Sunday 26 February 2012

Jobs at Medical Research Council / Uganda Virus Research Institute

Job Title: Social Scientist / Deputy Head of Social Science ProgrammeMedical Research Council - MRC/UVRI Uganda Research Unit on AIDS

Salary: £35,935 - £43,914 per annum, (plus overseas allowances).

The MRC/UVRI Uganda Research Unit on AIDS is searching for a suitable candidate to participate in the implementation of a research portfolio of social science studies in the context of HIV infection and related chronic diseases in Uganda. He/she will work closely with the Head of Programme, Prof Janet Seeley, with scientists based in other programmes of the Unit, including the epidemiological and prevention programme, the HIV care programme, the basic science programme and with colleagues from collaborating academic institutions. Current activities of the programme are mainly based in Entebbe, at two sites of Masaka district about 120 kms from Entebbe, and in Kampala.

The post holder will continue with ongoing research, but will also have an opportunity to develop a programme of research related to his/her own interests within the frame of the Unit's disease focus. Whilst the 50% of the programme is funded until 2017, he/she will be expected to prepare new grant applications to secure additional funding for the programme. The post holder will be responsible for the timely publication of research results in collaboration with other staff of the Unit. He/she will participate in the development of the research capacity of the junior socials scientists including PhD students.

The successful candidate will have a PhD degree or equivalent in social science or a related field. He/she will have at least 3 years of professional experience in social science research both scientifically and managerially, using both qualitative and quantitative research techniques. He/she will have a track record of relevant research publications in peer-reviewed journals, with a focus on HIV infection and AIDS. The successful applicant will have experience in grant application and implementation. He/she will experience in working with a multidisciplinary team of scientists and other staff. Experience in postgraduate teaching and in the training of junior scientists including PhD students is desirable. Good interpersonal, organizational and communication skills are also essential, as are excellent knowledge of written and spoken English, and working experience in developing countries, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Experience in working with rural populations and high-risk behaviour groups will be an added advantage. The post holder will need frequently to visit field stations and rural activities.

For displaced staff the package will also include generous overseas allowances, furnished accommodation, flights and other benefits. The post will be for initially 3 years extendable by mutual agreement. Benefits include a flexible pay and reward policy, excellent holiday entitlement, MRC final salary pension scheme.

Applications are handled by the RCUK Shared Services Centre; to apply please visit our job board at https://ext.ssc.rcuk.ac.uk and complete an online application form. We want to make our application process as easy for you as we possibly can. If you experience any problems in applying for this job, or have any feedback for us about the application process, please contact our Recruitment Hotline on               01793 867406       (8.00am - 7.00pm Monday to Friday and 9.00am - 1.00pm Saturday).  Please quote the appropriate IRC reference number when calling.

Closing date: 23 March 2012

The MRC is an Equal Opportunities Employer
Final appointments will be subject to a pre employment screening