Postdoc in Epidemiology – conducting a randomised controlled trial in West Africa

A position as postdoc (100% time) is vacant at the Bandim Health Project, OPEN, the Department of Clinical Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark. 

The position is limited to two years with the possibility of extension starting from early 2025.

The primary workplace will be at the Bandim Health Project field station in Guinea-Bissau, West Africa. 

Research tasks 

The candidate will be working on a randomised controlled trial (RCT) evaluating the overall health effect of providing a second dose of BCG vaccine with the third dose of diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP) containing vaccine at 14 weeks of age.

Expectations of qualifications 

There is accumulating evidence that vaccines - in addition to protecting against the targeted infections - have broader, non-specific effects on the immune system and alter the susceptibility to a wide range of infections. As reviewed by the WHO, the live BCG vaccine has been associated with strongly beneficial immune training effects that lead to increased protection from a broad range of pathogens. In contrast the non-live DTP vaccine has not been associated with similar benefits, and it may in fact increase girls’ susceptibility to other infections. This, however, may be mitigated if a live vaccine is given with DTP. 

We therefore seek a candidate interested in investigating if provision of a BCG vaccine with DTP is better for overall health than receiving DTP alone. This will be done in an RCT conducted at Bandim Health Project field station in Guinea-Bissau. The RCT is funded by the Independent Research Fund Denmark.  

We are looking for a candidate, who is interested in epidemiological vaccine research, who has a strong methodological background in epidemiological studies and statistical data analysis preferably documented through experience in analysing, and/or reporting epidemiological studies. It is an advantage to have experience working in Africa. 

You will join an ambitious research team. The main supervisor will be Professor Christine Stabell Benn, Bandim Health Project, University of Southern Denmark. 

The applicant who is hired must have a Ph.D.-degree and documented research experience.

Further information 

For further information please contact Professor and Chair, Christine Stabell Benn, e-mail: [email protected], phone: +45 25883964, Bandim Health Project and Danish Institute for Advanced Study, University of Southern Denmark.

Application deadline

December 01, 2024, at 23.59 hrs. (CET)

Salary and terms of employment

The Recruitment/Hiring takes place in accordance with the agreement between the Ministry of Finance and the Central Organisation of the Academics. 

Application

Applications must be submitted electronically using the link “Apply now” - see below.

We strongly recommend that you read How to apply for a position at SDU before you apply.

Only applications written in English will be accepted for evaluation.

The application must include (as PDF files) (please note that the application (the motivation letter) and CV must not exceed 10 MB in total):

• a motivation letter
• a detailed CV
• a copy of certificates/diplomas including evidence of acquisition of a PhD degree or equivalent
• a complete and numbered list of publications
• Up to 3 scientific peer-reviewed publications considered by the candidate as most important for this position. Please notice that one pdf-file must be attached for each publication.
• a teaching portfolio detailing the candidate’s prior teaching experience, teaching skills, and teaching philosophy
• a detailed description of research experience
• An explanation of other qualifications relevant to the position

Please note that all the above-mentioned information must be included in the application. 

Incomplete applications with regards to the above-mentioned requirements will not be assessed.

Applications may be shortlisted. 

References will be obtained for the applicant who is the first choice for the position - from the applicant’s most recent employer, and from previous employers as required.

Applicants selected for interview must expect to undergo a personality test specifically targeted work related matters.

If you experience technical problems, you must contact [email protected].