MRC UNIT, THE GAMBIA
IMMUNOLOGIST
(Tuberculosis, Vaccinology Theme)
JOB DESCRIPTION
1.
Job title:
Immunologist (Tuberculosis)
2.
Accountability
The post holder will be accountable to the Theme Leader for Vaccinology.
3.
Responsibility
The post holder will take responsibility for the ongoing and future research conducted within
the established tuberculosis case-control platform at the MRC Unit, Fajara and associated
community settings.
4.
Introduction:
Established in 1947, the Medical Research Council in The Gambia has an international
reputation for ground-breaking research into some of the leading causes of morbidity and
mortality in the tropics.
Achievements include a large trial showing the efficacy of
Haemophilus influenzae type B vaccine in The Gambia and the subsequent near elimination of
the disease, pioneering studies of the impact of insecticide treated bed nets as a preventive
measure against malaria leading up to their worldwide use, studies demonstrating the impact
of conjugate pneumococcal vaccines on pneumonia and child mortality and the demonstration
of a dramatic reduction in the carriage of Hepatitis B in The Gambia due to the effects of
vaccination.
To reflect changes in national and global health priorities and new international funding
opportunities a new research portfolio has been organized under three themes: Child Survival;
Disease Control & Elimination; Vaccinology. These themes have been selected to target
national health needs, to reinforce sub-regional and international links and to address some of
the major current priorities in the Millennium Global Health Goals.
The tuberculosis case-control platform (TBCC) is an internationally recognised beacon of
excellence for TB research at the MRC Unit. It bridges all aspects of TB research from field
epidemiology to laboratory research in microbiology and immunology, development and
evaluation of diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccine trials. In collaboration with the field team
and the epidemiological investigators, this position will lead the TBCC, oversee all
immunological aspects of the work associated with tuberculosis research in the Unit and
develop additional and novel research agendas for its future.
The post-holder will be based at Fajara.
5.
Grade:
Salary will be within MRC Band 3 do you want to say 2/3 dependent on qualifications and
experience.
Overseas allowances, furnished accommodation, flights and other benefits will
also apply for displaced staff. The appointment, which could be taken up as soon as possible,
will initially be for a 3-year period and is subject to a probationary period of 6 months.
6.
Purpose of the Job:
The post-holder will be responsible for developing a programme of research in immunology
and play a lead role in diagnostics and vaccine trial aspects of TB within the Vaccinology
Theme.
7.
Role:
The post-holder will perform the following duties:

Develop and supervise strong research in tuberculosis research projects with an
emphasis on immunopathology and diagnostics

Incorporate immunological research on other respiratory disorders and TB-co-infections
where appropriate

Support future clinical trials of TB vaccines from conception to design and laboratory
investigations

Liaise with external collaborators in TB immunology and vaccine trials, including
industry partners.

Disseminate research findings at international meetings and through peer-reviewed
publications

Attract independent funding through competitive grant schemes

Develop and foster collaborative links with other immunologists and scientists within
the Unit and with external collaborators

Ensure studies are run in compliance with good clinical practice and in compliance with
international ethical guidelines

Contribute to the training and supervision of research students and of Unit staff at
senior and mid-level.

Collaborate with the Gambian Government in the design of studies involving
government staff and the dissemination of the results of studies relevant to the
population of The Gambia.

Undertake all work following the relevant safety rules and regulations as laid down in
the MRC Safety Manual
8.
Relationships:
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
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9.
Length of appointment:
post-holder will report to Professor Beate Kampmann, Vaccinology Theme Leader
post-holder is a full-time member of the MRC staff.
Unit Director is Professor Tumani Corrah.
Director of Operations is Mr Peter Noble.
The appointment is for three years in the first instance and is subject to a probationary period
of 6 months.
10.
Appraisals:
Appraisals are held at least annually.
11.
Any other duties:
To perform any other duties consistent with the remit of the post.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Immunologist (tuberculosis)
Essential
PhD in immunology
Minimum 3 years post-doctoral experience in TB immunology
Extensive experience in state-of-the-art immunological methods, incl. flow cytometry
Significant experience with analysis of complex datasets resulting from multi-parameter flow
cytometry, cytokine multiplexing and expression profiling
Significant experience with optimisation of flow-cytometry panels and complex flow data
analysis using state-of-the art software
Commitment to establishing new immunological technologies, protocols and procedures, as
appropriate for the setting
Excellent record of publications in peer-reviewed journals
Experience in supervision of PhD and masters students
Good understanding of the principles of clinical trials and practical experience of the design and
management of clinical trials, including the requirements of Good Clinical Practice (GCP)
Experience of staff management
Good working knowledge of medical statistics and the use of statistical analysis software
packages. (STATA is the package currently used in the Unit, and familiarity with this
programme would be an advantage although not essential)
Good working knowledge of database software and of the use of personal computers for
data processing. (Microsoft Access is the package currently used in the Unit, and familiarity
with this programme would be an advantage) is this still the case? Just check
Good working knowledge of the principles of data management and methods of quality control
of immunological studies and vaccine trials
Proven track record of attracting research funding
Excellent written and spoken English
Commitment to working in a multidisciplinary team
Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills
A flexible and well-organized approach to work and an ability to meet deadlines
Attentiveness to detail
Excellent organizational skills
Preferred
Previous experience working in developing countries.
Optional
Clinically-qualified