Research assistant (future PhD-student) or Postdoc at the Bandim Health Project, OPEN, Department of Clinical Research, stationed in Guinea-Bissau

A position as research assistant with intended extension to employment as PhD-student (based in Guinea-Bissau for the first 2 years) or a postion as postdoc based in Guinea-Bissau for a 2-year period is vacant at OPEN , Department of Clinical Research, SDU

Job description

The candidate will be working on evaluating the real-life effects of vaccines and other child health interventions in Guinea-Bissau. The position combines opportunities to engage in both high-quality epidemiological research and hands-on data collection in a low-income setting.  

In Guinea-Bissau, Bandim Health Project continuously monitors health and survival in a population of more than 200,000 people through a health and demographic surveillance system (HDSS) (www.bandim.org ). Building on the HDSS, our multi-disciplinary team (www.vaccineschildhealth.com ) evaluates the implementation and real-life effects of health interventions. 

Findings from Guinea-Bissau and elsewhere indicate that vaccines in addition to protecting against the targeted infections have broader, non-specific effects and alter the susceptibility to a wide range of infections. This implies that vaccines and vaccination programmes should also be evaluated for their overall health effects. 

New vaccines (a second dose of measles vaccine and a meningitis A vaccine) are planned to be introduced in the Bissau-Guinean childhood vaccination programme. We seek a candidate interested in assessing the health effects of introducing these vaccines and who will contribute to building a platform for future evaluations of health interventions extending beyond the existing HDSS (www.bmjopen.bmj.com/content/9/6/e028775). 

Expectations of qualifications

We are looking for a candidate interested in global health research, who has a strong methodological background (preferably documented through experience in planning, implementing, analysing, and/or reporting epidemiological studies) and the ability to work both independently and in teams. Experience with supervision, data management, and data collection is an asset.  

You will join the ambitious Bissau-based research team led by Associate Professor Ane Bærent Fisker. The research team currently consists of four PhD students with different backgrounds and four master students all working on assessing and improving real-life effects of various health interventions. The group is running several randomised controlled trials and observational studies in Guinea-Bissau and performs epidemiological and mixed-methods evaluations. Funding from the Lundbeck Foundation enables expanding the research team with a further PhD student/Postdoc.

In Guinea-Bissau, you will be involved in fieldwork, overseeing ongoing data collection, and implementing and overseeing new data collection as well as analysing and reporting the results. The position provides a unique opportunity for hands-on involvement in the entire research process. Furthermore, we prioritise capacity building, and as an experienced PhD student/Postdoc, you will be involved in the supervision of research students from Guinea-Bissau, University of Southern Denmark and elsewhere. 

We will assist with arranging accommodation and language tuition in Bissau. 

Further information

The recruitment/hiring takes place in accordance with the agreement between the Danish Ministry of Finance and the Central Organisation of the Academics.

Assessment of applicants will be done in accordance with the current/applicable university recruitment order. Postdoc applicants will be assessed by an expert committee, and applicants will be informed of their assessment by the university.

PhD student employment will be in accordance with the Danish Ministerial Order on the PhD Programme at the Universities (PhD order). The terms of employment as a salaried PhD-student are stated in the Agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations (AC).

Further information can be obtained from Associate Professor, Ane B Fisker, [email protected]  

Application

Applications – including the required attachments specified below – must be sent electronically via the below-mentioned link “Apply online". Only online applications will be accepted and assessed. 

Attached files must be Adobe PDF or Word format. Each field in the application form can contain up to max. 10 MB.

Only applications written in English will be accepted for evaluation.

The application must include (as PDF- or docx-files):

• A cover letter
• A CV
• Copies of certificates/diplomas (including evidence of acquisition of a PhD degree or equivalent for Postdoc applicants)
• A complete and numbered list of publications
• An explanation of other qualifications relevant to the position.

For Postdoc applicants additionally: 

• Up to 3 scientific, peer-reviewed publications that the applicant wishes to be included in the assessment of his or her scientific qualifications (Please note that one PDF or docx file must be attached for each publication).
• A brief research plan (max 2 pages) describing how you would evaluate the effect of new vaccine introduction
• A teaching portfolio

Incomplete applications, which do not meet the above-mentioned requirements, will not be assessed.

Applications may be shortlisted.

The University wishes our staff to reflect the diversity of society and thus welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of personal background.