Junior Scientist and BLS3 Scientific Manager for the Virology Unit

Deadline: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the ideal candidate is found. The position is open to start as soon as possible.

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 33 institutes present on five continents. It shares the Pasteurian values and the ethical charter to which the Pasteur Institutes are bound. The IPC has more than 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.

IPC is seeking a motivated Junior Scientist with a focus on virology to join the Virology Unit. This position will dedicate 70% of the time to research activities related to viruses of high consequence, such as those in the Rhabdoviridae, Picornaviridae, Paramyxoviridae, Filoviridae, or Reoviridae families, or other viruses of high consequence. The remaining 30% of the time will be allocated to managing the BSL3 laboratory as a Scientific Manager, ensuring the highest standards of biosafety and biosecurity within the facility.

This is a unique opportunity for a junior scientist to develop expertise in virology research and laboratory management, with the expectation that the candidate will significantly contribute to the research unit’s goals and their salary through successful grant applications after the first year.

• Position: Full-time.
• Contract: An initial one-year contract (renewable based on performance and funding).
• 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.

• Research and Scientific Development (70%):
• • Scientific Leadership: Lead and direct high-impact research projects focused on viral diseases, including those caused by Rhabdoviridae, Picornaviridae, Paramyxoviridae, Filoviridae, Reoviridae, and/or other viral families of high consequence. Provide strategic direction to research efforts within the Virology Unit, ensuring that projects align with global One Health priorities and contribute to the broader mission of the Institut Pasteur du Cambodge.
  • Research Development: Design and implement innovative research methodologies, ensuring that experimental designs are robust and yield meaningful results. Focus on developing research that can drive One Health interventions, particularly in the context of Southeast Asia, where emerging and re-emerging viruses present significant challenges.
  • Laboratory Expertise: Utilize advanced laboratory techniques in molecular biology, tissue culture, serology, and sequencing, with work in a BSL3 level environment. Lead the development and optimization of experimental protocols, ensuring that the highest standards of laboratory practice are maintained. Oversee the integration of new technologies and methods to enhance the unit’s research capabilities.
  • Data Management: Oversee the analysis and interpretation of complex data sets, utilizing advanced statistical and computational tools. Ensure that data management practices are robust and that findings are accurately interpreted to guide decision-making processes within research projects. Promote the use of cutting-edge data analysis techniques to derive significant insights from experimental results.
  • Collaboration & Networking: Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with national and international partners, including scientific communities, One Health authorities, and other stakeholders. Promote the exchange of knowledge and collaboration across research initiatives, ensuring that the Virology Unit remains at the forefront of virological research globally.
  • Dissemination of Research: Ensure that research findings are effectively communicated through scientific publications, reports, and presentations. Advocate for research priorities that align with global and regional One Health needs, and contribute to the dissemination of knowledge that can inform policy and practice.
  • Mentorship & Supervision: Provide guidance and mentorship to postdocs, students, technicians, and other team members. Contribute to the professional development of staff and the smooth execution of research projects. Foster a collaborative and supportive environment that encourages continuous learning and improvement.
  • Staff Management & Capacity Building: Assist in the management and capacity building of the Virology Unit’s staff, focusing on enhancing technical skills, fostering professional growth, and ensuring continuous improvement in research capabilities. Develop and implement training programs, workshops, and other initiatives to build the expertise and competencies of the team, ensuring that the unit remains a leader in virological research.
  • Funding & Resource Management: Identify funding opportunities, prepare grant proposals, and manage research budgets to secure the resources necessary for sustaining and expanding the Virology Unit’s research activities. Actively seek new funding streams to support ongoing projects and the development of new research initiatives.
• BSL3 Scientific Management (30%):
  • Oversee daily operations of the BSL3 laboratory, ensuring compliance with all biosafety and biosecurity protocols.
  • Promote a culture of safety and ensure that all laboratory activities are conducted in accordance with institutional and international biosafety guidelines.
  • Develop and deliver biosafety training programs for personnel working in the BSL3 laboratory and ensure continuous adherence to best practices.
  • Help to instigate, lead, and conduct risk assessments. Collaborate with Unit Heads and researchers to assess and manage biosafety risks specific to their activities, ensuring a safe working environment throughout the institute.
  • Support the integration of ISO35001:2019 within the BSL3 facility. Work to maintain and improve the facility’s certification, ensuring ongoing compliance with global biosafety norms.
  • Work closely with other scientific and administrative units to ensure seamless operation of the BSL3 facility, contributing to the institute’s broader research goals. Provide regular reports on BSL3 operations, biosafety training outcomes, and risk assessments to senior management, ensuring transparency and accountability in all aspects of laboratory management.

• Qualifications: Doctoral degree in Virology, Microbiology, or Infectiology (or related fields) completed, candidates who also have a pharmacist or medical degree will be highly appreciated.
• Experience: Minimum of 3 years of postdoctoral experience with a proven track record of leadership in scientific research, particularly in virology or related fields. Proven experience in handling viruses in a BSL3 environment and using animal models in BSL2/BSL3 settings is highly desirable.
• Laboratory Expertise: Experience in BSL3 laboratory settings, including viral isolation, experiments with animal models, and cell culture techniques. Previous management of a BSL3 facility and/or certification in biosafety management is desirable.
• Mentorship & Management: Ability to mentor and attract Masters, Ph.D., and postdoctoral trainees is ideal.
• Funding & Project Management: Demonstrated ability to attract and execute funded research projects, with proven experience in managing research budgets, including financial planning, resource allocation, and ensuring compliance with funding requirements.
• Language: Very good English language skills required, French language skills desirable.
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, with the ability to effectively disseminate complex scientific information to diverse audiences.
• Collaborative Approach: A team player with the ability to foster collaboration and build strong partnerships both internally and externally.
• Adaptability: Ability to adapt to changing research landscapes and to lead teams through challenges in dynamic environments. Successful professional experience in a resource limited setting a plus.

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– 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: +855 92 777 665.