Scientific Advisor on Antimicrobial Resistance to ICARS, Copenhagen, Danemark

Are you committed to fighting antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in LMICs? Would you like to join a young institution motivated to make a positive global difference, mitigating AMR in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs)? The International Centre for Antimicrobial Resistance Solutions – ICARS – is expanding its team in Copenhagen with new scientific positions with a background in human or veterinary medicine, behavioural sciences, or public health.

About ICARS
The International Centre for Antimicrobial Resistance Solutions (ICARS), was established by the Danish government in 2018 with a mission to develop evidence-based solutions to mitigate antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) across the human, veterinary and environment sectors taking a One Health approach. Working in partnership with LMICs, ICARS use Intervention and Implementation Research to support LMICs in implementing their National Action Plans on AMR. ICARS is currently embedded within the Danish Ministry of Health but is transforming into an independent entity as a self-owned, self-governing institution (“selvejende institution”) within few months.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a new initiative at its inception. You will be part of a currently small but growing team that is developing the scientific and organisational foundation of ICARS. Our team is composed of enthusiastic international pioneers that believe in ICARS’ mission and are highly motivated to ensure its success

Please visit www.icars-global.org for more information.

About the position
The Scientific AMR Advisor will work together with other members of the ICARS team to assist in the development of ICARS’ portfolio of demonstration projects with LMICs, focusing on ensuring sound implementation strategies and taking into account behavioral and economic consequences of AMR mitigation, both in the human, veterinary and environmental sectors.

The Scientific Advisor will provide expert scientific advice and facilitate project implementation from conceptualization. Furthermore, the Scientific Advisor will represent ICARS at meetings with multiple stakeholders, build a global network of experts who can contribute to ICARS’ vision, mission and goals and assist in the production of independent evidence synthesis, assessments and reports in relation to AMR.

In close collaboration with other members of the team, you will:

• Develop and oversee study designs for AMR-mitigation across the One Health spectrum
• Work closely with the science and policy teams to evaluate the progress of the projects and identify opportunities to successfully deliver on the objectives
• Take part of the tasks of the science team including synthesize, analyse and assimilate data into reports for ICARS
• Assist in the production of independent evidence synthesis, assessments and reports within the AMR area
• Maintain a high level of awareness of scientific research on AMR-mitigation relevant to ICARS
• Represent ICARS at formal project working groups or boards as well as at conferences, workshops and networking events
• Be primary contact point for LMICs co-developing projects with ICARS
• Build a global network of experts who can engage with the programme and strengthen the knowledge of behavioral and economic implications of interventions related to AMR
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with relevant stakeholders, researchers and policy makers
• Undertake any other work that may be reasonably required from time to time.

In order to become our new Scientific Advisor, you must also be ready to travel as necessary (covid permitting) for the purposes of visiting partner LMICs, and to nurture, build and maintain networks of relationships with researchers, advisors and consultants for the purpose of delivering ICARS’ priorities.

We are also hiring at the moment for two more scientific positions: AMR Advisor with a veterinary background and AMR Scientific Advisor with a Behavioral Sciences background. Should you also be interested in one of those roles, please kindly apply for it separately, on its respective page.

Your background, professional and personal qualifications
We are looking for a person with a MD, PhD or MSc in human or veterinary medicine, or with equivalent experience, with a minimum of 3-5 years of applied research experience in AMR and experience in working with or in LMICs. Knowledge on evidence compilation such as systematic reviews and meta-analysis and field epidemiology is an advantage.

Professional skills:

The position requires experiences:

• from working with or in LMICs
• in conducting intervention and implementation research studies including using advanced research methods
• in project management including planning, resourcing, allocating budget, monitoring and reporting
• in initiating and maintaining partnerships with a wide range of stakeholders
• in working across science and policy
• in leading technical assessments and review of research.

Experience in cross-sector/One Health research is desirable.

Personal qualifications

• Excellent organisational skills with demonstrated ability to successfully manage competing priorities
• Evidence of ability to multi-task and manage a fluctuating and at times heavy workload
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to synthesise information conveying key points clearly and concisely
• Ability to work across global teams
• Proficiency in English (English is our working language)
• Strategic thinker with a global perspective
• Proactive and self-motivated
• Flexible, creative and enthusiastic with pioneer spirit
• Responsible and solution-focused
• Strong interpersonal skills with evidence of having developed and maintained effective stakeholder/working relationships

We offer
An exciting opportunity to join a new initiative in its inception. You will be part of a currently small but growing team that is developing the scientific and organisational foundation of ICARS. Our team is composed of enthusiastic international pioneers that believe in ICARS’ mission and are highly motivated to ensure its success.

Terms of employment
Depending on your educational background and level of experience, salary and appointment terms will be based on either:

• the collective agreement between the Danish Ministry of Finance and the Danish Federation of Professional Associations (AC) (Overenskomst for akademikere i staten)

or

• the collective agreement between the Danish Ministry of Finance and the Danish Medical Association (Overenskomst for Yngre Læger).

We are based at Statens Serum Institut in Copenhagen, Denmark.

This is a three-year full time position with the possibility of extension. The position is available as soon as possible.

Further information
For further information about the position, please contact Scientific Director Robert Leo Skov, at +45 2072 3291.

Application and recruitment process
Press “apply for the position” and submit your CV along with a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role and motivation for applying.

We expect to conduct interviews in week 23.

We are committed to cultivating a fair and healthy environment, where everyone can be themselves and thrive. We are happy to discuss flexible working options for all roles. We work to ensure that our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible to everyone. This includes making adjustments for people who have a disability or long-term condition.

The original job offer is available on this link.