Job Title: Postdoctoral Research Associate (Leishmaniasis Epidemiology and Parasitology)

Job Description

Job Title: Postdoctoral Research Associate (Leishmaniasis epidemiology and parasitology)

Line Manager: Dr Alvaro Acosta-Serrano

Job Aim: To work with a team of parasitologists and vector biologists (including collaborators from Saudi Arabia) involved in a programme aimed to control and prevent Old World cutaneous leishmaniasis.

Competencies: Experienced in the control of cutaneous leishmaniasis, parasite and vector identification. Fluency in Arabic is essential.

Summary of role: The successful applicant will investigate the prevalence of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Saudi Arabia and will be coordinating part of the field collections and active case detection.

Main duties:

Ø  To help collect parasite samples in CL-endemic regions of Saudi Arabia.

Ø  To collect and characterise sand fly vectors for taxonomical identification.

Ø  To establish in vitro assays to determine the drug-sensitivity of Leishmania parasites isolated from CL patients.

Ø  To help coordinating together with Saudi Minister of Health authorities both storage and shipping of samples within Saudi Arabia and to the UK.

Ø  To monitor literature for application of best practices and methodologies.

Ø  To help prepare and write scientific reports and peer-reviewed publications.

Ø  To oversee the preparation, maintenance and communication of methodologies and data to other members of the group.

Ø  To work in a safe manner adhering to local and legal requirements.

Ø  To help in the supervision of MSc and PhD students and visiting scientists.

Ø  Any other duties commensurate with the role of a PDRA at LSTM, including ordering of reagents, teaching and mentorship.

Person Specification

Post-doctoral Research Associate (Parasite Immunology) Ref 882

Criteria / Competency / Essential /
Desirable / Assessment
Education & Training / PhD in Tropical Medicine.
Training in the prevention and control of Leishmaniasis. / E
E / Application Form/CV
Experience / Extensive experience in the planification and execution of field collections.
Experienced working with Leishmania parasites in vitro.
Completion of fieldwork under challenging circumstances.
Publication record in basic and applied tropical medicine journals.
Relevant experience of working within a research laboratory with human sera.
Well developed research skills with the ability to present research findings in oral or written format.
Working to targets and deadlines.
An understanding of diagnostic development. / E
E
E
E
E
E
E
D / Application Form, Assessment and Interview
Skills & Abilities / Parasite isolation from infected patients, parasite culturing.
Insect maintenance and tissue dissection.
Ability to generate research ideas.
Excellent Arabic communication skills.
Excellent English communication skills (both written and verbal) with the desire to become involved in public engagement.
Excellent organisational skills and record keeping.
Computer literate with knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
Team player.
Flexible attitude to work.
Experience working with sandflies. / E
E
E
E
E
E
E
E
E
D / Application Form,
Assessment and Interview
Knowledge / Knowledge of epidemiology of vector-borne diseases
Knowledge of laboratory safety regulations.
Knowledge of translational science and disease control strategies. / E
E
D / Assessment and Interview
Special Aptitudes / Enthusiastic approach to work.
Ability to work as an integral and co-operative member of a multi-disciplinary research team.
Ability to use initiative and work independently
qualities
Display leadership / E
E
E
D / Assessment and Interview