Research Officer (Internal#206/2024)

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 to apply.

This position will be hired at the Molecular Ecology and Metagenomics (MEM) Laboratory of icddr,b which is specialized in conducting research involving next-generation sequencing of genomes, metagenomics, and bioinformatics to unveil the survival strategies, pathogenesis, source attributes, disease transmission, and antimicrobial resistance profiles of cholera and related diarrhea pathogens such as Vibrio cholerae, V. parahaemolyticus, and E. coli. The MEM laboratory has a long track record of conducting research on bacteriophage-pathogen interactions, gut and vaginal microbiota associated with health and pregnancy outcomes, and is working collaboratively with many national and international organizations, providing quality research support and training, and building capacity of icddr,b.

Position Description:
The Research Officer will report to the Assistant Scientist and will be responsible for planning, organizing and implementing all activities related to lab research of different projects to conduct high-quality research and implement the project activities within the strategy of research protocol as well as organizational values and guidelines. S/he will be involved in–

• Collect and preserve clinical and environmental samples following biosafety and ethical guidelines.
• Perform microbiological analysis of samples for isolation and identification of respiratory and enteric pathogens using RDT tests, culturing, biochemical, serological, and molecular methods. Isolation and identification of bacteriophages by phenotypic and molecular tests.
• Monitor routine Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) of bacteria by drug diffusion assay.
• Determine the MIC of drugs and the molecular basis of AMR.
• Perform basic Lab assays related to NGS e.g. Conventional PCR, Real-time PCR, Library preparation for sequencing, Quality control of sequencing library etc.;
• Perform basic QC of the sequencing runs and preliminary analysis of the generated data;
• Assist supervisor in method optimisation and literature review with an aim to adapt new techniques;
• Maintain proper records and liaison with the central sequencing facility;
• Prepare report from the results and share with supervisor;
• Train new team members and Lab technicians on common Lab assignments (sample receipt, processing and storage following standard practice);
• Monitor and track consumption of resources.

Required qualifications and experience:

• Masters with Honors in Microbiology/Molecular Biology/ Biochemistry/ Biotechnology/ Genetic Engineering with an excellent academic record.
• 3 years of Lab research experience in the relevant field.

Location: Dhaka

Number of Positions: 03

Contract Type and Duration:

• Short Term Contractual Service Agreement basis; duration will be 3 months with a possibility of extension subject to availability of funds and performance.

Salary & benefits:

• Tk.59,900/-per month (consolidated) inclusive of house rent and conveyance allowances;
• Festival bonus, income tax paid by icddr,b 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;
• icddr,b does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process.

Interested candidates who fulfil the requirements should submit online applications using icddr,b website: career.icddrb.org by September 14, 2024.