IMPORTANT NOTE: Applicants must have the legal right to work in Vietnam. We are unable to sponsor a work permit/visa for this position.
LOCATION
This post is based in Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam.
JOB SUMMARY
In collaboration with the University of Oxford, MORU, Menzies, and National Malaria Control Programs (NMCPs) across the Greater Mekong Subregion (Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, and China), OUCRU is leading a regional project titled GenRe-Mekong 3. Funded by the Gates Foundation, this initiative focuses on the genetic epidemiology of malaria parasites to support local and regional elimination efforts. The next phase of the project is dedicated to capacity building, supporting NMCPs in malaria molecular genotyping and data analysis to ensure long-term regional sustainability.
We are seeking a highly skilled Postdoctoral Researcher to serve as a key person in the development of innovative genomic methods and deliver essential technical training to our regional partners. This role is central to the project's success, involving hands-on laboratory work, data analysis, and high-level scientific communication, including grant writing and peer-reviewed publications. As this is a collaborative regional effort, the position involves frequent international travel to partner laboratories in Vietnam and across the GMS to facilitate technical transfer.
KEY TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Research Method Development
- Method Optimization: Development and optimization of new genomic methodologies specifically focusing on Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) workflows tailored for malaria molecular surveillance.
- Data Analysis: Join conducting genomic data analysis and translating complex data into actionable insights for the project.
2. Technical Transfer
- Training Delivery: Deliver hands-on laboratory training workshops for National Malaria Control Program (NMCP) staff and international scientific partners across the GMS countries.
- Technical Mentorship: Provide ongoing technical mentorship and troubleshooting support to regional partners to ensure the long-term sustainability of molecular genotyping within NMCP systems.
- On-site Support: Conduct frequent site visits to partner laboratories in Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia to troubleshoot workflows and oversee quality control.
3. Reporting and Scientific Communication
- Scientific Writing: Actively contribute to the drafting of research manuscripts for publication in high-impact peer-reviewed journals.
- Grants Writing and Reporting: Actively contribute to the development of technical project reports for funders and assist in the preparation of grant applications.
- General Support: Perform other project-related support tasks as required to ensure the success of the project objectives.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Essential
- Education: PhD in Genetics, Molecular Biology, or a related field (early-career researchers are encouraged to apply).
- Technical Expertise: Extensive experience in Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), with specific, proven expertise in Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) workflows.
- Scientific Track Record: A proven track record of publication involving the development or application of ONT methodologies in peer-reviewed journals.
- Analytical Skills: Experience in using R or similar bioinformatics tools to process and interpret genomic datasets.
- Communication: Ability to communicate complex technical information clearly to international partners. Candidates must be proficient in English for writing research manuscripts and delivering training sessions to NMCPs.
- Work Style: Self-motivated and detail-oriented, with the ability to work both independently and effectively within a team.
- Mobility: Willingness and flexibility to travel frequently to GMS partner countries (Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, etc.) for onsite training and laboratory support.
- Health and Safety: Evidence of Hepatitis B vaccination
Desired
- Practical experience with Illumina sequencing platforms in addition to ONT.
- Proven experience working within multi-partner international projects.
- Practical experience in technical knowledge transfer.
Candidates with the required qualifications but less experience may be considered for a Senior Research Assistant position.
BENEFITS
- Contracted salary grade: $ 2,090 - $2,186 gross per month
- Optional insurance: In-patient and out-patient medical coverage; Personal accident insurance coverage
- Two-month 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 Labor Law.
Department
Malaria Group
Hours of work
37.5 hours per week, extra hours may be required.
Tenure
Initially for 1 year, including a 2-month probation period, with the possibility of extension.
Reporting to
Dr. Nhien Nguyen - Vice Head of Malaria Group
Vacancy reference
JDHCM-0626-014
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 or by post to the following address:
Oxford University Clinical Research Unit
Laboratory of Clinical Science
Hospital for Tropical Diseases
764 Vo Van Kiet, Cho Quan Ward, HCMC
Email: [Confidential Information]
*** We thank all candidates for their interest but only short-listed applicants will be notified for interview.
Contact person: Ms Nguyen Thi Hong Phuc
Deadline for submission: 8 Jul 2026
