Research Fellow / Senior Research Fellow, EID & COP

Job Description

The Duke-NUS Centre for Outbreak Preparedness (“COP”) was launched in June 2022, with a vision to advance and enhance regional health security across Asia. COP hosts the secretariat for the Asia Pathogen Genomics Initiative (“Asia PGI”) which acts as a regional coordination and capacity development platform supporting 14 countries across South and Southeast Asia. Asia PGI aims to accelerate the application of pathogen genomic sequencing to enhance outbreak preparedness and response capacity across this region. Its main workstreams support efforts in early detection through training in laboratory genomics and bioinformatics via the Asia PGI Academy at Duke-NUS, the development of novel outbreak response tools including diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines, health system enhancement through effective policy and planning for diseases surveillance and response systems that include genomics, and addressing key enabling environment factors including legal, regulatory and supply chain issues.

The Emerging Infectious Diseases (EID) is a Signature Research Programme (SRP) of Duke-NUS. Through research, EID aims to pioneer the development and discovery of new and more effective methods for the detection, treatment, prevention and control of new and emerging pathogens. EID research work also leads to discovery and testing of new diagnostic tests, treatments and control strategies (such as vaccines). EID is also working towards developing partnerships throughout the region with the development of laboratory and epidemiologic capacity, training scientists and physicians from partnering countries to make Singapore a viable surveillance hub for emerging infectious diseases.

This position of Research Fellow / Senior Research Fellow will be joint between COP and EID, and with the primary role of managing the Asia PGI Training Academy. The position will entail capacity building (training), partner engagement and research in the infectious disease areas of genomic surveillance. This will include planning, organising and overseeing programme work within the overall scope of Asia PGI and its training Academy, including but not limited to the following: -

• Work closely with the Deputy Director of COP and Director of EID, and partners to ensure that the Asia PGI Training Academy is managed and trainings executed in an effective and efficient manner, while adhering to all legislative, policy, procedural and scientific guidelines.
• Work closely with Asia PGI internal and external partners to build the training Academy’s pathogen genomics curriculum.
• Supervise and manage the Asia PGI Training laboratory site, and ensure that the laboratory complies with safety, guidelines and paperwork needed for both trainings and research activities.
• Contribute to virtual learning platforms, including scheduled virtual webinars on pathogen genomics, and keeping the academy’s database and learning management system up-to-date.
• Supervise, train and coordinate work of designated staff on Asia PGI Academy trainings, and research projects.
• Conduct research in pathpgen genomic surveillance, with a strong focus on bioinformatic and biostatistical analyses to generate high-quality research data.
• Contribute to research, writing and coordinating of grant application process and management of proposals.
• Support the delivery and execution of programme work across multiple projects in COP and EID, including supporting collaborative efforts with national, regional and global stakeholders and managing timelines for key outputs and deliverables.
• Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein, including contributing to occasional admin and coordination activities.

Qualifications

• Applicants should possess a PhD in Infectious diseases related disciplines, with a strong focus on pathogen genomics and bioinformatics, Biostatistics or Computer Science.
• 3-5 years of post-doctoral experience in infectious diseases, pathogen genomics, or similar fields.
• Extensive experience working in molecular laboratory and pathogen sequencing is required.
• Prior experience of scripting and/or programming languages and statistical packages is required. Experience with Linux/Unix operating systems, high-performance computing clusters, relational database design, and web development is required.
• Prior experience with pathogen genomic epidemiology and modelling is also desirable.
• Prior experience training others in pathogen sequencing and/or bioinformatics is highly recommended.
• Good technical understanding of pathogen genomics, outbreak preparedness, and surveillance is desirable.
• International experience, especially in the South Asian and South-East Asian region (ideally LMICs) and proven record of working with multinational teams is desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects efficiently.
• Prior experience in research and grant writing. Able to undertake research assignments with minimal supervision.
• Able to travel occasionally, especially within Asia.
• Possess strong interpersonal, writing and presentation skills, team player, proven record of leading projects, able to work effectively in diverse cultural environments and interact with academia, industry, funders and regulators..

We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.