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. As a values-based organization, icddr, b encourages women and people with disabilities to apply.

This position will be hired for the Chakaria climate hub project at the Molecular Ecology and Metagenomics (MEM) Laboratory of icddr,b which specializes 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.

Position Description:
The Senior Research Officer will report to the Assistant Scientist and will be responsible for planning, organizing and implementing all activities related to lab research of different projects to conduct high-quality research and implement the project activities within the strategy of research protocol as well as organizational values and guidelines. S/he will be involved in–

• Isolation and identification of enteric and respiratory pathogens by culturing and molecular methods, bacterial Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Assays including determining the molecular basis of AMR;
• Perform basic Laboratory assays related to Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), e.g. Conventional PCR, Real-time PCR, Library preparation for Illumina and Oxford Nanopore sequencing;
• Perform basic QC for sequencing runs and preliminary analysis of the generated data, maintain proper records and liaison with the central sequencing facility;
• Quality Control of sequencing library and share results with supervisor;
• Train new team members and Lab technicians on common Lab assignments (sample receipt, processing and storage following SoP);
• Assist supervisor in method optimization and literature review with an aim to adopt new techniques;
• Monitor and track consumption of supplies and resources.

Required qualifications and experience:

• Masters with Honors in Microbiology/Molecular Biology/ Biochemistry/ Biotechnology/ Genetic Engineering with an excellent academic record and communication skills to work in a multinational environment.
• 5 years of research experience in the relevant field.

Location: Dhaka with extensive field visit to Chakaria Laboratory, Cox’s Bazar District

Number of Positions: 01

Contract Type and Duration:

• Short-Term Contractual Service Agreement basis; the duration will be 11 months with a possibility of extension subject to the availability of funds and performance.

Salary & benefits:

• Tk.79,569/-(consolidated) per month, 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 a 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 April 3, 2025.