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, as a values-based organization, encourages women and people with disabilities.

This position will be hired at the Molecular Ecology and Metagenomics (MEM) Laboratory of icddr,b which is specialized in conducting research involving next-generation sequencing of genomes, metagenomics, and bioinformatics to unveil the survival strategies, pathogenesis, source attributes, disease transmission, and antimicrobial resistance profiles of cholera and related diarrhea pathogens such as Vibrio cholerae, V. parahaemolyticus, and E. coli. The MEM laboratory has a long track record of conducting research on bacteriophage-pathogen interactions, gut and vaginal microbiota associated with health and pregnancy outcomes, and is working collaboratively with many national and international organizations, providing quality research support and training, and building capacity of icddr,b.

The Research Fellow, reporting to the Senior Research Investigator, will be required to develop knowledge base on the recent advancements in Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies, perform molecular biology tests related to NGS, Library preparation for whole genome sequencing, amplicon sequencing and shotgun metagenomic sequencing, implement project activities assuring quality with the objective of supporting research studies within the guidelines of project-specific research procedures and organizational values and guidelines. The specific areas of responsibilities are detailed below:

• Perform basic Lab assays related to NGS e.g. Conventional PCR, Real time PCR, Library preparation for sequencing, Quality control of sequencing library etc.;
• Perform basic QC of the sequencing runs and preliminary analysis of the generated data;
• Assist supervisor in method optimization and literature review with an aim to adapt new techniques;
• Maintain proper record and liaison with the central sequencing facility;
• Prepare report from the results and share with supervisor;
• Train new team members and Lab technician on common Lab assignments (sample receipt, processing and storage following standard practice);
• Monitor and track consumption of resources.

• Masters with Honors in Microbiology/Molecular Biology/ Biochemistry/ Biotechnology/ Genetic Engineering with an excellent academic record (Minimum CGPA 3.5 both Honors and Masters).
• Must have completed master’s thesis in relevant field.

Number of Positions: 02

• Fellowship agreement; duration will be 1 year with a possibility of extension subject to availability of funds and performance.

• Stipend: Tk.51,090/-per month (consolidated) inclusive of house rent and conveyance allowances. Income tax paid by icddr,b, and subsidized canteen and Transport is subject to space availability.

• Evaluation & Certification: The progress of the Fellows will be monitored and evaluated. On successful completion of training and final evaluation, the Research Fellow will be awarded certificate.

• After completion of at least 1 (one) year Fellowship program, the Fellows may apply against any other suitable positions at the Centre. However, such employment is not guaranteed. The selected Fellows will not be eligible for any other fellowship program at the Centre.

• Only short-listed candidates shall be invited for written tests/interviews.
• The selected Fellows will not be eligible for any other fellowship program at icddr,b.
• icddr,b does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process.