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 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 Senior Research Officer will report to the Associate/Assistant Scientist and will be responsible for planning, organizing, and implementing all activities related to lab research of different projects to conduct high-quality research and implementation of the project activities within the strategy of research protocol, as well as organisational values and guidelines. S/he will be involved to –
- Design, plan, and implement laboratory-based research projects focusing on viral pathogens (e.g., influenza virus, SARS-CoV-2, Nipah virus) and other emerging infectious diseases.
- Develop comprehensive research protocols and submit them to the Research Review Committee (RRC) and Ethical Review Committee (ERC), ensuring full compliance with institutional, national, and regulatory requirements.
- Perform, optimize, and validate advanced immunological and molecular assays, including pseudotyped virus neutralization assays, microneutralization assays, ELISpot, ELISA, RT-qPCR, and conventional PCR.
- Conduct mammalian cell culture and virus propagation, titration, preservation, and serological characterization to support vaccine evaluation and clinical research studies.
- Support vaccine trials and clinical study-related laboratory activities, including assay standardization, validation, quality control, and documentation in accordance with GCLP standards.
- Maintain, calibrate, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment (e.g., PCR and RT-qPCR systems, biosafety cabinets, CO₂ incubators, centrifuges, ELISA readers), ensuring adherence to BSL-2 biosafety requirements.
- Analyze experimental data using appropriate statistical software (e.g., GraphPad Prism, Stata), and prepare detailed technical and scientific reports for supervisors and collaborators.
- Contribute to scientific manuscript development by analyzing data, reviewing drafts, and preparing supporting documentation for peer-reviewed publications.
- Participate in external quality assurance (EQA) programs and ensure compliance with Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP) and institutional quality standards.
- Mentor and train junior laboratory personnel, interns, and research fellows in laboratory techniques, experimental design, data management, and research documentation.
Required qualifications and experience:
- M Sc. in Microbiology/Biochemistry/Biotechnology/Genetic Engineering/Molecular Science with good academic records;
- 5 years of relevant laboratory experience.
Location: Main Campus, Mohakhali, Dhaka
Contract Type and Duration:
- Fixed Term Agreement; duration will be 01 year with a possibility of extension, subject to availability of funds and performance.
Salary & benefits:
- Annual Tk.10,02,570/- inclusive of house rent, conveyance, and other admissible benefits;
- 14.8% provident fund contribution, income tax paid by icddr,b, children's allowance @Tk.2,492/- per child per month, festival bonus, contributory healthcare support including dependent spouse and children, group life insurance, and subsidized canteen. Transport and daycare facilities are subject to space availability.
Notes of attention:
- Only short-listed candidates shall be invited for the written test/interview.
- 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.
