Job Title : Bioinformatician - Polio Lab
Location : Pakistan
Company : United Nations Pakistan
Salary :
Open Date : 2023-05-29
Close Date : 2023-09-29

Purpose of the post: To assist the WHO Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication Initiative, including providing support to the National Emergency Operation Center’s (EOC), in the management of data obtained from: regional reference Laboratory, Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) Surveillance as well Supplementary Immunization Activities (SIAs) and other PEI activities aimed at interrupting the polio virus. The position will strengthen the Information Management to continues to respond to the growing needs of the Programme by developing time-bound milestones for each quarter in support of attaining the National Emergency Action Plan’s 2021 – 2026 goals.

Purpose of the post: To assist the WHO Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication Initiative, including providing support to the National Emergency Operation Center’s (EOC), in the management of data obtained from: regional reference Laboratory, Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) Surveillance as well Supplementary Immunization Activities (SIAs) and other PEI activities aimed at interrupting the polio virus. The position will strengthen the Information Management to continues to respond to the growing needs of the Programme by developing time-bound milestones for each quarter in support of attaining the National Emergency Action Plan’s 2021 – 2026 goals.

The Biostatistician will strengthen the laboratory data Management Unit to improve its sensitivity for measuring the Programme’s success, identifying its shortfalls, and providing the platform for effective and efficient program strategies and productive output of its activities.

Organizational context: Under the technical supervision of the Polio Laboratory Coordinator, and overall supervision of the Coordinator Polio Eradication, the incumbent is expected to:

1. Perform downstream bioinformatics analyses of data generated through different platforms including Sanger sequencing, Oxford Nanopore Technology, and Illumina using community-accepted or independently verified bioinformatics tools and development of scientific workflows using Snake make, and NextFlow for high throughput analyses.

2. Construct reproducible pipelines and workflows for the analysis of Sanger and Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) based analysis of viral genomes using open-source algorithms and pipelines by employing Python/Perl/R & UNIX Advanced Bash scripting.

3. Construction of phylogenetic trees using advanced level tools such as BEAST, IQTree, TreeTime, Augur Phylogenetics suite, Nextstrain etc.

4. Develop NGS-based protocols for targeted whole genome and metagenome sequencing of viral pathogens mainly poliovirus and non-polio enteroviruses.

5. Responsible for the maintenance and curation of genomic databases related to enteroviruses including poliovirus.

6. Maintain quality control and quality assurance of molecular procedures performed at the National Polio Laboratory to ensure accuracy in results and compliance to the standards set by the GPLN (Global Polio Lab Network).

7. Develop technical reports based on data analyses using appropriate visuals to effectively communicate findings.

8. Support the NEOC regarding risk analysis, risk categorization twice a year for district & sub-district level and also for Risk assessment for cVDPV2 and WPV1.

9. Any other duties assigned by the Monitoring and evaluation unit, , National Team lead for Polio and/or NEOC.

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics, Statistics, Bio-science, Mphil or MS degree in Bioinformatics, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Virology, or equivalent from HEC recognized institute/university

2. Professional experience in analyzing viral genome data including phylogenetics and maintaining genomic workflows.

Functional skills and experience:

1. At least one years’ experience in data management for PEI or public health establishment or a large-scale enterprise.

2. Proficiency with UNIX-based systems and relevant programming languages such as python, R.

3. A good understanding of NGS sequencing platforms and technologies used for viral pathogen genomics is a pre-requisite.

4. Working knowledge of statistical software, such as Epi Info, SPSS, or others.

Competencies

1. Demonstrates technical knowledge and expertise in area of work.

2. Maintains integrity and always takes a clear ethical approach and stance.

3. Demonstrates accountability for work.

4. Promotes the Organization’s position in health leadership.

5. Demonstrates engagement and ensures own skills and knowledge are continuously updated.

6. Works collaboratively with team members and counterparts to achieve results; encourages cooperation and builds a rapport; helps others when asked; accepts joint responsibility for the teams’ successes and shortcomings.

Languages:

Ability to communicate clearly in the English language, orally and in writing. Knowledge of Pakistani local languages will be an advantage.

NOTE:

• Please update your P-11 form prior to apply for the position. Profiles with incomplete/not updated information of professional history and qualification will not be entertained.

• Female applicants having required relevant qualification and experience are highly encouraged to apply.

Apply This Job