Research Fellow (Adv#253/2024)

icddr,b is a Bangladesh-based international health research institute that strives to solve key public health problems through high-quality scientific research and innovation. icddr,b as a value-based organization encourages women and people with disabilities.

Child Development Unit under Maternal and Child Health Division is focusing on evidence generation to establish a scalable comprehensive intervention and promote ECD across Bangladesh. Currently the unit is working on two key projects: one studying the effects of combining unconditional cash transfers with parenting practices on child development, and another assessing the feasibility of introducing day-care facilities in the ready-made garment (RMG) sector. Both projects will be implemented in collaboration with ECD experts, RMG sector stakeholders, and other relevant partners to create sustainable and impactful interventions that support early childhood development and family well-being.

Objective:
This Research Fellowship will provide an opportunity for aspiring researchers to work with eminent public health researchers and receive hands-on training, exposure, and experience in a research based environment like icddr,b. The Fellowship programme is designed to enhance the knowledge, skills and performance of the individuals who want to become an independent researcher at icddr,b.

The Fellowship is aimed at young, bright and capable individuals who have recently completed their Masters or primary professional education, are in the career formative stage (within 3 years of receiving their last degree), and are interested in making a career in research. 

The Research Fellow will be reporting to the Principal Investigator or her/his delegate. The Fellow is expected to contribute to public health research under the guidance of the PI. She/he will assist PI and be primarily responsible for the following duties and responsibilities-

• Conduct literature review, analyze data and draw scientific inferences;
• Prepare presentation slides and assist the PI in making presentation in different scientific forums;
• Work with PI and other team members to write study reports and articles for peer-reviewed journals;
• Conduct peer reviews of manuscripts of other researchers in order to support scientific manuscript creation while developing one’s own scientific writing abilities.
• Generate research ideas, develop concept notes;
• Estimate requirements for financial and non-financial resources based on research methodology;
• Circulate new protocol drafts internally and externally, seek feedback and modify accordingly;
• Coordinate with Research Administration (RA) for approvals for research-related activities;
• Provide training to Field Assistants/Data Collectors;
• Conduct periodic field visits to understand operational challenges and how to mitigate those challenges.

• Master degree in Public Health /Economics/Health Economics/Psychology or MBBS from reputed institute with excellent academic records.
• Outstanding academic results (at least 3.5 out of 4 point scales both in Bachelor and Masters) from reputed universities enlisted by University Grant Commission of Bangladesh (UGC);
• Strong interpersonal and excellent communication and writing skills in English;
• Must have strong critical thinking skills, ability to identify substantive problems and creative capacity to resolve these problems. S/he should be proactive, dynamic, and capable of working independently.

• Duration will be 1 year with a possibility of extension subject to availability of funds and performance.

• Tk.53,640/- per month (consolidated) inclusive of house rent and conveyance allowances;
• The progress of the Research Fellows will be monitored and evaluated. On successful completion of training and final evaluation, the Fellow will be awarded certificate;
• Income tax paid by icddr,b and subsidized canteen.

Prospects:
After completion of at least 1 (one) year Fellowship, Fellows will be eligible to apply for any other suitable posts against icddr,b vacancy announcements. However, such posts are not guaranteed. The selected Fellow will not be eligible for any other Fellowship programme at icddr,b.

• Only short-listed candidates shall be invited for written test /interview;
• icddr,b does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process.

Interested candidates who fulfill the requirements should submit online applications using icddr,b website: career.icddrb.org by November 18, 2024.