Re-Advertise Medical Scientist (BEN Study), Local Position, Dili, Timor-Leste

Job Description

Re-Advertise Medical Scientist (BEN Study), Local Position, Dili, Timor-Leste

ABOUT MENZIES:

As one of Australia’s leading medical research institutes dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, and a leader in global and tropical research into life-threatening illnesses, Menzies School of Health Research continues to translate its research into effective partnerships and programs in communities across Australia and the Asia-Pacific region.

SUMMARY OF THE POSITION:

The Menzies Global and Tropical Health (GTH) Division is committed to tackling key areas of public health concern that impact on the health and wellbeing of people and communities across northern Australia and the Asia-Pacific region. With a focus on translational research, we shape our research program through close collaboration with a diverse range of healthcare providers, policy makers and researchers, to target priority health issues. Our aim is to find meaningful and relevant ways to improve the health of people in our region.

The Menzies Timor-Leste office manages several large projects, including the Fleming Fund Country Grant for Timor-Leste and the Bacteria Enteropathy and Nutrition (BEN) study with the Australian National University (ANU), as well as other smaller projects and partnerships running concurrently.

The BEN study aims to examine multiple risk factors to understand the relationship between foodborne gastrointestinal infections in Timorese children and subsequent malnutrition and stunting. The Project is funded until December 2027.

The Medical Scientist (BEN Study) will support Menzies’ work within the microbiology, molecular, and toxicology departments of the National Health Laboratory (NHL) with a focus on testing for enteric pathogens and safe laboratory practices, procedure, and proper use of containment equipment in this physical level 2 (PC2) Laboratory. They will work closely with all staff and contribute to routine microbiology testing, data collection, addressing quality control issues, assisting with the development of guidelines and protocols, and supporting capacity building and training for laboratory scientist within NHL. The Medical Scientist will also work with the veterinary laboratory scientist mentor to provide support to the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (VDL) as required.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

The following key responsibilities are not exhaustive and may include others as directed by the Supervisor at the Menzies School of Health Research Timor-Leste Office.

1. Participate in all Menzies’ activities to strengthen laboratory diagnostics, testing, quality assurance, biosafety, disease surveillance, and inventory control.
2. Assist the Senior Laboratory scientist and the Senior Laboratory Technical Advisor and NHL staff with the implementation and validation of new equipment installed in the NHL as part of the BEN project.
3. Assist in the development and use of protocols, data collection instruments, and guidelines in NHL relating to the BEN study.
4. Assist NHL staff with coordination of routine internal and external quality assurance (EQA) activities and development/revision of SOPs as required.
5. Support planning and management of laboratory supplies by assisting the Senior Laboratory Scientist with forecasting, stocktaking, and inventory control of reagents and consumables.
6. Contribute to efforts to strengthen the collaboration between clinicians at HNGV and medical scientists at NHL.
7. Contribute to approved Menzies research projects based in the NHL.
8. Participate in regular project meetings.
9. Build and maintain productive relationships and networks within the NHL to promote an understanding of Menzies’ work, and research, and to facilitate ongoing collaboration.
10. Working together with the Senior Laboratory Technical Advisor and the Veterinary Laboratory Scientist Mentor to support project activities at the National Health Laboratory and the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory as required.
11. Any other tasks as reasonably required by the supervisor (Senior Laboratory Technical Advisor), and/or project leads.

SELECTION CRITERIA:

1. Qualifications:Tertiary qualification in medical laboratory science and relevant experience in diagnostic microbiology, molecular biology, or toxicology laboratory
2. Essential Criteria:

• Fluent in Tetum and a working knowledge of English.
• Proven ability to establish and develop productive partnerships, manage sensitive issues, and maintain confidentiality.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and liaison skills
• Initiative, and strong problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated capacity to work independently without direct supervision, under broad direction, and as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Good organizational and time management skills and proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Hold or be able to obtain a National Police Clearance certificate.
• Understanding of and commitment to Menzies values, the principles of Equal Opportunity, and contributing to a safe and inclusive workplace

3. Desirable Criteria:

• Strong verbal and written English communication skills. Excellent time management skills, with the ability to perform multiple tasks and meet critical deadlines while maintaining accuracy and quality.

How To Apply:

To apply for this position, please refer to http://careers.menzies.edu.au/ and select / click on the Medical Scientist (BEN Study), Local Position, Dili, Timor-Leste role.

Applicants are required to provide the following support documents:

• Updated Resume/CV with three references
• Cover Letter
• A statement addressing the selection criteria
• Copy of Electoral/BI card
• Copy of Good behavior certificate (kelakuan baik)

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Closing date:  8th August 2025

Antonio Fernandes

HR Officer

Email: antonio.fernandes@menzies.edu.au

Menzies Timor-Leste is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse workplace and gender equality. Government employees recommended to seek support from immediate supervisor.

Antonio Fernandes

HR Officer