Senior Research Assistant (Genomics, Malaria)

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 Senior Research Assistant to serve as a key team member in developing innovative genomic methods and delivering technical training to our regional partners. This role involves hands-on laboratory work, genomic data analysis, high-level scientific communication (including grant reporting and peer-reviewed publications), and frequent international travel across the GMS to facilitate technology transfer.

KEY TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Research Method Development

• Method Optimization: Develop and optimize new genomic methodologies, specifically focusing on Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) workflows tailored for malaria molecular surveillance.
• Data Analysis: Participate in analyzing genomic datasets generated across the project.

2. Technical Transfer and Capacity Building

• Training Delivery: Join the core team to deliver hands-on laboratory training workshops for NMCP staff and scientific partners in GMS countries.
• Technical Mentorship: Provide ongoing technical mentorship and troubleshooting support to regional partners to build sustainable molecular genotyping capabilities.
• On-site Support: Conduct site visits to partner laboratories in Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and other partner regions to troubleshoot workflows and maintain quality control.

3. Project Reporting and Scientific Communication

• Scientific Writing: Actively contribute to drafting research manuscripts for publication in high-impact peer-reviewed journals.
• Grants Reporting: Assist in preparing progress reports and documentation for project funders.
• General Support: Perform additional project-related tasks as required to support overall team objectives.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Essential

• Education: MSc or recently completed PhD in Genetics, Molecular Biology, or a related field.
• Technical Expertise: Extensive practical experience in Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), with specific expertise in Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) workflows.
• Scientific Track Record: Proven track record of peer-reviewed publications involving the development or application of genomic methodologies.
• Analytical Skills: Experience in R or similar bioinformatics tools to process, analyze, and interpret genomic data.
• Communication: Excellent written and spoken English skills for writing manuscripts, presenting findings, and conducting international training sessions.
• Work Style: Highly self-motivated, detail-oriented, and effective both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Mobility: Willingness and flexibility to travel internationally across GMS partner countries for training and on-site support.
• Health and Safety: Evidence of Hepatitis B vaccination.

Desired

• Practical experience with Illumina sequencing platforms in addition to ONT.
• Prior experience working in multi-partner international scientific collaborations.
• Proven experience in technical knowledge transfer and lab training delivery.

Candidates with the required qualifications but less experience may be considered for a Senior Research Assistant position.

BENEFITS

• Contracted salary grade: $ 1,709 – $ 1,986 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-1026-019

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: 20 Nov 2026