Molecular Biologist (Genome Sequencing)

Overview

Provide technical support for genome sequencing and pathogen analysis in Nepal.

You have:

• University Master's degree in Molecular Biology / Virology / Bio-technology / Genetics / Microbiology / Biochemistry from an accredited / recognized institution.
• At least 1 year of professional work experience in genome sequencing and analysis, performing Polymerase chain reaction and or molecular biology experiments.
• Expert knowledge of English and Nepali.
• Training in next generation genome sequencing in one or more genome sequencing platform is desirable.
• PhD in Molecular Biology / microbiology / Virology / Biotechnology / Biochemistry with specialization in genome sequencing would be an asset.
• Good knowledge of computer applications and software including MS Office applications.

Contract

This is a No grade contract. More about No grade contracts.

Purpose of the position:

The WHO Health Emergencies Programme (WHE) supports the Ministry of Health & Population (MoHP), Government of Nepal (GoN) to direct and co-ordinate and rapid provision of life-saving emergency health interventions at scale in the aftermath of multi-hazard emergencies and disasters and subsequently assists in the rapid recovery of the health system in collaboration with national and international partners. Thereupon it provides technical support to the MoHP and partners to enhance health sector emergency risk management through prevention risk reduction or mitigation; preparedness and response readiness to build a health system that is resilient to multi-hazard disasters including public health emergencies.

Within this framework, the incumbent shall provide To provide the required technical support and assistance to the National Public Health Laboratory (NPHL), National Pathogen Genetic Sequencing Consortium and the Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP) with specific focus on strengthening the in-country capacity for pathogen genetic sequence analysis including establishment of a genome sequencing laboratory at NPHL. Also, to support the genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in the country and to transform the genome sequencing and analysis platform to support pathogen detection and its characterization, molecular epidemiological investigations of emerging high threat pathogens including antimicrobial resistant bacteria.

The incumbent will work under the overall supervision of WHO Representative and Team Lead – WHO Health Emergencies Programme (WHE) and the direct supervision of the Technical Officer – Public Health Laboratories WHE at the WHO Country Office (WCO) for Nepal.

The incumbent will be stationed at NPHL, he/she should have the ability to work primarily as a key player within the WHE team.

The incumbent should also independently perform and achieve desirable outputs when need arises, and demonstrate the willingness to ensure WHO’s facilitative leadership and technical support to the member state and partners in establishing and conducting genetic sequencing and analysis capacity for the genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 and other emerging pathogens

Summary of Assigned Duties:

Under the overall supervision of WHO Representative and Team Leader – WHO Health Emergencies Programme and together with the direct supervision of the Technical Officer – Public Health Laboratories, and in coordination with WHE team and WCO Nepal, the Molecular Biologist (Genome sequencing) will perform the following:

• Provide the required technical support and assistance to the NPHL and the National Pathogen Genetic Sequencing Consortium, MoHP and other relevant partners on next generation genetic sequencing for the genomic surveillance of microbial pathogens in Nepal.
• Planning and supporting the establishment of a genome sequencing laboratory in NPHL.
• Identify, adapt, standardize and implement various pathogen genome sequencing ng protocols for both Oxford nanopore and Illumina iSeq 100 and MiSeq platforms for SARS-CoV-2 and other emerging pathogens including antimicrobial resistant bacteria.
• Support selection of samples for genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 and other emerging pathogens
• Support genome sequencing work in other laboratories of the national pathogen sequencing consortium.
• Support NPHL in any coordination process needed with the stakeholders/partners of the National Genetic Pathogen Genetic Sequencing Consortium. The coordination and facilitation support may include trainings on bioinformatics, implementation activities, and application of genome sequencing.
• Support analysis of genetic sequence data and support NPHL in the process of depositing the genome sequence data in selected public data sharing platforms including WHO GISAID (Global Initiative On Sharing All Influenza Data) platform.
• Support sustained genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 and other pathogens of d public health importance in Nepal.
• Support genomic sequencing using nanopore and Illumina including metagenomic sequencing for both known and unknown pathogens.
• Support the standardization of various molecular assays and sequence analysis protocols for infectious and non-infectious diseases.
• Perform any additional duties and undertake additional responsibilities assigned by the Technical Officer – Public Health Laboratories and Team Lead, WHE.

WHO Competencies:

• Teamwork
• Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
• Communication
• Ensuring the effective use of resources
• Producing results

Functional Knowledge and Skills:

• Excellent advocacy and inter-personal skills, tact and diplomacy.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities with excellent organizational and independent working skills.
• Ability to work as a team player in a cross-functional setting and challenging environment.
• High level of integrity and commitment to professional responsibilities.
• Technical expertise; Overall attitude at work are also required mandatory competencies.

Duty Station: National Public Health Laboratories, NPHL

Qualification****:

Essential Education:

University Master’s degree in Molecular Biology / Virology / Bio-technology / Genetics/ Microbiology/ Biochemistry from an accredited / recognized institution.

Desirable Education****:

Training in next generation genome sequencing in one or more genome sequencing platform is desirable. PhD in Molecular Biology/ microbiology / Virology / Biotechnology/ Biochemistry with specialization in genome sequencing would be an asset.

Experience:

Essential:

At least 1 year of professional work experience in genome sequencing and analysis, performing Polymerase chain reaction and or molecular biology experiments.

Desirable:

Demonstrable significant engagement in the genome sequencing laboratory protocols, polymerase chain reaction assays and or molecular biology experiments.

Other Skills (eg IT):

Good knowledge of computer applications and software including MS Office applications. Ability to coordinate with the government, manage projects, build partnerships with multiple partners in the context of health emergencies.

Use of Language Skills: Expert knowledge of English and Nepali.

REMUNERATION:

Monthly Salary: (Net of tax) NPR 196,102.00 at single rate (taxable as per Nepal Government laws and appointment will be through Special Services Agreement (SSA) extendable subject to satisfactory performances and continuing need for the function.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.
• A written test and the interview may be used to screen applicants.
• Any extension of contract would be subject to programmatic requirements, performance of the incumbent and availability of funds.
• WHO only considers higher educational qualification obtained from accredited institution. The list can be accessed through this link: http://www.whed.net/
• Any misrepresentative of facts would disqualify the candidate.
• No telephone enquiries or paper applications please.

WHO is committed to workforce diversity.

Application from qualified female candidates particularly from disadvantaged and socially excluded groups are -strongly encouraged.

WHO has a smoke-free environment and does not recruit smokers or users of any form of tobacco.

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Potential interview questions

Added 4 years ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: who.int