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 is
one of the highest priority animal diseases in Africa. Brucellosis infects many animal
species, including key livestock species - cattle, sheep, and goats - and most human
infections are acquired through direct contact with livestock or via indirect
transmission through untreated milk products. Brucellosis has wide-ranging impacts
that include animal losses due to abortion, lost milk production, slaughter of infected
animals, and human illness causing reduced work capacity.
This project on the molecular epidemiology of brucellosis will develop the evidence-
base to inform the use of Brucella vaccines in sub-Saharan Africa and build capacity
in Tanzanian laboratories to generate critical Brucella typing data. The project will
integrate several disciplinary approaches, including molecular laboratory diagnostics
and typing assays, human febrile illness surveillance, epidemiological analysis and
risk modeling as well as ongoing interaction with policy makers to identify and
implement appropriate strategies for disease control and prevention.
The research project involves links between several institutions in Tanzania: Nelson
Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology; Kilimanjaro Christian Medical
Centre; Sokoine University of Agriculture; Tanzania Vaccine Institute and the Ministry
of Livestock and Fisheries Development. International collaborators include the
University 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 successful
candidate will undertake high-quality research to examine the molecular
epidemiology of brucellosis in northern Tanzania. The position holder will be the
main person in charge of laboratory data generation for the project. The successful
candidate will have periods of laboratory training at the AHVLA in the UK and will
work 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 of
Glasgow. The two researchers will engage with Tanzanian government
representatives, to disseminate research findings and lead regional initiatives to raise
the profile of brucellosis control. This is a full-time research position for up to 36
months and the successful candidate will hold only this job and be expected to
dedicate 100% of his/her time to this project.


MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Principal responsibilities include data collection, analysis and dissemination.
To coordinate and supervise laboratory studies in Tanzania, in collaboration
with the project PIs and other members of the project.
To develop and implement laboratory protocols to establish and validate new
diagnostic assays at laboratories in Tanzania.
To coordinate field data collection activities in collaboration with other
members of the project.
To liaise closely with district and regional authorities in Tanzania to ensure
effective implementation of activities related to the laboratory and field
components of the project.
To liaise with other researchers and policy makers to disseminate research
findings 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 peer
reviewed journals and decide on appropriate journals with the project PIs.
To present work at internal departmental or group seminars and external
seminars and/or national and international conferences.
To collaborate with colleagues and participate in team meetings/discussions
and departmental research group activities.
To contribute to the development of additional applications for funding in
collaboration with project PIs.
To develop research skills, keeping knowledge up to date through attendance
at, and contribution to, conferences and seminars; participating in local
research groups to build up networks with other colleagues in the field.

KNOWLEDGE, QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Essential:
PhD in microbiology, epidemiology or equivalent biological/biomedical
science
A grade of B or above in a First Degree in Microbiology or other relevant
discipline. An average grade of at least B+ at Masters Degree relevant to the
research 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, email
packages and website management.

Desirable
Experience performing laboratory skills including experience with serological
and molecular diagnostic assays
Experience with animal or human health research studies including disease
surveillance, prevention and control programs.
Experience of working with Tanzanian institutions and Ministries
Experience of directing complex projects and initiating work independently.
Decision-making and problem solving skills.
Experience in leading and managing field personnel.
Ability to organize and implement field sample collection and appropriate
storage.
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 31
st
2014

All applications should be addressed to:

Professor Joram Buza
The Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST)
P.O. Box 447 Arusha,
TANZANIA

Telephone: +255 767-012-616
Email: joram.buza@nm-aist.ac.tz

And copied to:

Dr Jo Halliday
University of Glasgow
Jo.Halliday@glasgow.ac.uk