Research Officer (Adv#30/2026)

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 IDD 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 Officer will report to the Associate/Assistant Scientist and will be perform laboratory research, prepare research concepts and protocols, plan, organise and implement research activities and also write manuscripts with the objectives of conducting high-quality research within the guidelines of the research protocols and organisational values and guidelines. S/he will be involved to –

• Develop and implement weekly laboratory work plans to ensure efficient workflow and timely completion of research activities.
• Conduct viral detection and typing, pseudovirus neutralization assays, and sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing in accordance with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) standards.
• Detect etiologic agents from diverse clinical specimens, including post-mortem child samples, using microbial culture, real-time PCR (TaqMan Array Card platform), conventional PCR, and Sanger sequencing.
• Perform bioinformatics and statistical analyses of bacterial and viral (including bacteriophage) datasets, including whole-genome sequencing, metagenomics, and microbiome data.
• Ensure strict laboratory biosafety compliance, including safe handling, storage, and disposal of infectious agents and hazardous materials.
• Troubleshoot technical and operational laboratory issues and escalate concerns when necessary.
• Monitor laboratory resource utilization and maintain accurate inventory and documentation records.
• Manage, clean, and analyze research datasets; develop statistical analysis plans and contribute to manuscript writing and scientific reporting.
• Develop research protocols and submit them for ethical and scientific review (RRC/ERC).
• Train field staff on specimen collection, processing, packaging, and transport in accordance with standard operating procedures.
• Present research findings at internal and external meetings, seminars, and scientific workshops.
• Review current scientific literature and contribute to innovative research concepts and new project development.

Required qualifications and experience:

• Masters in Microbiology/Molecular Biology/Biochemistry/Biotechnology/Genetic Engineering with an excellent academic record.
• At least 3 years of Lab research experience in the relevant field.

Location: Main Campur, Mohakhali, Dhaka

Number of Positions: 02

Contract Type and duration:

• Short-Term Contractual Service Agreement; duration will be 09 months with a possibility of extension subject to availability of funds and performance.

Salary & benefits:

• Tk.66,040/-per month (consolidated) inclusive of house rent and conveyance allowances;
• Festival bonus, income tax paid by icddr,b and subsidized canteen. Transport and daycare facilities are subject to space availability.

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