Job Summary

Ifakara Health Institute is seeking a highly experienced and motivated Senior Research Scientist to lead and advance our TB research portfolio. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in infectious disease research, particularly in the field of TB. She/he will provide strategic leadership by conceptualizing, implementing and overseeing TB studies, mentoring and training junior scientists, and collaborating with key research partners. The position is co-funded by the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, a long-standing partner of IHI.

Responsibilities

• Design, lead, and execute research projects on TB including clinical trials, clinical epidemiological, and laboratory-based studies.
• Develop new research proposals, trial budgets and protocols according to the scientific strategy of IHI.
• Develop innovative research methodologies and approaches to address critical knowledge gaps in TB prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
• Collaborate with national and international research and implementation partners, public health agencies, and funding bodies.
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including policymakers, health authorities, and community partners.
• Maintain the close research partnership on TB with the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute.
• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals.
• Present research outcomes at national and international conferences.
• Translate research findings into actionable recommendations for public health policies.
• Lead the clinical and laboratory TB study teams.
• Oversee research project timelines, budgets, and deliverables.
• Ensure compliance with ethical, regulatory, and quality standards.
• Manage research grants and identify funding opportunities to sustain and expand the TB research portfolio.
• Supervise and mentor junior researchers at IHI.
• To contribute to the teaching and training programs at IHI.
• Foster a collaborative and intellectually stimulating research environment through continuous professional development.

Desired Skills

• Proven ability to secure research funding.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Strong leadership and team-building abilities.
• Cultural sensitivity and ability to work in different environments.

Essential Qualifications

MD with a PhD in Microbiology, Epidemiology, Public Health, or a related field.

Required Experience

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in TB research, with a strong publication record.
• Demonstrated expertise and commitment to scientific excellence in at least one of the following areas TB epidemiology, TB diagnostics, clinical trial in TB drug or vaccine development, or TB immunology.
• Experience in designing and managing large-scale research projects.

Preferred Language

Fluent English and Swahili languages (spoken and written).

• Design, lead, and execute research projects on TB including clinical trials, clinical epidemiological, and laboratory-based studies.
• Develop new research proposals, trial budgets and protocols according to the scientific strategy of IHI.
• Develop innovative research methodologies and approaches to address critical knowledge gaps in TB prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
• Collaborate with national and international research and implementation partners, public health agencies, and funding bodies.
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including policymakers, health authorities, and community partners.
• Maintain the close research partnership on TB with the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute.
• Publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals.
• Present research outcomes at national and international conferences.
• Translate research findings into actionable recommendations for public health policies.
• Lead the clinical and laboratory TB study teams.
• Oversee research project timelines, budgets, and deliverables.
• Ensure compliance with ethical, regulatory, and quality standards.
• Manage research grants and identify funding opportunities to sustain and expand the TB research portfolio.
• Supervise and mentor junior researchers at IHI.
• To contribute to the teaching and training programs at IHI.
• Foster a collaborative and intellectually stimulating research environment through continuous professional development.

• Proven ability to secure research funding.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Strong leadership and team-building abilities.
• Cultural sensitivity and ability to work in different environments.

• MD with a PhD in Microbiology, Epidemiology, Public Health, or a related field.