Research Fellow (Adv#31/2026)

icddr,b is a Bangladesh-based international health research institute that strives to solve key public health problems through high-quality scientific research and innovation. icddr,b, as a values-based organization, encourages women and people with disabilities.

The Laboratory of conducts high-quality research and provides technical support to ongoing projects and training programs. The laboratory works on a broad range of human and animal viral infections, including influenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), SARS-CoV-2, rotavirus, norovirus, dengue virus, Nipah virus, HIV, hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatitis E virus (HEV), and human papillomavirus (HPV). In addition to pathogen detection, molecular characterization, and genomic analysis, the laboratory investigates the immunological mechanisms underlying viral infections.

Beyond viral research, the laboratory also studies clinically significant non-viral microorganisms, including bacterial pathogens associated with child mortality, acute febrile illness, pneumonia, and sexually transmitted infections, as well as fungal infections of public health importance. The laboratory is actively engaged in antiviral drug discovery, diagnostic kit evaluation, and clinical trials of new therapeutics and vaccines. Laboratory scientists lead and contribute to research activities as principal investigators, co-principal investigators, and co-investigators, collaborating closely with national and international institutes, universities, and various divisions of icddr,b to advance translational and public health research.

Position Description:

The Research Fellow will report to the Associate/Assistant Scientist and will perform laboratory research, prepare research concepts and protocols, plan, organize, and implement research activities, and also write manuscripts to conduct high-quality lab research as well as self-development within the guidelines of the research protocols; and organizational values and guidelines. She/he will be involved in:

• Develop and implement weekly laboratory work plans, ensuring smooth day-to-day laboratory operations.
• Perform microbiological culture, identification and characterization of etiologic agents, and molecular diagnostics including PCR, real-time RT-PCR, tissue culture-based viral detection and subtyping, pseudovirus neutralization assays, and STI testing in compliance with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) guidelines.
• Conduct antibiotic susceptibility testing and evaluate hospital environmental isolates for disinfectant efficacy.
• Perform statistical modelling and bioinformatics analyses of bacterial and viral (including bacteriophage) laboratory data, including whole-genome sequencing, metagenomics, and microbiome datasets.
• Conduct statistical validation of analytical methods, assessing accuracy (% recovery, bias, confidence intervals), precision (%CV for repeatability and intermediate precision, variance component analysis), and specificity using appropriate statistical tests (e.g., t-tests) to confirm absence of matrix interference.
• Ensure laboratory biosafety compliance and proper handling and disposal of infectious and hazardous materials.
• Troubleshoot laboratory issues, escalate critical concerns when necessary, and monitor resource utilization and inventory management.
• Manage, clean, and analyze research datasets; develop statistical analysis plans and contribute to manuscript preparation and reporting.
• Review current scientific literature to support research innovation and contribute to the development of new project ideas and proposals.

Required qualifications and experience:

• Master's with B.Sc. Honours in Microbiology/Molecular Biology/Biochemistry/ Biotechnology/ Genetic Engineering/Applied statistics/Data science with an excellent academic record with completion of thesis in the relevant field (CGPA of at least 3.5 on a 4-point scale for both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees);
• 1 year of relevant lab experience.

Location: Mohakhali Main Campur, Dhaka

Number of Positions: 02

Contract Type and Duration:

• Fellowship agreement; duration will be 1 year with a possibility of extension subject to availability of funds and performance.

Salary & benefits:

• Stipend: Tk.59,140/- per month (consolidated) inclusive of house rent and conveyance allowances. Income tax paid by icddr,b, subsidised canteen and Transport is subject to space availability.

• Evaluation & Certification: The progress of the Fellows will be monitored and evaluated. On successful completion of training and final evaluation, the Research Fellow will be awarded a certificate.

Notes of attention:

• Only short-listed candidates shall be invited for written tests/interviews.
• The selected Fellows will not be eligible for any other fellowship program at icddr,b.
• icddr,b does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process.

Interested candidates who fulfil the requirements should submit online applications using icddr,b website: career.icddrb.org by March 14, 2026.