| Position | Senior Research Assistant |
| Department | Malaria |
| Location | This post is based in Ho Chi Minh City with travel required to study sites and site labs |
| Hours of work | Full-time, 37.5 hours per week |
| Tenure | Initially for 1 year, including a 2-month probation period, with the possibility of extension. |
| Reporting to | Dr. Nhien Nguyen – Vice Head of Malaria Group |
| Vacancy reference | JDHCM-0325-002 |
| Background | The Oxford University Clinical Research Unit (OUCRU) is a large-scale clinical and public health research unit, with sites offices in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi in Vietnam, Jakarta in Indonesia and Kathmandu in Nepal. In Vietnam, 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. OUCRU Nepal has partnerships with the Patan Academy of Health Sciences and Patan Hospital, and OUCRU Indonesia exists in partnership with the University of Indonesia. As a Wellcome Trust Africa Asia Programme, we have received considerable support from the Wellcome Trust since our establishment in 1991. OUCRU’s vision is to have local, regional and global impact on health by leading a locally driven research programme on infectious diseases in Southeast Asia. Priority is given to health issues important to the hospitals where we work, and to the countries as a whole where we operate: Vietnam, Indonesia and Nepal. All work is intended not only to benefit the patients seen daily at our host hospitals, but also to help improve patient care. Please see more information on OUCRU website: www.oucru.org |
| Job summary | In collaboration with the University of Oxford, MORU, Menzies, WEHI, and the National Malaria Control Programs (NMCPs) in Vietnam, Laos PDR, and Cambodia, OUCRU is conducting several regional projects focused on the genetic epidemiology of drug-resistant malaria parasites, asymptomatic malaria monitoring, and sero-surveillance to support local and regional malaria control and elimination efforts. The next phase of these projects will focus on capacity building—supporting NMCPs in malaria molecular testing and data analysis to advance national malaria elimination goals and ensure long-term sustainability. We are seeking a Senior Research Assistant to provide technical and data analysis training to NMCPs, ensuring the effective delivery of hands-on laboratory and analytical skills. The role will also involve performing and optimizing molecular and serology laboratory assays, analyzing project data, and contributing to research manuscripts and publications. This position will require frequent visits to malaria-endemic provinces and partner laboratories to support training. The successful candidate will work across ongoing malaria genetic projects and a pilot malaria serology study. |
| Key responsibilities and tasks | – Understand, comply with and follow research protocols and laboratory procedures – Providing technical and data analysis training sessions to local site staffs in malaria endemic provinces and international scientific partner staffs – Conduct and Optimize the new molecular, serology laboratory assays – Analyze project data and contribute to manuscript writing – Assist PIs in training junior staffs – Engage in frequent site visits to support local collaborators and field activities. – Other support tasks as required |
| Selection criteria | Essential criteria – MSc or PhD (preferable) in Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics, Immunology or a related field – At least 5 year-experience in NGS sequencing or serological laboratory work (both technical and analysis) – Ability to work with clinical samples – Strong data analysis skills (experience with R, or bioinformatics software is an advantage) – Excellent interpersonal skills, team working ability – Strong communication and training skills to engage with NMCP teams. – Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and able to work independently – Willingness to travel to malaria-endemic areas for fieldwork and training activities. – Proficient English skills (IELTS 7 or equivalent) Preferred criteria – Experience in clinical research, working with multiple partners – Vaccination of Hepatitis B – Interest in malaria research |
| Benefits | – Contracted salary ranges: $1,549 – $1,633 gross per month – 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 Labor 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, either by email or by post to the following address: Oxford University Clinical Research Unit Laboratory of Clinical Science Hospital for Tropical Diseases 764 Vo Van Kiet, Ward 1, District 5, HCMC Tel: 39237954 Email: hr@oucru.org *** We thank all candidates for their interest but only short-listed applicants will be notified for interview. |
| Contact person | Ms Nguyen Thi Hong Phuc |
| Deadline for submission | 26 Mar 2025 |