Post-doctoral Research Assistant

Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine - Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust

This PDRA post will be based at the Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust (MLW) in Blantyre, Malawi. Funded jointly by the Centres for Disease Control (CDC) and the Wellcome Trust Global Health Bioethics Network. The post holder will take the lead on social science research on vaccine response (VACCEPT) and supporting a group of researchers merging research with practice in community engagement and bioethics.

MLW is an internationally leading health research institution led by Malawian & International Scientists, pursuing scientific excellence and improving the health of people in sub-Saharan Africa. MLW has maintained partnership with the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM), College of Medicine at the University of Malawi, the University of Liverpool and our major funder the Wellcome Trust.

The CDC funded project, VACCEPT will explore non-routine vaccine response to maternal flu vaccine in rural Malawi. The successful candidate will work in collaboration with members of the multi-disciplinary flu vaccine team at MLW to develop a portfolio of social science studies on vaccine acceptability in resource-poor settings. Working in collaboration with members of the Communication of Science and Social Science team and partner research organisations the post holder will contribute to the team’s extensive research, the results of which will contribute to the strengthening of ethical field and hospital practice at MLW.

A PhD in health or a health-related social science discipline, or equivalent, will be essential for the role. Experience of working in health or development in a middle or low income country and conducting research in social sciences and international health will be vital. The successful candidate will require a diplomatic approach and excellent communication skills as the role will involve working with a range of people in a multicultural and multidisciplinary research environment. The post additionally offers opportunities to develop independent postdoctoral research aligned to the social science strategy at MLW.

The Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine is an internationally recognised centre of excellence for research in tropical diseases. Through the creation of effective links with governments, organisations and institutions and by responding to the health needs of communities, LSTM aims to promote improved health, particularly for people of the less developed / resource poorest countries in the tropics and sub-tropics.