Vector Product Development Associate at Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine

• As part of the Vector Control Professional Placement Programme, funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, we are looking to offer a 12-month placement for Vector Product Development Associate. The programme aims to identify and place qualified researchers already working in vector control at African research institutes with established vector control manufacturers, to offer hands-on experience in a range of aspects of product development.
• This will be an opportunity to contribute directly to the development of global health interventions and provide a platform to develop cross-sectorial relationships and information exchange between the companies and African research partners.
• Following completion of the programme, researchers will be expected to return to their institutions to enhance understanding and capacity building and help stimulate African led innovations to combat vector borne disease.

Responsibilities
Each placement will differ slightly depending on the host company, their processes and what their development focus is, but applicants should expect placements to include:
Product Development

• The successful candidate will be integrated into a team working on the host company’s vector control current product portfolio (i.e. PermaNet product). This may include relevant experience in key stages of the product life cycle from product life cycle management, business planning to determine the commercial viability of a product, product safety, regulatory affairs, quality assurance and quality control systems and user-centred design principles.
• Potential to work on larger specific projects related exclusively to the PermaNet current product portfolio. These projects will be developed and agreed between the applicant and the host company to reflect development goals and build on existing skillsets.

Professional Development

• The placement will provide support for applicants to enhance interpersonal skills within project management, communications, leadership, teamwork and critical decision making.

Requirements
To be considered for this opportunity, applicants must possess the following:

• You must be currently working in vector control at a reputable African research institute (please note that if you are not currently in employment in a reputable African research institute, you would not be eligible to apply for this post)
• A Master of Science and/or Doctor of Philosophy in a relevant field
• Be able to effectively communicate in English
• Have a solid scientific background in vector control
• Be a team player and enjoy working closely with other developers and stakeholders
• High standards of accuracy and attention to detail

Remuneration
Participation in the Vector Control Product Development Partnership Programme offers a range of benefits to researchers including:

• A fully funded placement with a locally competitive salary and health insurance
• Relocation costs and flights, accommodation, visas and childcare allowance
• The opportunity to develop in-demand skills in vector control product development, business planning, quality assurance and regulatory affairs
• Networking opportunities with local and international researchers
• Bespoke training provided by LSTM on soft-skills and independent mentoring support

Application Process
Required
To be considered for this post, please submit your application via the LSTM careers site. You will be required to upload your full academic CV as part of the application process and will need to upload the following documents:

• A letter of interest in response to a specific partnership placement description with details of your skills, experience and interest in the placement
• One letter of recommendation from your Director or Line Manager at your home institute providing approval for you to be seconded to the programme
• A second letter from another individual in your professional network (e.g. a mentor or colleague) is desirable but not essential