Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Trust
Job Description
The Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Research Programme (MLW) (http://www.mlw.mw) is an internationally recognized centre for research and training, funded by the Wellcome Trust in collaboration with our key partners, the Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KuHes), Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) and University of Liverpool (UoL) among others. We are committed to promoting research and training led by Malawian & International scientists, with the aim of improving the health of people in Malawi and elsewhere in the Region.
We are seeking a highly motivated and ambitious Postdoctoral Scientist to lead a groundbreaking project focused on accelerating the development of diagnostic tools for respiratory pathogens and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) across Africa. Co-directed by Dr. Brenda Kwambana-Adams and Professor Robert Heyderman, VacAMR sets out to improve AMR control by focusing on preventing disease syndromes (e.g. fever & pneumonia), as part of a multimodal approach that includes vaccine and non-vaccine interventions. Our new strategic South-South partnership including MLW, KEMRI-Wellcome (Kenya), Navrongo Health Research Centre (Ghana), the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research. Linking these established and emerging African centres of research excellence, VacAMR will take a transformative approach to the control of AMR.
The ideal candidate will have a strong background in diagnostics research, microbiology, molecular biology or epidemiology, and experience managing multidisciplinary projects. This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to public health by improving the detection and management of respiratory infections in diverse African populations
This is a renewable 1-year contract and will be based in Blantyre.
Responsibilities
Key responsibilities and expected deliverables:
- Research and Scientific Leadership:
- Lead the development, evaluation, and implementation of novel diagnostic tools and technologies for the detection of respiratory pathogens and AMR.
- Design and execute studies to assess the sensitivity, specificity, and overall efficacy of diagnostic tests in various settings, including field conditions in Africa.
- Analyse epidemiological data to understand the distribution and impact of respiratory pathogens and AMR, guiding the development of targeted diagnostics.
- Collaborate with microbiologists, molecular biologists, epidemiologists, and public health experts to integrate diagnostic findings into broader research and public health strategies.
- Project Coordination:
- Coordinate and manage the execution of research activities across multiple study sites in Africa, ensuring alignment with project timelines, protocols, and objectives.
- Oversee the logistical aspects of diagnostic tool deployment, including the distribution of materials, training of local staff, and data collection procedures.
- Ensure compliance with ethical standards, regulatory requirements, and institutional guidelines by securing necessary approvals from Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) or equizastvalent bodies.
- Data Management and Analysis:
- Supervise the collection, management, and analysis of diagnostic data, ensuring high data quality and integrity standards across all study sites.
- Utilise statistical software and bioinformatics tools to analyse diagnostic results, identify trends, and evaluate the performance of diagnostic tools.
- Prepare detailed technical reports, manuscripts, and presentations to communicate research findings to scientific communities, stakeholders, and funding agencies.
- Stakeholder Engagement and Communication:
- Engage with local health authorities, NGOs, and community leaders to facilitate the implementation and uptake of diagnostic tools in African healthcare settings.
- Provide training and technical support to local research teams, fostering capacity-building and ensuring the sustainability of diagnostic interventions.
- Present research findings at international conferences, workshops, and seminars, advocating for improved diagnostics and their role in controlling respiratory pathogens and AMR.
- Regulatory and Compliance Oversight:
- Ensure that all diagnostic research activities comply with relevant international and local regulations, including those related to human subjects research and the use of biological materials.
- Prepare and submit regulatory documentation, including study protocols, progress reports, and final reports to oversight bodies and funding agencies.
- Collaborate with quality assurance teams to conduct internal audits and inspections, addressing any findings promptly and effectively.
- Mentorship and Team Leadership:
- Mentor and supervise graduate students, research assistants, and junior scientists involved in the project, guiding diagnostic research methods, data analysis, and professional development.
- Promote a collaborative and inclusive research environment, encouraging teamwork and exchanging ideas among all team members.
- Health & Safety
- Observe and follow the Health and Safety Guidelines at all times.
- Attend the quarterly scheduled Health and Safety sensitizations at least once a year.
- Notify the Co-Director and relevant authorities of all accidents and potential hazards.
Requirements
Qualifications:
- Education:
- Ph.D. in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Epidemiology, Public Health, or a related field.
- MSc in a related field is an added advantage.
- Experience:
- Strong background in diagnostics research, with experience in developing, validating, and implementing diagnostic tools for infectious diseases.
- Proven experience in managing and coordinating large-scale research projects, particularly in resource-limited settings or across multiple sites.
- Familiarity with the challenges of conducting research in Africa, including experience working with diverse populations and navigating complex regulatory environments.
- Proven track record publishing scientific research and presenting at international meetings
- Skills:
- Proficiency in molecular diagnostics, including PCR, next-generation sequencing, and other advanced diagnostic techniques.
- Excellent organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
- Strong data analysis skills, with experience using statistical software (e.g., R, STATA, SAS or SPSS) and bioinformatics tools.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary and multicultural team environment.
- Commitment to ethical research practices and compliance with regulatory standards.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with diagnostic research focused on antimicrobial resistance and respiratory pathogens.
- Knowledge of public health strategies for integrating diagnostic tools into existing healthcare systems.
- Previous experience in mentoring and supervising students or junior researchers.
Method Of Application
Applications to be received not later than 6th September 2024.
Interested applicants should apply by sending, a cover letter, copies of relevant certificates, detailed CV with 3 traceable referees (with at least 2 professional referees) by email to [email protected]. This should be in 1 pdf format.
MLW recognizes its responsibility in safeguarding and protecting communities, research participants and patients with whom MLW is working. Please note that successful candidates will be requested to undergo a safeguarding check prior to appointment and at regular time points during employment.
ONLY SHORT-LISTED CANDIDATES WILL BE ACKNOWLEDGED
To apply for this job email your details to vacancies@mlw.mw