Research Officer

The Research Officer will support the ESPEN programme in coordination, partnership, strategic communication, resource mobilization, and technical support for operational research related to preventive chemotherapy neglected tropical diseases (PC-NTDs). The role involves performing molecular biology testing, data management, capacity building, and contributing to scientific reporting to support elimination efforts in the African Region.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the development of laboratory protocols, standard operating procedures and tools for diagnosis of NTDs
• Provide technical support in the designing and/or implementation of operational research studies related to PC-NTD elimination
• Perform O-150 PCR entomological testing of S. damnosum s.l. adults by molecular biology techniques or any novel techniques available in the laboratory, as well as any entomological analyses
• Document and disseminate best practices and laboratory protocols across national NTD laboratory network
• Provide technical support for the implementation of various collaborative operational research activities and contribute to the preparation of scientific reports and publications
• Support maintenance of the laboratory databases, develop mapping of laboratory data and entomological surveillance results, and liaise with the ESPEN data team in Brazzaville
• Contribute to planning and facilitating inter-country and in country-trainings to build capacity of nationals in laboratory analytics of epidemiological, entomological and environmental samples for NTDs
• Provide other related duties as requested by the ESPEN Team Lead

Requirements

• First university degree in computer sciences, information system engineering, geographical information system (GIS), Public health, Parasitology, medical entomology
• Advanced certification in computer sciences, operational and strategic management of microorganisms, Molecular Biology, Parasitology, Entomology and laboratory sciences (desirable)
• A minimum of 2 years of national and international experience in applied molecular biology, research and development of surveillance tools for onchocerciasis or other priority NTDs in Africa, GIS data transformation for mapping and spatial modeling of onchocerciasis foci
• Working experience with WHO and a good publication record on onchocerciasis and other NTDs (desirable)
• Excellent knowledge of the epidemiology of onchocerciasis (distribution, transmission, the socio-economic impact) and control and elimination strategies in the African Region
• Good knowledge of the epidemiology and the control strategies of lymphatic filariasis
• Strong knowledge of GIS and Remote sensing techniques and tools
• Ability to perform population analysis of biological specimens for onchocerciasis and other NTDs (vectors and parasites)
• Ability to conduct country laboratory needs assessment and coordinate training sessions to build capacity of nationals in NTD related field research, GIS and mapping for onchocerciasis and LF
• Expert knowledge of French
• Intermediate knowledge of English (desirable)

Skills

• Molecular Biology
• Parasitology
• Medical Entomology
• Geographic Information System
• GIS Data Transformation
• Spatial Modeling
• Epidemiology of Onchocerciasis
• Onchocerciasis Control Strategies
• Lymphatic Filariasis Control
• Remote Sensing Technologies
• Population Analysis of Biological Specimens
• Laboratory Needs Assessment
• Capacity Building in Field Research
• Operational Research
• Data Management
• Scientific Reporting
• Preventive Chemotherapy for NTDs
• Research and Development of Surveillance Tools
• Strategic Communications
• Resource Mobilization

Languages

French, English