We are looking to recruit a post-doctoral research assistant to join a multi-disciplinary, multi-institute team focused on investigating the development of resistance to trypanocides. Trypanocides are used very widely in sub-Saharan Africa to control African Animal Trypanosomiasis (AAT). This BBSRC-funded project will focus on improving understanding of the development of resistance to trypanocides, through a combination of field epidemiolology, laboratory investigations and mathematical models of transmission, ultimately aiming to improve sustainable AAT control. This particular role will involve investigation of the epidemiology of resistance in field sites in Tanzania, including collection of targeted field data to quantify trypanocide use, assess resistance, and measure other epidemiological parameters.

The post-holder will be supervised by Dr Harriet Auty at SRUC but will also engage and work with the rest of the project team based at Roslin Institute, University of Glasgow, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine and Vector and Vector-borne Disease Institute in Tanzania.

We are looking for an individual with well developed research and analytical skills, plus the ability to work as an integral and co-operative member of a multi-disciplinary research team. The post-holder will have a PhD in veterinary epidemiology or a relevant subject, and demonstrated experience in designing, implementing and analysing field epidemiology studies. A degree in veterinary medicine would be advantageous, as would experience of working in a developing country environment. Excellent communication skills and the ability to develop effective working relationships with a range of people and across a range of disciplines are crucial to the role, as the post will require frequent interaction and liaison with our collaborators in the UK and overseas. The post-holder must possess excellent time management and organisational skills with the capability to achieve research objectives independent of day to day supervision.

This research position will be based in SRUC’s Epidemiology Research Unit in Inverness, but will require regular travel to Tanzania.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Dr Harriet Auty, harriet.auty@sruc.ac.uk

The salary will be in the region of £29,927 - £35,124 per annum and will be full time for a fixed term of 33 months. Interviews with shortlisted candidates will be held in Inverness or by videoconference (in the first instance) for international applicants.