Malaria Molecular Scientist / Epidemiology

Full-time contract until June 2023 based in Darwin About 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:The Global and Tropical Health (GTH) Division is committed to tackling key areas of public health concern, including malaria, tuberculosis, Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) and bacterial infections that impact on the health and wellbeing of people and communities across northern Australia and the Asia-Pacific region. Since 2010 GTH has established an ongoing zoonotic malaria research program in Malaysia and more recently Indonesia, with a particular focus on the emerging monkey parasite Plasmodium knowlesi, now a major public health concern in Southeast Asia.The Molecular Scientist will work across projects examining zoonotic malaria transmission in Indonesia and Malaysia: (a) The ACIAR funded OneHealth project, ‘Evaluating zoonotic malaria transmission between agricultural activities and agricultural and forestry land use in Indonesia (ZOOMAL)’; (b) The NHMRC funded ‘Parasite and human genetic risk factors for emerging Plasmodium knowlesi (Pk) malaria’ in addition to large parasite population genetic analyses, and; (c) The Malaysian Armed Forces cohort study (ZOMAC) conducted in Sabah, Malaysia, will use molecular and serological screening of deployed soldiers to evaluate risk factors for acquiring zoonotic malaria and other acute febrile illness pathogens. The incumbent will be encouraged to pursue independent research interests/projects including those identified as being nested within the above projects. The position is based in Darwin under the supervision of the project chief investigator. Travel to Indonesia and Malaysia, up to 5 times a year for between 7 and 21 days each trip, will be required depending on future COVID-19 travel related restrictions.The successful applicant will have:A PhD in a relevant health related field or relevant post-doctoral qualifications.Relevant post-doctoral experience demonstrating a strong research track record relative to opportunity.Strong laboratory skills including in molecular pathogen detection methods.Demonstrated experience of staff training in the use of molecular and laboratory techniques.Initiative, good judgement and strong problem-solving skills with demonstrated ability to work under broad direction independently or as part of a multidisciplinary team.Proven organisational skills, strong record keeping abilities and experience in managing resources to meet objectives and deadlines.Demonstrated ability to think analytically and critically and to synthesize relevant data in the stated area(s) of interest.Experience in global and tropical health, including working in international settings.Highly developed written and oral communication skills, ability to interact effectively with a range of stakeholders across geographical locations and demonstrated ability to present research findings in a clear and engaging way to academic, professional and community audiences.Experience and competence in the use of a range of information technologies and applications including statistical and data management software.A willingness and ability to travel to Indonesia and Malaysia up to 5 times a year for between 7 and 21 days each trip.The ability to interact effectively with people from diverse cultures.Contact: Dr Matt Grigg on email matthew.grigg@menzies.edu.au  What we offer:6 weeks annual leaveOption to increase super to 14%Attractive salary package and benefits $122,215 - $142,011 per annum salary package (comprising gross salary $96,834 - $113,503 per annum, superannuation and salary packaging benefits).Closing date: 17 January 2021 Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.For information on how to apply for this position and to obtain the Position Description and Selection Criteria please visit www.menzies.edu.au/careers or phone 08 8946 8626.   PD_Malaria Molecular Scientist / Epidemiologist 96834 AUD Darwin

Malaria Molecular Scientist / Epidemiology

Full-time contract until June 2023 based in Darwin

About 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:

The Global and Tropical Health (GTH) Division is committed to tackling key areas of public health concern, including malaria, tuberculosis, Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) and bacterial infections that impact on the health and wellbeing of people and communities across northern Australia and the Asia-Pacific region. Since 2010 GTH has established an ongoing zoonotic malaria research program in Malaysia and more recently Indonesia, with a particular focus on the emerging monkey parasite Plasmodium knowlesi, now a major public health concern in Southeast Asia.

The Molecular Scientist will work across projects examining zoonotic malaria transmission in Indonesia and Malaysia: (a) The ACIAR funded OneHealth project, ‘Evaluating zoonotic malaria transmission between agricultural activities and agricultural and forestry land use in Indonesia (ZOOMAL)’; (b) The NHMRC funded ‘Parasite and human genetic risk factors for emerging Plasmodium knowlesi (Pk) malaria’ in addition to large parasite population genetic analyses, and; (c) The Malaysian Armed Forces cohort study (ZOMAC) conducted in Sabah, Malaysia, will use molecular and serological screening of deployed soldiers to evaluate risk factors for acquiring zoonotic malaria and other acute febrile illness pathogens. The incumbent will be encouraged to pursue independent research interests/projects including those identified as being nested within the above projects. The position is based in Darwin under the supervision of the project chief investigator. Travel to Indonesia and Malaysia, up to 5 times a year for between 7 and 21 days each trip, will be required depending on future COVID-19 travel related restrictions.

The successful applicant will have:

  1. A PhD in a relevant health related field or relevant post-doctoral qualifications.
  2. Relevant post-doctoral experience demonstrating a strong research track record relative to opportunity.
  3. Strong laboratory skills including in molecular pathogen detection methods.
  4. Demonstrated experience of staff training in the use of molecular and laboratory techniques.
  5. Initiative, good judgement and strong problem-solving skills with demonstrated ability to work under broad direction independently or as part of a multidisciplinary team.
  6. Proven organisational skills, strong record keeping abilities and experience in managing resources to meet objectives and deadlines.
  7. Demonstrated ability to think analytically and critically and to synthesize relevant data in the stated area(s) of interest.
  8. Experience in global and tropical health, including working in international settings.
  9. Highly developed written and oral communication skills, ability to interact effectively with a range of stakeholders across geographical locations and demonstrated ability to present research findings in a clear and engaging way to academic, professional and community audiences.
  10. Experience and competence in the use of a range of information technologies and applications including statistical and data management software.
  11. A willingness and ability to travel to Indonesia and Malaysia up to 5 times a year for between 7 and 21 days each trip.
  12. The ability to interact effectively with people from diverse cultures.

Contact: Dr Matt Grigg on email matthew.grigg@menzies.edu.au  

What we offer:

  • 6 weeks annual leave
  • Option to increase super to 14%
  • Attractive salary package and benefits $122,215 - $142,011 per annum salary package (comprising gross salary $96,834 - $113,503 per annum, superannuation and salary packaging benefits).

Closing date: 17 January 2021

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.

For information on how to apply for this position and to obtain the Position Description and Selection Criteria please visit www.menzies.edu.au/careers or phone 08 8946 8626. 

 

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