This position is for a skilled and motivated postdoctoral scientist to establish and manage a vector control tool assessment programme for Papua New Guinea and the wider South Pacific region. The project is called Newly Adapted Tools and Network Against Mosquito-borne Disease Transmission (NATNAT), and is funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade via the Innovative Vector Control Consortium.

The position will be contracted by James Cook University or the Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research (PNGIMR), by negotiation with the preferred candidate to be seconded full-time to PNGIMR. The postdoctoral scientist will be based full-time at the PNGIMR Vector-borne diseases unit in Madang, PNG and manage a mid-size team of scientific officers and technicians. PNGIMR is a well-known research institution with a strong focus on vector-borne diseases research. More information about PNGIMR can be found here: https://www.pngimr.org.pg/.

The postdoctoral scientist will be expected to independently and with guidance from the principal investigators, establish and manage various stages of the new vector control tool assessment facilities including insectary, mosquito tunnel system, ambient chambers and experimental huts. The position includes designing and overseeing the building of some of these facilities as well as coordinating the implementation of pilot VCT evaluation trials in village-settings.

Applicants at all postdoctoral levels are encouraged to apply. The successful candidate will have a PhD in a discipline related to vector-borne diseases (malaria, arbovirus) with a strong preference for applicants who can demonstrate experience in leading laboratory and field-based mosquito entomology studies and vector control tool assessment studies. Previous experience working in developing country environments will be beneficial.

The position start date will be as soon as possible. Duration of the fixed-term contract will be from approximately April 2020 to June 2023.