Our vision: To be Africa’s’ based beacon of excellence leading impactful research that drives innovation, policy and practice globally.
Our mission: To conduct high quality research and train the next generation of researchers and leaders to benefit health.
Job Purpose:
The Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) will provide scientific and operational leadership for the rotavirus and Shigella immunology components of the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Global Health Professorship programme, Characterising the Aetiology and Host Immunity to Diarrhoeal Infections in Africa (CAHIDA). The postholder will lead and oversee immunological studies designed to define humoral, cellular and functional immune responses to rotavirus and Shigella infection and vaccination, and to identify immune signatures associated with protection, susceptibility and vaccine performance. The PDRA will work across clinical, laboratory and analytical teams at the Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Programme (MLW), Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS), the University of Liverpool (UoL) and collaborating institutions. The role will combine laboratory immunology, immuno-epidemiology, data analysis, scientific leadership, supervision and capacity strengthening, with a strong expectation to generate high-quality publications and contribute to competitive grant applications.
Job Summary
- Type: full-time
- Location: Blantyre
- Category: Science & Research
- Closing Date: 2026-08-19
Key Responsibilities
- Working closely with the Principal Investigator and CAHIDA collaborators
- Provide scientific leadership for the rotavirus and Shigella immunology studies within CAHIDA.
- Design, optimise and implement studies investigating immune responses to natural infection and vaccination.
- Characterise cellular, humoral, mucosal and functional immune responses using contemporary immunological approaches.
- Lead multiparameter flow cytometry, Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs) stimulation and immune-phenotyping studies.
- Contribute to multiplex serology and functional antibody studies.
- Contribute to B-cell and T-cell immunosequencing and immune repertoire studies.
- Integrate immunological findings with clinical, epidemiological, vaccine and pathogen data to investigate mechanisms and correlates of protection.
- Supervise and mentor students, research assistants and laboratory scientists.
- Work with multidisciplinary collaborators in Malawi, the UK and internationally.
- Lead high-quality publications and presentations arising from the work and develop new research questions and contribute to fellowship and grant applications arising from CAHIDA.
Requirements
- PhD in Immunology, Infection Biology, Vaccinology, Microbiology or a closely related discipline, normally obtained within the previous five years.
- Strong research training in cellular and/or humoral immunology.
- Postdoctoral research experience in infectious disease or vaccine immunology.
- Formal training or substantial practical experience in flow cytometry, immunoassays, immunosequencing/immune-repertoire analysis, or bioinformatics quantitative analysis.
- At least 2 years experience working on enteric infections, particularly rotavirus and/or Shigella, or other mucosal pathogens.
- Practical experience with multiparameter flow cytometry and/or cellular immunology techniques.
- At least 2 years experience with PBMCs isolation, cryopreservation, cell stimulation and immune phenotyping.
- At least 2 years experience with serological/immunoassay platforms; experience with multiplex assays and functional antibody assays is desirable.
- At least 2 years experience analysing data using R, Stata or equivalent statistical software.
How to Apply
All documents must be combined into a single PDF file and named using the format: FirstnameSurnameRoleApplied. The email subject line should read: Postdoctoral Research Associate – Global Health and Diarrhoea Disease Research Group.
MLW recognizes its responsibility in safeguarding and protecting communities, research participants and patients it works with. Successful candidates will be requested to undergo a safeguarding check prior to appointment and on regular basis throughout employment.
ONLY SHORT-LISTED CANDIDATES WILL BE ACKNOWLEDGED.
About the Company
The Malawi–Liverpool–Wellcome–Research Programme (MLW) is a leading international health research centre operating primarily from Blantyre, Malawi. MLW is dedicated to conducting high-quality, ethically sound research focused on diseases and health issues critical to Malawi and the wider African region. Collaborating with local communities and global partners like the University of Liverpool and the Wellcome Trust, the programme aims to translate scientific discoveries into tangible health benefits. MLW also plays a significant role in nurturing scientific talent within Malawi through robust training and capacity-building initiatives, ensuring sustainable contributions to public health. Its work directly informs health policy and practice across the nation.
Advancing health through world-class research and training in Malawi.
Website: https://www.mlw.mw/
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the essential qualifications and educational background expected for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Global Health?
Typically, a PhD in a relevant field such as Public Health, Epidemiology, Infectious Diseases, or a related biomedical science is essential. Previous research experience, ideally within global health settings and involving diarrheal diseases, is highly valued for this role.
What would be the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a Postdoctoral Research Associate at MLW?
Daily tasks would involve designing and implementing research protocols, collecting and analyzing data, and contributing to scientific publications and grant applications. You would also be expected to mentor junior researchers and actively participate in team meetings and scientific discussions.
What is the typical work culture and professional environment like for researchers in Malawi, particularly within a program like MLW?
The work culture often emphasizes collaboration, respect for hierarchical structures, and strong community engagement, especially in health research. Punctuality, commitment to ethical research practices, and adaptability to local contexts are highly valued traits.
What are the realistic career progression opportunities for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in global health research in Malawi?
Successful postdocs can progress to senior research fellow positions, lead their own research projects, or secure faculty roles within academic or research institutions. Opportunities for international collaborations and further specialization in global health are also common growth paths.
What typical benefits can a Postdoctoral Research Associate expect, such as leave, medical aid, or pension schemes in Malawi?
Benefits often include a competitive salary, annual leave, and a comprehensive medical aid scheme, which may also cover dependents. Some institutions offer pension contributions, while others might provide professional development opportunities and research allowances.
What is the recommended application process for this role, and what do Malawian employers, particularly in research, look for in candidates?
Applicants typically submit a detailed CV, a cover letter outlining their research interests and experience, and academic transcripts. Employers in Malawi often seek candidates with strong analytical skills, a collaborative spirit, adaptability, and a genuine commitment to public health impact.