The Project Research Manager will be responsible for the day-to-day planning, coordination, and oversight of both field and laboratory components of the project. This role is essential in ensuring seamless operations across multiple workstreams, including microbiological sample processing, field data collection, and stakeholder engagement.
Responsibilities
Lead the execution of project activities, ensuring adherence to approved protocols, timelines, and quality standards. Coordinate operational workflows between the field and laboratory teams to support integrated project delivery.
Oversee the setup and day-to-day functioning of the fully equipped molecular lab at iCCH. Ensure laboratory protocols and SOPs are properly maintained and implemented, particularly for the handling of biological (stool) and environmental (water) samples.
Field Team Supervision and Coordination: Manage and support field staff, including work planning, task allocation, training, and performance monitoring. Ensure high-quality data and sample collection from participants within the Chakaria HDSS area.
Develop and implement a robust community engagement strategy to encourage household and population-level participation. Maintain respectful, ethical, and productive relationships with community stakeholders to foster trust and collaboration.
Serve as the key liaison among icddr,b (Dhaka office), the Wellcome Sanger Institute, and other collaborators such as the Molecular Ecology and Metagenomics (MEM) Laboratory. Facilitate effective and timely communication to support collaborative planning, problem-solving, and decision-making.
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting: Establish and maintain project monitoring systems to track implementation progress, identify challenges, and support adaptive learning. Prepare and deliver periodic progress reports and updates to the PI and funding partners as required.
Coordinate and deliver training programs for field and laboratory personnel to build capacity in climate and microbial health research. Foster a learning environment that supports continuous skill development and professional growth.
Ensure all project activities comply with icddr,b's guidelines on biosafety, research ethics, and data protection. Oversee ethical handling, storage, and shipment of biological samples to ensure traceability and regulatory compliance.
Proactively identify operational risks and field-level challenges. Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies to ensure project continuity and integrity.
Requirements:
MBBS or Master's degree in public health/medical sciences/biological sciences with strong academic credentials.
An advanced degree in biosafety and bioethics, sample collection, storage, transportation, and processing of biological and stool samples is desired but not mandatory.
A minimum of 5 to 8 years of experience in field management, laboratory management, biobanking, or biospecimen science and project implementation is advantageous. Candidates directly involved in climate change and health-related projects will have an added advantage.
