Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia – The MRC Unit The Gambia at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) is one of two research units established in sub- Saharan Africa by the Medical Research Council UK and is the MRC Unit The Gambia at LSHTM’s single largest investment in medical research in a low and middle income country. MRC Unit The Gambia at LSHTM represents a unique concentration of scientific expertise and high quality research platforms in the West African region.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Post Doctoral Researcher 1 (MUFASSA Project)

Location: Fajara, Gambia
Grade: 2, 35 Points

Purpose of the Job

• To work with the Principal Investigator (PI) and international study team to carry out studies to produce metabolomic analysis of samples from a community-based prevalence survey in 5 sites, across three African countries.
• To be the focal point for communication of research project progress with the lead UK academic institution and the wider study team.
• To develop peer-reviewed publications in collaboration with wider MUFASSA and Fractures-E3 team
• Supervise the work of junior research staff.
• To develop grant applications (e.g. Fellowship or project/programme grant applications) for longer-term funding, to sustain and develop the role.

Role
The post-holder will:

• Establish appropriate procedures required for the effective running of studies such as research plans/ protocols, study specific procedures, study questionnaires and other relevant source documents.
• Know, understand and follow study protocols always.
• Ensure that study objectives and methods are explained adequately to other relevant study team members.
• Investigate models and approaches to test and develop them.
• Engage with training opportunities in The Gambia, the UK, Zimbabwe and South Africa
• Carry out administrative tasks associated with specified research funding, for example risk assessment of research activities, organisation of project meetings and documentation.  Implementation of procedures required to ensure accurate and timely formal reporting and financial control.
• Lead and contribute to the development of grant applications
• Coordinate interlocking studies that might arise.
• Undertake all work strictly following the safety guidelines as laid down in the MRC’s Safety Manual.
• To communicate information and ideas to students and advise and assist other staff/students with in area of expertise.

Relationships:

• The post-holder will be a full-time member of the MRCG at LSHTM staff.
• The post-holder will report to Dr Modou Jobe and Professor Kate Ward.
• The Theme Leader for Nutrition and Planetary Health is Professor Andrew Prentice
• The Unit Director is Professor Umberto D’Alessandro.
• The Director of Operations is Mr Davis Nwakanma.

Appraisals:

• Appraisals are held at least annually.

Length of appointment:

• The appointment is up to December 2025, which is the end of the MUFASSA project.

Any other duties:

• To perform any other duties consistent with the remit of the post.

Person Specification
Post-doctoral Research Fellow (MUFASSA – Musculoskeletal Functional Ability in Sub-Saharan Africa)

Education and Training – minimum requirement
Essential:

• PhD or equivalent professional qualifications and experience in analytical chemistry, bioinformatics, or biochemistry
• Detailed understanding and knowledge of mass spectrometry

Desirable:

• PhD in Analytical Chemistry, Bioinformatics, or Biochemistry

Experience & job related knowledge
Essential:

• Proven track record of completion of research work, from undergraduate degree and /or related work experience
• Evidence of experience of research methods and techniques to work in research area.
• Commitment to further develop skills and knowledge of research methods and techniques
• Ability to work independently at own initiative
• Ability to build relationships and collaborate with others, internally and externally.
• Practical experience of, and/or a commitment to health research in developing countries, specifically The Gambia
• Excellent written and spoken English
• Excellent oral and written communication skills

Desirable:

• Proven track record of publication in peer-review journals
• Previous experience of work in metabolomics or related areas
• Ability to work with large data sets
• Experience in using statistical packages such as STATA, or R.
• Excellent IT skills (Microsoft Word, Excel, Access)
• Project management.

Abilities & Aptitudes:

• Commitment to working in a multi-disciplinary team
• Excellent interpersonal and verbal/written communication skills
• A flexible and well-organized approach to work and an ability to meet deadlines
• Attention to detail
• Excellent organizational skills
• A team player and motivator.

Application Closing Date
22nd November 2023.