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MOLECULAR EPIDEMIOLOGY OF BRUCELLOSIS IN NORTHERN TANZANIA
POST-DOCTORAL RESEARCH ASSOCIATE
JOB DESCRIPTION
PROJECT BACKGROUND
Brucellosis is one of most widespread human diseases acquired
from animals, and isone of the highest priority animal diseases in
Africa. Brucellosis infects many animalspecies, including key
livestock species - cattle, sheep, and goats - and most
humaninfections are acquired through direct contact with livestock
or via indirecttransmission through untreated milk products.
Brucellosis has wide-ranging impactsthat include animal losses due
to abortion, lost milk production, slaughter of infectedanimals,
and human illness causing reduced work capacity.
This project on the molecular epidemiology of brucellosis will
develop the evidence-
base to inform the use ofBrucella
vaccines in sub-Saharan Africa and build capacityin Tanzanian
laboratories to generate critical Brucella typing data. The project
willintegrate several disciplinary approaches, including molecular
laboratory diagnosticsand typing assays, human febrile illness
surveillance, epidemiological analysis andrisk modeling as well as
ongoing interaction with policy makers to identify andimplement
appropriate strategies for disease control and prevention.
The research project involves links between several institutions
in Tanzania: NelsonMandela African Institution of Science and
Technology; Kilimanjaro Christian MedicalCentre; Sokoine University
of Agriculture; Tanzania Vaccine Institute and the Ministryof
Livestock and Fisheries Development. International collaborators
include theUniversity of Otago in New Zealand, as well as the
University of Glasgow and the
Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) in the
UK.
POSITION OUTLINE
This position is for a Research Associate (PDRA) based at
NMAIST. The successfulcandidate will undertake high-quality
research to examine the molecularepidemiology of brucellosis in
northern Tanzania. The position holder will be themain person in
charge of laboratory data generation for the project. The
successfulcandidate will have periods of laboratory training at the
AHVLA in the UK and willwork to establish and apply the techniques
learned at the laboratories in Tanzania.This NMAIST-based PDRA will
work closely with a PDRA based at the University ofGlasgow. The two
researchers will engage with Tanzanian government
representatives, to disseminate research findings and lead
regional initiatives to raisethe profile of brucellosis control.
This is a full-time research position for up to 36months and the
successful candidate will hold only this job and be expected
todedicate 100% of his/her time to this project.
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MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Principal responsibilities include data collection, analysis and
dissemination.
To coordinate and supervise laboratory studies in Tanzania, in
collaborationwith the project PIs and other members of the
project.
To develop and implement laboratory protocols to establish and
validate newdiagnostic assays at laboratories in Tanzania.
To coordinate field data collection activities in collaboration
with othermembers of the project.
To liaise closely with district and regional authorities in
Tanzania to ensureeffective implementation of activities related to
the laboratory and fieldcomponents of the project.
To liaise with other researchers and policy makers to
disseminate researchfindings and inform policy development.
To conduct the training and management of research
assistants.
To provide support for, and assist with, supervision of graduate
and post-graduate students.
To assist with the data analysis and exploration of diagnostic
test data. To collaborate with other members of the research
project, research group
and external collaborators.
To take the lead in the preparation of research papers for
publication in peerreviewed journals and decide on appropriate
journals with the project PIs.
To present work at internal departmental or group seminars and
externalseminars and/or national and international conferences.
To collaborate with colleagues and participate in team
meetings/discussionsand departmental research group activities.
To contribute to the development of additional applications for
funding incollaboration with project PIs.
To develop research skills, keeping knowledge up to date through
attendanceat, and contribution to, conferences and seminars;
participating in localresearch groups to build up networks with
other colleagues in the field.
KNOWLEDGE, QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Essential:
PhD in microbiology, epidemiology or equivalent
biological/biomedicalscience
A grade of B or above in a First Degree in Microbiology or other
relevantdiscipline. An average grade of at least B+ at Masters
Degree relevant to theresearch project.
Theoretical knowledge and direct practical experienceof
laboratory
techniques for diagnosis of infectious disease. Good
communication skills (oral and written skills in both English
and
Kiswahili) and strong interpersonal skills.
A high degree of computer literacy, with experience of Microsoft
Office, emailpackages and website management.
Desirable
Experience performing laboratory skills including experience
with serologicaland molecular diagnostic assays
Experience with animal or human health research studies
including diseasesurveillance, prevention and control programs.
Experience of working with Tanzanian institutions and Ministries
Experience of directing complex projects and initiating work
independently.
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Decision-making and problem solving skills.
Experience in leading and managing field personnel.
Ability to organize and implement field sample collection and
appropriatestorage.
Ability to spend considerable periods of time under field
conditions in a range
of settings. Familiarity with budgets and accounting and ability
to deliver within a budget.
Driving license preferable.
SALARY SCALE
Salary scale: Equivalent to PUTS 4.
MODE OF APPLICATION
All applicants are required to submit their applications
including the following:
Certified photocopies of relevant certificates and academic
transcripts
Curriculum Vitae
Names and contact details of at least two academic referees
Contact details: telephone, e-mail and postal addresses.
CLOSING DATA FOR RECEIPT OF APPLICATIONS
July 31st2014
All applications should be addressed to:
Professor Joram BuzaThe Nelson Mandela African Institution of
Science and Technology (NM-AIST)P.O. Box 447 Arusha,TANZANIA
Telephone: +255 767-012-616Email: [email protected]
And copied to:
Dr Jo HallidayUniversity of [email protected]
