icddr,b invites applications for the position of Senior Director, Infectious Diseases Division (IDD) (Adv#235/2024)

The position will be based at icddr,b’s headquarters in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

The International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, icddr,b in short, is an international health research institution based in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and has a 60-year history of health research and development of innovations. Its research agenda, reflects the full spectrum of global health challenges affecting people living in poverty, is articulated in its current Strategic Plan (available at https://www.icddrb.org/about-us/strategy).

THE SCIENTIFIC DIVISION

The Infectious Diseases Division (IDD) of icddr,b is working heavily on research priorities including antimicrobial resistance, controlling of enteric and respiratory infections and understanding emerging infections. Studies on enteric and respiratory diseases have been designed based on laboratory and field-based activities which have yielded results that are world class in quality and evolved with active collaboration with institutions in the USA, UK, Japan, Australia, Africa and Europe as well as in Bangladesh.

IDD has three programmes namely i) Emerging and Re-emerging Infections (has 3 units – Tuberculosis, One Health, and Emerging and Re-emerging Infections); ii) Enteric Infections and Vaccines (has 3 units - Gastrointestinal infections, Parasitic and Vector-borne Infections & Vaccine Sciences); and iii) Respiratory Infections (has 2 units - Respiratory Infections and AMR).

IDD’s focus has been on basic and applied studies on the understanding of the systemic and mucosal immunology of diseases with the thrust on natural infections and its application and extension to better determining vaccine efficacy. IDD is dedicated to pioneering strategies that not only respond to current health challenges but also manage future public health threats. We strive to generate scientific evidence and foster partnerships to build resilient and sustainable systems for infectious diseases.

IDD scientists have a very diverse portfolio of current research activities. The current staff strength of the division is nearly 2766 and includes about 166 scientific staff (including ~58 ranked scientists), supported by data management, administrative and research support staff.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Reporting to the Executive Director of icddr,b, the Senior Director, IDD will provide effective support to the Executive Director in the day to day operations of icddr,b and IDD. The Senior Director will lead and effectively manage a team of research and support staff in IDD to implement the research agenda and to influence national and global policies, achieving excellence in priority areas and developing institutional capacities within the international standards of research, organizational values and guidelines.

1. Strategic Leadership:

• Lead and inspire a multidisciplinary team of researchers, driving research programmes that address both national and global infectious disease priorities.
• Develop and implement a clear vision for the division, focusing on groundbreaking research that addresses pressing health challenges while positioning icddr,b as a leader in key niche areas.
• Ensure that the research conducted within the division maintains the highest standards of scientific rigor and innovation, contributing to both local relevance and global advancements.

2. Division Administration (Planning, Organising, Review & Control):

Envision a future and derive 1-year / 3-year tactical objectives in alignment with the Strategic Plan objectives; Brainstorm with team and establish operational plans; Organise financial and non-financial resources; Devise performance parameters and review mechanisms (such as dashboards and status updates) in collaboration with Research Administration and Internal Oversight teams; Allocate responsibilities, tasks, goals and budgets; Monitor progress of plans, expenses and utilisation of people; Oversee the establishment of sound project charters and project plans; Track progress of projects in the division and guide / direct corrective actions to control deviations; Direct and guide team to meet performance parameters; Resolve issues; Track compliance to Internal Governance Framework (IGF), gender diversity, Institutional Review Board (IRB) guidelines, project plans and budgets and other internal norms; Direct corrective actions as needed in order to deliver on committed plans.

3. Organizational Leadership and Strategic Contribution:

• Assist and advise the Executive Director in running the Centre and actively contribute to icddr,b’s Senior Leadership Team, collaborating to shape the overall strategic direction of the organization.
• Participate in decision-making around research priorities and institute-wide initiatives, ensuring alignment with icddr,b’s mission of improving global health outcomes.
• Lead by example, fostering a culture of teamwork, respect, innovation, and accountability across the organization, while driving icddr,b’s research impact at both local and international levels.

4. Strengthening Global and Regional Collaborations:

• Establish and nurture strategic partnerships with leading global health organizations, academic institutions, and research networks.
• Actively promote and showcase the division’s research at major global and regional forums, elevating the visibility of icddr,b’s work and its impact.

5. Scientific Capacity Building:

Create an environment where young and mid-level scientists are nurtured and encouraged; Assess development needs of scientific staff; Develop plans to address competency gaps; Provide feedback to improve performance for non-performing scientists; Model scientific mentoring; Coach Research Group Coordinators to mentor junior scientists and PIs; Secure the required resources in order to enhance the overall capabilities of the division for sustained excellence in research.

6. People Management:

Connect center staff with the mission of the Centre; Make personnel associated decisions in a fair, transparent and consistent manner in line with icddr,b policies and guidelines; Model professional personnel management; Keep Centre staff informed of icddr,b management and policy decisions; Promote a spirit of collegiality and gender diversity amongst team members and in the organisation; Encourage team members to collaborate across areas; Address and resolve any issues; Set goals, conduct appraisals and confront poor performance in a positive manner; Identify, mentor and reward high performers; Recommend final increments and promotions; Take appropriate actions to manage poor performance (such as creating Performance Improvement Plans, coaching, job rotations, planning separations from icddr,b) in order to build an engaged and productive workforce in the division.

Required Education and Experiences:

• MD and/or Doctorate in a relevant scientific discipline.
• Minimum 15 years of experience with acclaimed scientific work related to infectious disease in research-based organizations with at least 10 years of scientific and administrative management experience at a senior leadership level, with demonstrated leadership ability and team management.
• Experience in managing large research projects.
• Strong track record of publications in international peer-reviewed journals.
• International stature as demonstrated by membership of international bodies.
• Experience of working in a university setting and in different geographies will be additional attributes.

Compensation:

This is an internationally recruited position for which icddr,b offers internationally competitive remuneration paid in US Dollars. The successful candidate will be offered an initial contract of 3 years, which is renewable subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds. There will be a probation period of one year.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. 

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. icddr,b is an equal opportunity employer and particularly welcomes applications from female candidates. For detailed information about the organization, visit our website: www.icddrb.org.