Research Fellow (Adv#7/2025)

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. icddrb as a value-based organization encourages women and people with disabilities.

The Laboratory of Environmental Health under Health Systems and Population Studies Division is currently focusing research to collaboratively develop a health risk impact framework to support WASH decision making and provision in humanitarian camps. Various approaches will be used for the enteric pathogen surveillance within the refugee population. For this purpose, faecal sludge samples will be collected from both inlets and outlets faecal sludge treatment plants of different technologies every month. Environmental samples (Drinking water, soil, wastewater) will also be collected and analysed to better understand the transmission dynamics of pathogens in the community. Samples will be analysed by microbial culture and various molecular biological techniques for identification and detection of pathogens. By determining the pathogens and the ratio among the pathogens, using a quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) approach will be used to estimate the health outcomes associated with specific pathogens and a broader array of exposure pathways that may provide the information needed for an even more informed decision-making process.

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. 

Key Responsibilities:

The Research Fellow will be reporting to the Principal Investigator or her/his delegates and be primarily responsible for the following duties and responsibilities-

• The Research Fellow will develop, implement and optimize workflows for molecular analysis of environmental samples.
• Design, develop and validate methods for molecular biology applications for the detection and characterization of microorganisms in environmental samples.The methods include optimizing protocols for qRT-PCR, ELISA, TaqMan etc. techniques with precision and reproducibility being a priority. Produce high quality results while ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and scalability in laboratory protocols.

Required qualification and experience:

• Master degree in Molecular Biology/Molecular Medicine (at least 3.5 out of 4 point scales both in Bachelor and Masters) ). Preference will be given to candidates who have laboratory experience in molecular biological techniques like qRT-PCR, ELISA, TaqMan Array, etc.

Location: Dhaka

Contract Type and duration:

Research fellowship basis; duration will be 1 year with a possibility of extension subject to availability of fund and performance.

Stipend & Benefits:

• 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.

Notes of attention:

• 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 January 20, 2025.