Entomologist, Onchocerciasis and Lymphatic Filariasis Program At Carter Center

Summary:

The Carter Center, a non-governmental organization providing technical and financial support to the Ministry of Health for the implementation of the Onchocerciasis and Lymphatic Filariasis Elimination Program, is seeking candidates with academic backgrounds for the position of Entomologist.

The Entomologist of the Onchocerciasis/Lymphatic Filariasis Program will play an essential role in the understanding of the populations of vectors transmitting Onchocerciasis (river blindness) and Lymphatic Filariasis in Chad. This position involves fieldwork, laboratory analysis, and collaboration with public health officials to plan, implement, and report on entomological assessments.

The Entomologist will be based in N’Djamena, with approximately 50% of travel to the provinces assisted by the Carter Center. The position is directly supervised by the Senior Country Representative.

Key Responsibilities

1.Vector Monitoring

• Design and implement vector surveillance programs to monitor populations of RC-transmitting blackflies and FL-transmitting mosquitoes.
• Carry out field collections and identify blackfly and
• using morphological and molecular techniques.
• Analyze data on vector density, distribution, and behavior to assess the risk of transmission.

2. Data Analysis and Reporting

• Entomological data management and analysis using statistical software.
• Prepare detailed reports on the vectors of their findings and implications for the control of the Onchocerciasis Programme.
• Present data and ideas for stakeholders, including programme officers, health authorities, and international partners.

3. Support and Implementation Program:

• Collaborate with program staff to develop and refine vector control strategies.
• Support the implementation of interventions such as insecticide-treated fabric nets and environmental management.
• Train and mentor field staff and local teams in collection and identification techniques and the use of appropriate and available remote sensing tools to assist in evaluation.

4. Research and Development

• Conduct applied research to improve vector control methods and strategies.
• Stay up to date on the latest scientific research and advances in technology, entomology and vector control.
• Publish research results in scientific journals and contribute to the development of new guidelines and practices.

5. Collaboration and Coordination

• Work closely with Carter Center technical staff and program managers to integrate entomological data into the broader context of the strategy program.
• Engage with local communities to educate and promote participation in vector control efforts.
• Coordinate with national and international organizations involved in the elimination of onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis.

6. Professional Development:

• Maintain professional growth and self-development through the identification of education and training programs, professional organizations, activities and resources to maintain knowledge of national trends and promote cutting-edge expertise.

7. Policies and Procedures:

• Ensures compliance with all organizational policies and procedures.

8. Others.

• Assume related responsibilities as required.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Entomology, Public Health or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in vector-borne disease entomology.
• Experiment with blackflies and mosquito vectors.
• Field and laboratory experience, including sample analysis and statistical software**.**

Preferred qualifications, Specialized knowledge, skills, attributes:

• Fluency in English highly appreciated.
• Proficiency in Microsoft
• Competence in the identification and handling of vector species.
• Strong analytical skills and experience with statistical data analysis.
• Excellent verbal communication skills.
• The experience of vector dissection and the performance of PCR and qPCR.
• PhD in entomology, public health, or a related field.
• Excellent oral and written communication, skills, with the ability to convey complex data, ideas for non-technical stakeholders.
• Organizational skills and time management skills.
• Strong understanding of public health strategies and global health issues, particularly those relevant to sub-Saharan Africa.
• Excellent analysis, communication and interpersonal skills, ability to work effectively in multicultural contexts.
• Familiarity with neglected tropical diseases.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary and multicultural teams, to foster positive and productive work of the environment.