Laboratory Technician – Molecular Microbiology (JDHAN_0820_006)

Department Laboratory Location OUCRU-VN offices at the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Kim Chung, Dong Anh & Phuong Mai, Dong Da, Hanoi. Travel to hospitals, units around Hanoi, within Viet Nam or internationally will be required. Hours of work Full time: Monday – Friday, 37.5 hours per week, extra hours may be required. Tenure Initially for 01 years, including a 02 month probation period, with possibility of extension based on annual performance appraisal and Research approval Reporting to Hanoi Office Director, Lab manager Vacancy reference JDHAN_0820_006 Background The Oxford University Clinical Research Unit (OUCRU) is a large-scale clinical and public health research unit based in Viet Nam. We are hosted by the Hospital of Tropical Diseases (HTD) in Ho Chi Minh City, and the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases (NHTD) in Hanoi. We also have sister units in Kathmandu, and Jakarta. As a Wellcome Trust Major Overseas Programme, we have received considerable support from the Wellcome Trust since our establishment in 1991. Our ten-year vision is to have local, regional and global impact on health by leading a locally driven research programme on infectious diseases in Southeast Asia. This is being achieved via an integrated long-term research programme, contributions to training, the scientific literature, national and international meetings and membership of national and international committees. Priority is given to health issues important to the hospitals, and to Viet Nam as a whole. All work is intended not only to benefit the patients seen daily at our host hospitals but also to help improve patient care throughout Viet Nam and the region. The main research interests are infectious diseases of local relevance, in the main unit in Ho Chi Minh City this includes dengue, infections of the central nervous system, HIV, emerging viral infections, malaria, tuberculosis, zoonotic infections, and antibiotic resistance, in Hanoi the focus is on influenza and antimicrobial resistance. We are looking for a technician who is going to directly carry out classical (culture, antigen/antibody detection) and molecular (PCR, sequencing) microbiological experiments for diagnostics and research within our programme Please see more information on OUCRU Website: www.oucru.org. Job summary · This position is responsible for the laboratory work for our research projects requiring classical and molecular techniques. · Laboratory activities and responsibilities cover the whole spectrum of protocol and SOP writing, testing, reporting, data management, data analysis, sample inventory maintenance and quality assurance. Key responsibilities and tasks · Collect, process and store samples from a range of study sites, using freezer-works for labeling and recording · Set up new assays and prepare standard operating protocols as needed and according to OUCRU specifications. · Conduct microbiological experiments across the range from bacterial and cell culture, antigen/antibody testing, molecular diagnostic techniques, genome sequencing and others as required · Comply with health and safety standards through proper handling of potentially hazardous chemicals and biological samples · Safely disinfect and dispose of infectious materials · Monitor inventory levels and prepare purchase requests in a timely manner · Contribute to routine maintenance and calibration of lab equipment such as freezers and pipettes · Other duties related to research on infectious diseases as requested by supervisor Selection criteria Essential: . Bachelor or Masters in medical or biological sciences . Experience with clinical microbiological laboratory work and molecular microbiology, in a hospital or research setting. . English skill competence in reading, speaking, writing and listening. Desired: · Well organized, enthusiastic and committed to Science/Research · Previous laboratory experience particularly in a clinical/medical laboratory · Experience working with human clinical samples · Methodical approach to record-keeping · Team player · Reliable · Familiarity with computers, particularly MS Office: Word, Excel · PowerPoint, Access and email. . Advance knowledge in bioinformatic is advantage. Benefits - Contracted salary: Negotiable (depending on actual experience and education). - Optional insurance: In-patient and out-patient medical coverage; Personal accident insurance coverage - Two months’ salary for annual bonus and clothes - Annual leave 18 days each year for the first year - Other responsibilities and benefits are based on Viet Nam Labour Law. How to apply Interested qualified candidates are invited to send their detailed resume and cover letter in English, including copies of relevant degrees, certificates by email to: trangbh@oucru.org * The cover letter should detail: - What part of your education, training or employment history has best equipped you for this position and why you would be a good candidate? - Contacts of two referees who are your latest HR/ line manager and can provide details of relevant work experience and attitude * We thank all applicants for their interest but only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interview. Contact person Ms. Bui Huyen Trang Deadline for submission 4th September 2020