Senior Scientist or Postdoctoral Scientist in Epidemiology/Public Health

The Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH) is a world-leading institute in global health with a particular focus on low- and middle-income countries. Associated with the University of Basel, Swiss TPH combines research, services, and education and training at the local, national and international level. About 850 people from more than 80 nations work at Swiss TPH focusing on infectious and non-communicable diseases, environment, society and health as well as health systems
and interventions.

The Department of Epidemiology and Public Health (EPH), within Swiss TPH, develops and applies epidemiological, statistical and mathematical methods to advance innovation, validation and application in the field of public health. In the Health Interventions Unit of EPH, we support countries in the generation and synthesis of evidence to support their malaria control and elimination efforts.We are currently looking for a Senior Scientist or Postdoctoral Scientist in Epidemiology/Public Health to lead a research team based in Papua New Guinea (PNG).

We are seeking a highly motivated and flexible candidate to be employed by Swiss TPH and seconded to the headquarters of the Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research (PNGIMR) in Goroka, PNG.

Since its inception in 1968, the PNGIMR has been at the forefront of research into the health problems of the people of Papua New Guinea and the wider developing world. As a Government statutory body, the institute provides the evidence base for health policy formulation in PNG. It has a long-standing research program on malaria that combines international excellence with local relevance. Many studies conducted in PNG have influenced policy making around the globe.

The position is linked to the continuous independent evaluation of the PNG National Malaria Control Program which is funded by the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. PNGIMR and Swiss TPH are key partners in this evaluation program. It provides a unique opportunity to combine large-scale surveys and interdisciplinary operational research approaches to generate locally relevant evidence for the improvement of malaria control and elimination efforts.

In this position, you will be part of a network of local and international collaborators. You will be leading the generation of research evidence and regularly synthesize and discuss findings with stakeholders in the National Malaria Control Programme. We therefore aim at identifying a candidate with strong organizational and analytical skills who has proven experience in the generation and translation of scientific evidence at the research/policy interface, preferably in low and middle income countries (LMICs).

Your position

Research:

• Lead the design of research activities including the development of study protocols, standard operating procedures, and data collection tools. Activities include, amongst others:
• A country-wide Health Facility Survey
• A country-wide Malaria Indicator Survey
• Operational research studies on the implementation of reactive focal interventions
• Secondary data analyses

• Lead the analysis, synthesis and communication of research findings to diverse stakeholders
• Disseminate findings through high-quality presentations, reports, and publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals Management and coordination:
• Manage a team of researchers and support staff towards achieving project deliverables
• Coordinate research activities with other groups at the PNGIMR and collaborating institutions
• Ensure regular communication and timely reporting to the principal recipient of the Global Fund grant
• Maintain a regular exchange with the PNG National Malaria Control Programme and contribute to providing the scientific evidence base for programmatic decision making
• Contribute to capacity building

Your profile

• PhD in epidemiology, public health or related discipline
• Strong quantitative analytical skills and experience with malaria field studies
• Expert knowledge of Stata or R (and ideally geospatial software)
• Proven experience in project and team management
• Experience in working in communities in a foreign cultural context
• Experience in working with and communicating to government officials and other partners, including NGOs, academics, donors
• Ability to work both independently and within a multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary team
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate a range of different activities
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to improvise
• Track-record of scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals
• Willingness to train and mentor junior colleagues
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English; willingness to learn a local language
• Willingness to re-locate to PNG for the duration of the contract and travel extensively locally and internationally

We offer you

We offer an exciting and multi-facetted position in a multi-cultural and interdisciplinary team, based in a unique location, on a topic with high public health relevance. The network of collaborators will ensure good opportunities for academic and professional development. Swiss TPH an equal opportunity employer committed to excellence through diversity.

• CV
• Motivational letter
• Reference letters and diploma
• Salary expectations
• Names and contact information (email or phone) of 3 references