The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) seeks to recruit a Post-Doctoral scientist to support the implementation of the BUILD Uganda project, specifically on re-emerging and neglected zoonotic diseases.

ILRI works to improve food and nutritional security and reduce poverty in developing countries through research for efficient, safe and sustainable use of livestock. It is the only one of 15 CGIAR research centres dedicated entirely to animal agriculture research for the developing world. Co-hosted by Kenya and Ethiopia, it has regional or country offices and projects in East, South and Southeast Asia as well as Central, East, Southern and West Africa.

Responsibilities:

The Post-doctoral fellow will work in a large multidisciplinary team made up of senior officers from various government departments, senior scientists from ILRI and partner institutions, graduate fellows and field staff. He/she will specifically coordinate research studies on Rift Valley fever and veterinary public health projects in slaughterhouses. This includes backstopping a group of graduate fellows that are implementing various studies to ensure that the overall goals of the project of generating outputs that inform the control of these diseases in the country. More specifically the Post-doctoral fellow will;

• Review the study designs and field implementation plans that have been developed for the project and, in consultation with the project coordinator and component leaders, make adjustments to fill any gaps that might be present
• Backstop field and laboratory activities to ensure that all the required data are collected, and biological samples are accurately identified, transported and stored in the various laboratories that have been identified for use in the project
• Guide the graduate fellows in the analysis of data and development of manuscripts
• Actively participate in the dissemination of the project outputs through various communication channels such as project workshops, scientific conferences, journal publications among others
• Participate in the overall management of the project by participating in the project management meetings
• He/she will also participate in information dissemination activities to improve the level of knowledge on these diseases within and outside the country.

Requirements:

• PhD in epidemiology, public health, parasitology or related fields
• Experience in Veterinary public health projects in slaughterhouses
• Publications in high-impact peer-reviewed journals
• Expertise in quantitative techniques including statistical or mathematical modelling and risk analysis
• Previous experience managing field projects and liaising with various stakeholders including government officials
• Good understanding on methods for managing and analysing qualitative data (desirable)
• Previous experience supervising graduate students (desirable)

Post location: The position will be based in Uganda

Terms of Appointment

This is position is at job level HG 16 and it is open to both national and international applicants. The position is a 2-year contract, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funding. ILRI offers a competitive salary and benefits package which includes; medical and other insurances.