Job Title: Senior Research Scientist (TB Research)

Number of Positions: 1

Organization: Ifakara Health Institute
Funding Partner: Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute

Job Opening Date: 02 March 2026
Application Closing Date: 15 March 2026

Job Summary

The Ifakara Health Institute (IHI) is seeking a highly experienced and motivated Senior Research Scientist to lead and advance its Tuberculosis (TB) research portfolio. The successful candidate will provide strategic and scientific leadership in the conceptualization, implementation, and oversight of TB research activities.

This role involves leading multidisciplinary TB studies, mentoring junior scientists, securing research funding, and strengthening national and international research collaborations. The position is co-funded by the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, a long-standing research partner of IHI.

Key Responsibilities

Research Leadership & Scientific Excellence

Design, lead, and execute TB research projects, including clinical trials, clinical epidemiology, and laboratory-based studies.
Develop innovative research methodologies to address critical gaps in TB prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
Conceptualize and develop research proposals, study protocols, and trial budgets aligned with IHI’s scientific strategy.
Publish research findings in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals.
Present research results at national and international scientific conferences.
Translate research outcomes into actionable recommendations to inform public health policy and practice.

Collaboration & Partnerships

Collaborate with national and international research institutions, implementation partners, public health agencies, and funding organizations.
Build and maintain strong relationships with policymakers, health authorities, and community stakeholders.
Maintain and strengthen the TB research partnership with the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute.

Program & Grant Management

Lead and coordinate clinical and laboratory TB research teams.
Oversee project timelines, budgets, milestones, and deliverables.
Ensure full compliance with ethical, regulatory, and quality assurance standards.
Manage existing research grants and actively identify funding opportunities to sustain and expand the TB research portfolio.

Capacity Building & Mentorship

Supervise, mentor, and support junior researchers and scientists at IHI.
Contribute to IHI’s teaching and training programs.
Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and intellectually stimulating research environment.
Promote continuous professional development within the research teams.

Essential Qualifications

Medical Degree (MD) with a PhD in Microbiology, Epidemiology, Public Health, or a related field.

Required Experience

Minimum of 7 years’ experience in TB research with a strong publication record.
Demonstrated expertise in at least one of the following areas:
- TB epidemiology
- TB diagnostics
- Clinical trials for TB drugs or vaccine development
- TB immunology
Proven experience in designing, managing, and leading large-scale research projects.

Desired Skills & Competencies

Proven ability to secure competitive research funding.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
Excellent leadership, mentorship, and team-building capabilities.
Strong interpersonal skills with cultural sensitivity and the ability to work in diverse environments.
Ability to work effectively with multidisciplinary and international teams.

Language Requirements

Fluency in English and Swahili (spoken and written).

CLICK/HERE TO APPLY:

To apply for this job please visit recruitment.ihi.or.tz.

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