidemiological studies or randomized trials.
• Capacity to coordinate a complex group of studies.
• Computer literate, e.g. Word, Excel, Email
• The ability to work well in a multi-disciplinary team.
• Excellent inter-personal skills and a willingness to work with others to overcome problems as and when they arise.
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment, provide mentorship to junior colleagues and supervise MSc and PhD students.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to deal sensitively with the collaborators and sponsors.

Preferred

• PhD or equivalent in a relevant discipline
• Experience in laboratory procedures in research or experience of collaborative research involving laboratory determined outcomes and/or exposures.
• Experience and demonstrable success in training and supervising research staff.
• The post will be for 3 years and is subject to a probationary period of 6 months.
• Applicants working for The Gambia Government must apply through their Head of Department.

Application Deadline: The closing date for the receipt of applications is 29th February 2012.
Application:
If you are interested and have the skills and abilities for this senior position please contact the Human Resources Office for an application form and a copy of the job description and person specification for the post. Completed application forms together with photocopies of qualifications should be returned to:
Human Resources Office
Vacancy for: Epidemiologist (Malaria Program Grant)
MRC Unit, Fajara,
P.O. Box 273,
Banjul, The Gambia, West Africa.
Telephone: 00220 4495442–6 & 00220 4494072-9
E-mail: hr@mrc.gm or
Further information visit website http://www.mrc.gm/about-us/jobs-careers/jobs/epidemiologist-3

ACT Consortium Policy Liaison Coordinator
Faculty of Infectious & Tropical Disease, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (Reference:  DS2)
Description
An opportunity has arisen for a lecturer or senior lecturer in malaria research and control to work on a full or part time basis as the Policy Liaison Coordinator for the Artemisinin Combination Therapy (ACT) Consortium led by Prof David Schellenberg.
The post holder will be based at LSHTM and be a senior member of the ACT Consortium core team. The ACT Consortium, coordinated through the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, is funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and has partners throughout Africa, Asia, Europe and the United States.  The secretariat and core scientists are based at LSHTM and support 26 projects in 10 countries.
The Consortium’s vision is to support evidence-based policy making and implementation activities so that the delivery and effectiveness of ACTs is optimized.  In order to achieve this, the Consortium is establishing a mechanism, referred to as SCALE (Syntheses, Collaboration, and Analyses for Liaising Evidence effectively).
SCALE will act as a conduit of information between the ACT Consortium, policy makers and programme managers at national and international levels.  Members of the Consortium and core team already interact with members of the research, policy and programme communities. The post holder will provide a focal point at the interface between the larger malaria research and control communities and the Consortium’s investigators and core scientists. The post holder will be responsible for developing and maintaining the SCALE Workplan and for the implementation of approved activities within it. Typical activities are likely to include the analysis and synthesis of cross-cutting issues, the development of policy briefs and outreach to relevant groups.
Duration and pay package
The post is available for two years starting March 2012. Salary is on the Academic Pathway Lecturer salary scale £41,477 - 47,502 per annum inclusive, or Senior Lecturer salary scale £50,183 - £57,621 per annum inclusive.  Annual leave entitlement is 30 working days per year for all staff.  In addition to this there are 6 fixed-date "Director's Days".
Closing Date:   Sunday 04 March 2012
Further information: visit website http://jobs.lshtm.ac.uk/Vacancy.aspx?ref=DS2
Any queries regarding the application process may be addressed to jobs@lshtm.ac.uk .    

Statistician
Medical Research Council, Gambia
Job Information         
For over 60 years now, our Unit in The Gambia has been carrying out internationally competitive research and we have established ourselves as the leading research centre in sub-Saharan Africa.  Perhaps more importantly, we continue to push forward into new and challenging areas.  We have developed an exciting new research agenda to reflect changes in national and global health priorities.  Our new science portfolio has been around three themes:  Child Survival, Disease Control & Elimination and Vaccination.
We are seeking a Statistician who will have responsibility for the statistical aspects of projects, which will include issues relating to study design, sampling and field procedures, quality control and statistical analysis.  He/she will contribute to the writing of scientific reports and publications and will provide formal and informal training for scientific staff.
We seek someone with a postgraduate qualification in statistics or another subject with a substantial statistical component and with practical experience of medical statistics, epidemiological methods, genetics or bioinformatics.  You will have an excellent knowledge of a data analysis package (Stata, SAS or SPlus), experience of handling the statistical analysis of complex data sets and a record of publications in peer-reviewed journals.
Although not essential, previous experience as a practicing Statistician, the ability to programme in a high level language (VB, C# or Matlab), knowledge of relational databases such as Microsoft Access or SQL server, experience of data management and analysis of laboratory based techniques such as FACS, Elispot, ELISA and PCR based methods, advanced knowledge of data management and analysis of laboratory based techniques (FACS, Elispot, ELISA and PCR methods) and advanced knowledge of statistical methods would be an advantage.
You will be a good communicator with excellent written and spoken English.  You will also have the ability to conduct independent methodological research appropriate to the MRC’s requirements.
Duration: The appointment will be for 2 years.
Salary: An attractive salary will be paid in MRC’s Band 3 or 4 dependant on qualifications and experience.
Application:
We cannot accept applications from people who are currently, or in the last six months, employed by The Gambia Government.
If you are interested and have the skills and abilities for this position please contact the Human Resources Office (hruk@mrc.gm) for an application form and a copy of the job description and person specification. Telephone enquiries can be made on 4495442 extension 1001.  Completed application forms together with a detailed CV and a covering letter should be sent to hruk@mrc.gm quoting reference GAM 4.
Application deadline: 9th March 2012.
Further information: visit website http://www.mrc.gm/about-us/jobs-careers/jobs/statistician-2