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Research Program Manager in the Virology Unit

Deadline: September 13th 2024

The Institut Pasteur du Cambodge (IPC) is a Cambodian non-for-profit research institution established in 1953, IPC is today a scientific research establishment declared of public utility placed under the high patronage of the Ministry of Health of the Kingdom of Cambodia and under the responsibility of the Institute Pasteur on the scientific and technical levels. The IPC is a member of the Pasteur Network, which brings together over 30 institutes present on five continents. It shares the Pasteurian values and the ethical charter to which the Pasteur Institutes are bound. The IPC has around 300 employees, including about 30 expatriates of 22 nationalities and includes 5 research units. It carries out research activities in health biology, public health and service activities (Medical Biology Laboratory, vaccinations and water and food analyses) and training.

For over 25 years, the Virology Unit at IPC has been dedicated to biomedical research and surveillance, playing a crucial role in the prevention and control of viral diseases in Cambodia, Southeast Asia, and globally. The Unit’s activities focus on four key areas: (i) arboviruses (including dengue, Zika, chikungunya, and Japanese encephalitis), (ii) respiratory viral infections (such as seasonal influenza, avian influenza, COVID-19, and other respiratory viruses), (ii) zoonotic and emerging pathogens (e.g., coronaviruses, hantavirus, Nipah virus, and other emerging viruses), as well as (iv) rabies and other viruses (including enteroviruses and hepatitis viruses). Additionally, the Unit hosts several national and international reference centers and laboratories. The Virology Unit’s vision is to become a leading center for research on endemic, emerging, and zoonotic viruses in Southeast Asia, contributing to national and global efforts to control and prevent these diseases. Through One Health surveillance, mechanistic research, and the development of new prophylactics and therapeutics, the Unit aims to enhance its impact on public and animal health, particularly in response to emerging and zoonotic viruses.

We are seeking a highly organized and motivated Research Program Manager  to support the management of all projects within the Virology Unit at the Institut Pasteur du Cambodge.

 

Position Overview:

This position is critical for ensuring that all project goals are met, identifying the needs of the unit, and providing essential administrative and financial support. The successful candidate will report directly to the Head of Unit and play a key role in the management, coordination and smooth execution of research and operational activities, contributing to the overall success of the Virology Unit.

 

Recruitment conditions:

  • Position: Full-time.
  • Contract: The initial contract is offered for 1 year (renewable).
  • Start Date: Available to start as soon as possible.
  • Remote Work: Possibility to work remotely, subject to job role and management approval.
  • Benefits:
  • Private health insurance including family coverage and life insurance.
  • NSSF (Health Care, Occupational Risk, Retirement).
  • Khmer New Year and Pchum Ben Bonus.
  • Annual leave plus an additional day every three years.
  • Multicultural environment with staff from 22 nationalities.
  • Opportunities for growth and career advancement.

Main responsibilities:

  • Project Management:
    • Oversee and coordinate the execution of all projects within the Virology Unit, ensuring that project timelines, goals, and deliverables are met.
    • Monitor project progress, track milestones, and identify potential risks or issues that could impact project outcomes.
    • Support in implementing and managing systems for data collection, analysis, and reporting, especially in support of reference laboratory activities and ISO accreditation.
    • Work closely with the Virology Unit’s leadership and research teams to align project activities with the unit’s strategic goals.
  • Needs Assessment:
    • Provide comprehensive administrative support to the Virology Unit, including assistance and overseeing organizing meetings, managing communications, and maintaining project documentation.
    • Assist in the preparation of publications, reports, presentations, and other materials required for internal and external stakeholders.
  • Administrative Support:
    • Assist in managing project budgets, including tracking expenditures, processing invoices, and ensuring compliance with financial policies and procedures.
    • Work with the Grant Office and the Finance Department to prepare financial reports and forecasts, ensuring that project reporting is completed and projects remain within budget.
  • Collaboration & Communication:
    • Serve as a point of contact for project-related inquiries and communications within the Virology Unit.
    • Facilitate effective communication and collaboration between team members, external partners, and stakeholders to ensure the successful execution of projects.
  • Representation and Advocacy:
    • Represent the Virology Unit at meetings, conferences, and other professional engagements, both locally and internationally as needed.
    • Support public relations and communication strategies to increase visibility of the Virology Unit’s research.
    • Present project updates, research findings, and other relevant information to the Unit, stakeholders, partners, and the scientific community as needed.
    • Advocate for the needs and priorities of the Virology Unit and IPC in various forums, contributing to the broader goals of IPC and its mission.

Candidate Profile:

  • Qualifications:
    • Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Project Management, Public Health, Life Science or a related field.
    • Proven experience in project coordination or management, preferably within a research, public health, or related environment.
    • Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
    • Experience in financial management and budgeting within a project context.
    • Proficiency in project management software and tools such as Trello, Asana, and Microsoft Office Suite.

 

  • Skills:
    • Very good English language skills required, Khmer and French language skills desirable.
    • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
    • Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
    • Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work effectively under pressure.
    • Experience in data analysis, strategy planning, publication/report writing, and organizing scientific meetings is an advantage.
    • Strong presentation and public speaking skills, with experience representing organizations at conferences and meetings.

The complete application includes a cover letter – with salary expectations, copies of diplomas if any, work certificates, curriculum vitae with a recent photo, Identity Card photocopy – all certified documents to the originals – are to be sent to the Human Resources department of Institut Pasteur du Cambodge #5, Monivong Blvd, Phnom Penh or by email to: [email protected], phone number: 092 777 665.