Manager, Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory at Medical Research Council (MRC) Unit, The Gambia

Medical Research Council (MRC) Unit, The Gambia - We are the leading research centre in sub-Saharan Africa, carrying out internationally competitive research into tropical medicine for over 50 years. Our current research agenda focuses on three themes: Disease Control & Elimination; Nutrition; Vaccines & Immunity. Looking towards the future. we are aiming to push forward into new and challenging areas reflecting changes in national and global health priorities.

Location: Fajara

Job Information    

• An interesting opportunity is available for a post-doctoral scientist to head the Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory at MRCG at LSHTM, Fajara.
• The post-holder will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Molecular Diagnostics (MDx) Laboratories and supervision of staff.
• S/he will be responsible for strengthening core platform capabilities to support research through conducting existing assays to a unified standard, developing standardised protocols, training members of the laboratory and developing new tools and methods in molecular analysis to meet the needs of Research Projects.
• The post holder may dedicate up to 20% of work time to independent research in an area of interest in molecular biology towards strengthening the overall Unit research agenda.

Requirements
Essential:

• PhD in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry or other Biomedical Sciences from an accredited University with significant experience in Molecular biology research.
• Demonstrated experience in current molecular diagnostic technologies including variations of nucleic acid extraction, amplification and detection techniques.
• Demonstrated knowledge and training in GCLP implementation and accreditation to quality standards.
• Evidence of previous publications in the area of molecular biology techniques and genotyping.
• Experience in setting up basic bioinformatics analysis and use of softwares for sequence and fragment analysis, primer and probe design, gene annotation and genetic mapping.
• Computer literate (e.g Microsoft Office applications)
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Good organisational and staff management skills (note: with the ability to co-supervise staff with other managers).
• Experience of working with people from different disciplines and cultures.

Desirable:

• Knowledge of Next Generation technologies and experience managing large diagnostic or genetic data sets, including whole genome sequencing and RNAseq.
• Knowledge of bioinformatics scripting language applicable to molecular data management and analysis such as Perl and R.
• Training in quality management systems and processes in research and/or research laboratory environments.
• Working knowledge of another international language especially French or Portuguese.
• Good budgetary and cost management skills.
• Keenness to train and impart knowledge.

Remuneration

• An attractive salary will be paid in MRCG’s Grade 1, 40 Points at a minimum take home pay of 132, 287 Dalasi per month. This is equivalent to $2, 814 per month using the prevailing USD/Dalasi exchange rate. Please note the salary will be paid in Dalasi and the USD/Dalasi exchange rate is only given as a guide using the prevailing exchange rate.
• For displaced staff the package will include, rent-free furnished accommodation, flights, displacement allowances for dependents, contribution to school fees for children and shipment of personal effects.

How to apply:

Applicants should download and complete the MRCG Job Application Form and send to: recruitment@mrc.gm 

Click here to download the MRCG Job Application (MS Word)

Click here for more information (MS Word)

Note

• The appointment is up to 31st March 2021 initially and is subject to a probationary period of 6 months.
• MRC is an Equal Opportunities Employer and operates a strict no smoking policy.