About WorldFish

“WorldFish is a leading international research organization working to transform aquatic food systems to reduce hunger, malnutrition, and poverty. It collaborates with international, regional, and national partners to co-develop and deliver scientific innovations, evidence for policy, and knowledge to enable equitable and inclusive impact for millions who depend on fish for their livelihoods. As a member of CGIAR, WorldFish contributes to building a food- and nutrition-secure future and restoring natural resources. Headquartered in Penang, Malaysia, with country offices across Africa, Asia, and the Pacific, WorldFish strives to create resilient and inclusive food systems for shared prosperity. For more information, visit: www.worldfishcenter.org”

About the Position

The Lab Manager will play a critical role in supporting aquatic animal health (AAH), One Health (OH), and Carp Genetic Improvement Program (CGIP) research under the Sustainable Animal and Aquatic Foods Science Program at WorldFish. This position will be responsible for managing the joint WorldFish-Khulna University (WF-KU) AAH Laboratory located at Khulna University and leading laboratory work on microbiology, antimicrobial resistance (AMR), disease diagnostics, and molecular genetics activities for WorldFish’s AAH, OH, CGIP, and other relevant projects/initiatives while adhering to strict biosafety measures. This position will assess and manage development and implementation of biosecurity protocols at different aquaculture settings including in fish farms and hatcheries. Additionally, the role will contribute to relevant research and capacity development initiatives to strengthen aquatic animal health science portfolio in Bangladesh.

The role requires strong expertise in laboratory management, microbiology, and molecular-based disease diagnosis. The Lab Manager will work closely with and support partners, including research institutions, universities, government agencies, and industry stakeholders, to improve aquatic animal health and disease management in Bangladesh.

The successful candidate will:

1. Laboratory Management, Biosafety and Biosecurity Compliance

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the WF-KU laboratory at Khulna University, ensuring compliance with the quality management, biosafety and biosecurity standards.
• Maintain and calibrate diagnostic tools and laboratory equipment, ensuring quality control of diagnostic services.
• Implement and monitor biosecurity measures for the WorldFish Carp Genetic Improvement Program and other relevant projects/ initiatives.
• Ensure effective laboratory inventory management, data organization, and accurate record-keeping, including disease surveillance data

2. Disease Diagnosis and Surveillance

• Conduct disease diagnostics and AMR testing, including sample collection, processing, and pathogen identification.
• Support disease monitoring and surveillance of the WorldFish One Health, CGIP and other WorldFish projects/ initiatives.

3. Research and Capacity Building

• Contribute to designing and executing epidemiological studies related to AAH.
• Develop and deliver training on sample collection, processing, biosecurity, and aquatic animal health management for the WorldFish OH and CGIP program staff members and other stakeholders.
• Support knowledge exchange and capacity building for partners, fish farmers, and stakeholders.
• Provide academic and technical guidance to graduate and postgraduate students conducting research in aquatic animal health, microbiology, AMR, and molecular genetics at the WF-KU laboratory.
• Ensure that students follow ethical research practices, regulatory guidelines, and biosafety/ biosecurity protocols.
• Contribute to scientific publications and reports to advance aquatic animal health research.

4. Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement

• Engage with government agencies (e.g., DOF, BFRI), academic institutions, and private sector partners to strengthen aquatic animal health research.
• Collaborate with WorldFish research teams working on genetics, nutrition, and farming practices.
• Compile and document activities conducted in the WF-KU lab, ensuring timely submission of quarterly reports, invoices, and other relevant records.

Requirements

This job might be for you if you have the below skills and qualifications:

• A master’s degree (or higher) in Aquaculture, Fisheries, Microbiology, Veterinary Sciences, or related disciplines.
• Specialized training in aquatic animal health, disease diagnostics, epidemiology, biosafety and biosecurity is essential.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in laboratory management, aquatic animal disease diagnostics, and aquaculture health research.
• Proven experience in microbiological and advance molecular diagnostics for aquatic animal diseases.
• Strong technical knowledge in sampling methods, disease detection, and epidemiological research.
• Robust communication, networking, negotiation, and project management skills

Desirable Skills/Experience

• Technical writing and publication skills in aquatic animal health research.
• Experience in biosecurity implementation and risk management in aquaculture settings.
• Ability to design and execute training programs for stakeholders and research partners.

Benefits

This is a Nationally Recruited Staff (NRS) position and WorldFish offers a competitive remuneration package including comprehensive benefits (but not limited to) insurance coverage for staff and eligible dependents, employer provident fund contribution, paid leave, and others. The duration of the contract will initially be for a three-year period with possibility for extension, depending on funding and performance.

How to Apply

Your application must include:

• A copy of your curriculum vitae,
• A cover letter which addresses key requirements stated above; and
• Contact information of three professional referees who may be contacted if you are short-listed for the position.

To be considered, applications must be submitted by no later than 23:59 (MYT), 20 March 2025.

Location: The post holder will be based in Khulna, Bangladesh.

Screening will start immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Due to the high volume of applicants for WorldFish positions, we appreciate all interest, but only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Our Gender, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

WorldFish has seven offices across Asia, Africa and the Pacific, with more than 400 staff and 27 nationalities who contribute to a dynamic multicultural work environment.

WorldFish is committed to promoting a work environment where diversity and inclusion is valued, and we seek to have gender balance in the organization. We aim to also seek balance across other diversity dimensions.

People in WorldFish are treated equally irrespective of gender, ethnicity/race, national or social origin, disability, religion, political affiliation, age, family size, marital status or any other form of personal identity.

We are an equal opportunities employer and strongly encourage qualified women and men from developing nations to apply.