Research Academy Leader - Mahidol-Oxford Research Unit,

MORU TROPICAL HEALTH NETWORK

The Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU) aims to conduct research to improve the health, and reduce the infectious diseases burden of rural communities in Asia and elsewhere in the developing world. We develop effective and practical means of diagnosing, treating and preventing malaria and other neglected diseases such as rickettsial diseases, meliodosis, influenza and leptospirosis. MORU has a research and administrative hub within the Faculty of Tropical Medicine at Mahidol University in Bangkok, where there is a strong partnership between Mahidol University & the University of Oxford. The Programme has major sites beyond Bangkok at a number of other locations across Thailand, and in other low- and middle-income countries.

TEAM STRUCTURE:

This post is based at the Mahidol Oxford Research Unit (MORU) in Bangkok. MORU is a collaboration between Mahidol and Oxford Universities, principally funded by the Wellcome Trust. It’s objectives are to conduct research in tropical diseases with the aim of supporting the identification and treatment of these disease in Thailand and other countries. Our main administrative office and laboratories are embedded within the Faculty of Tropical Medicine, though most of our clinical studies and much of our laboratory work takes place in ‘up-country’ study sites. 

OVERVIEW OF THE POST:

The Discovery Research Academy Leader will be responsible for leading Thailand-based delivery of a new and exciting collaborative project between MORU in Thailand and Oxford University Clinical Research Unit (OUCRU) in Vietnam (and Indonesia).

The MORU and OUCRU Discovery Research Academy (herein referred to as “The Academy”) is a Wellcome-funded project aiming to support the career development of early career SEA researchers. The Academy will enroll early- and mid-career post-doctoral researchers from our networks across Asian LMICs to participate in bespoke workshops, have fully embedded mentorship from senior Wellcome Asia and Africa Programme scientists and grant writing experts to develop subsequent grant applications. They will have access to seed awards to generate preliminary data and collaborations that will support Wellcome applications. Our Academy goals are to empower Asian LMIC researchers to apply for Wellcome Discovery (and other) research awards, support local partners to develop their own research capacity, and grow a strong and engaged research community in the region.

The Discovery Research Academy Leader – Thailand will deliver the Academy programme in close collaboration with two other Discovery Research Academy Leaders based in Indonesia (OUCRU-ID) and Vietnam (OUCRU). The Academy Leader should be a PhD-holder wishing to diversify their skillset within a research support role.

The main areas of activities will include:

• Marketing and communication of The Academy across local and regional networks
• Engaging with Academy participants, trainers and mentors
• Designing and delivering Academy workshops
• Academy resource management
• Liaising with other Academy sites
• Monitoring and evaluation of the Academy
• Stakeholder reporting

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop a communications and recruitment strategy for the Academy both in-house, via local collaborators and regionally 
• Deliver the Academy workshop program including identification of trainers and mentors as appropriate
• Administer resources, including operational budgets and seed award allocation; and work with both internal staff and training vendors to develop and deliver training
• Monitor and evaluate Academy provisions to ensure continuous improvement
• Work effectively and communicate proactively with other Academy leaders, OUCRU management, key colleagues in HR and others as required
• Coordinate and attend Academy Secretariat meetings, and prepare reports for all key stakeholders

ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• PhD-holder in clinical medicine, life sciences, social sciences or similar
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills both in English and Thai
• Passionate in supporting capacity building within academic research
• Excellent time management and organizational skills
• Critical thinker with innovative problem-solving skills
• Highly computer literate with proficiency in MS Office and related business and communication tools

DESIRABLE SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• 1-3 years post-PhD experience in leading and managing research projects
• Experience in mentoring and training research staff
• Knowledge and experience of training methodology, or training course design, would be advantageous
• Experienced in building/maintaining local and regional networks

Terms & conditions

The post is based in Bangkok at the Mahidol Oxford Research unit (https://www.tropmedres.ac/).

The salary will be based on MORU scales and will depend on experience and qualifications.

The salary package includes: 

• 13th months of salary
• health and life insurance
• social Security
• provident Fund
• 20 days of annual leave

The successful applicant should have good communication skills. Interested applicants, please submit your application with detailed resumé and a cover letter explaining your suitability to the role to

Dr Leigh Jones

Regional Academic Training Leader for OUCRU and MORU

Centre for Tropical Medicine

Oxford University Clinical Research Unit

MORU’s Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

MORU is committed to creating an inclusive culture and a respectful environment, and values diversity and promoting equity for all its members. MORU does not tolerate any form of harassment or victimisation and expects all members, visitors and contractors to treat each other with respect, courtesy and consideration. Successful candidates are expected to adhere to these standards and principles.