Research Assistant (Jd-0320-004)

JOB SUMMARY
The candidate will be involved in a new project looking at the prevalence of Fasciola (liver flluke) in Central Viet Nam. This will encompas a serological survey of humans, ova counts in both humans and animals and recovery of adult flukes from animals for genomic speciation. This project is being run by OUCRU, Queen’s University Belfast, UK and Institute of Malariology, Parasitology, Entomology Quy Nhon.
Fasciola was thought of in the past as a mainly animal disease problem and humans were a small secondary host but now there are ~6000 human cases of liver fluke/year in central Viet Nam. Treatment failures are also starting to become a problem in humans. This shows it is still an impportant animal disease but it has now become an important human disease and requires a concerted effort to study this disease in both animals and humans.
KEY TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
-Handling and culture of clinical specimens for pathogenic bacteria
-Taking part in project work when required
-Identification of bacterial isolates by Maldi-toff and convenitial methods
-Save strains using freeze drying (F/D) methods
-Catalouging F/D strains and keeping an upto date data base of these strains
-Re-culture of F/D strains when required
-Keeping records on quality control strains their use and results
-Completing external quality asssurance (UKNEQAS)
-Teaching students when required
DEPARTMENT
Research Microbiology
LOCATION
This post is based in Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh City.
HOURS OF WORK
Full time (37.5 hours per week from Monday to Friday)
TENURE
Initially for one year, including a 2 month probation period, with possibility of extension.
REPORTING TO
J. I. Campbell FIBMS, Head of Research Microbiology

SELECTION CRITERIA
-BSc in Microbiology
-Experience in handling microbiological samples
-Experience in medical microbiology
-Good logistical skills
-Team player, organized, patient, dedicated, tactful, understanding, disciplined and mature
-Keen on self-development
-Reasonable understanding of written and spoken English
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/year for the first year, a maximum of 30 days
-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, either by email (via Vietnamworks) or by post to the following address:
Oxford University Clinical Research Unit
Hospital for Tropical Diseases
764 Vo Van Kiet, Ward 1, District 5, HCMC
DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION
01 April 2020
*** We thanks all applicants for their interests but only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interview.