Clinical Microbiologist, Laboratory Lead, Timor-Leste Program

12 months, full time contract based in Dili, Timor-LesteAbout Menzies:As one of Australia’s leading medical research institutes dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of Indigenous Australians, and a leader in global and tropical research into life-threatening illnesses, Menzies School of Health Research continues to translate its research into effective partnerships and programs in communities across Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.About the position:Menzies has recently opened an office in Dili, Timor-Leste. The Timor-Leste office manages three main projects, STRONG TL, the Fleming Fund Country Grant for Timor-Leste, and the ARIA-RISE serosurvey project. Other smaller projects and partnerships also run concurrently.The STRONG TL project (Surveillance, Training, Research Opportunities and National Guidelines for improving communicable disease control in Timor-Leste) includes work across clinical, surveillance, and laboratory areas to support Timor-Leste’s ability to detect and respond to communicable diseases, including recently, COVID-19.The focus of the Fleming Fund Country Grant for Timor-Leste (Fleming project) is on strengthening antimicrobial resistance (AMR), antimicrobial use (AMU) surveillance systems, and antimicrobial consumption (AMC) data capture in both the human and animal health sectors.The ARIA-RISE serosurvey project is an investigation into the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 and other vaccine-preventable diseases in Timor-Leste. It will investigate prevalence and immunity in the population of Timor-Leste, and among specific at-risk groups, with at least three separate research studies planned in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the National Health Laboratory. Data from these studies will directly inform surveillance and disease control strategies, including vaccination programs.The successful applicant will provide overall coordination for the works related to Menzies’ three major projects in Timor-Leste, providing leadership, mentorship and technical advice.The successful applicant will have:Registered clinical microbiologist with FRCPA – Microbiology, or equivalent specialist qualification.High-level expertise in tropical diseases, health systems strengthening and capacity development in low-resource settings.Current clinical experience in a Microbiology laboratory service providing high quality results to an attached clinical service.Clear commitment to ongoing education, mentoring and teaching at under-graduate, post-graduate, and research level.Strong interest and commitment to the development of laboratory services in under-resourced locations.Demonstrated contribution to quality improvement activities that achieve best practice outcomes.Strong communication, negotiation and liaison skills with the ability to play a lead role in a cross-cultural work environment as an active member of a multi-disciplinary team.Ability to correspond with multiple stakeholders, manage sensitive issues and maintain confidentiality.Initiative, good judgement and strong problem-solving skills.Contact: Jennifer Yan on jennifer.yan@menzies.edu.au or Josh Francis on josh.francis@menzies.edu.auWhat we offer:6 weeks annual leaveOption to increase super to 14%Attractive salary package and benefitsClosing date:  27 January 2021 Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to applyApplicants are required to address the selection criteria. For information on how to apply for this position and to obtain the Position Description and Selection Criteria please visit http://careers.menzies.edu.au/ or phone 08 8946 8626.  POSITION DESCRIPTION AUD Dili