icddr,b is a Bangladesh-based international health research institute that strives to solve key public health problems through high-quality scientific research and innovation. icddr,b is a value-based organization that encourages women and people with disabilities.

The Emerging Infections and Parasitology Laboratory at icddr,b focuses on several key areas of research and public health including diagnostics development and validation, clinical trials, epidemiology, and surveillance of emerging and re-emerging bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections. One of the ongoing projects in the lab includes ‘Understanding the role of bacteriophages in child stunting’. The objective of the project is to characterize gut phage and bacterial communities in healthy and stunted children at different timepoints.

Position Description:

The Research Assistant will report to the Research Officer and will be responsible for planning, organizing, and implementing laboratory assays with the objective of conducting high-quality laboratory research. S/he will be responsible for the following duties and responsibilities: –

• Laboratory activities involving Neglected Tropical Disease’s diagnosis and surveillance (leishmaniasis, leprosy, filariasis, dengue etc.).
• Receiving, storing & maintaining inventory of samples from fields.
• Performing DNA/RNA extraction techniques (standard and rapid) from various human specimens including stool, skin, blood, serum, and vectors including mosquitoes, sandflies, etc., and different molecular (e.g. PCR, RT-PCR, ddPCR, RPA) and immunological (e.g. ELISA) assays.
• Conducting MinION Sequencing and downstream analysis of sequencing data.
• Isolating bacteria and phages from stool samples, fluorescent labeling & counting of phages and bacteria under fluorescence microscope.
• Interpret tests, generate reports on results, and keep records.
• Updating, submitting project progress reports to the supervisor, and providing input in manuscript writing

Required qualifications and experience:

• Bachelors and Masters in Biochemistry/Molecular Biology/ Microbiology with good academic record.
• At least 2 years of laboratory work experience in the fields of biochemistry, molecular biology, and microbiology.
• Candidate must have experience in MinION sequencing, SXP1 ELISA, REPL RPA and PCR for diagnosis of leprosy

Location: Mohakhali Campus, Dhaka

Number of Posts: 01

Contract Type and Duration:

Short-Term Contractual Service Agreement: The initial duration will be 3 months with a possibility of extension subject to availability of funds and performance.

Salary & benefits:

• Tk.37,661/-per month (consolidated) inclusive of house rent and conveyance allowances;
• Festival bonus, income tax paid by icddr,b, and subsidized canteen; Transport and daycare facilities are subject to space availability.

Notes of attention:

• Only short-listed candidates shall be invited for written test /interview;
• icddr,b does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process.

Interested candidates who fulfill the requirements should submit online applications using icddr,b website: career.icddrb.org by August 19, 2024.