Head-Research - Lepra Society (Apply by: December 22, 2015)

JOB DESCRIPTION
Head-Research, LEPRA Society, Blue Peter Public Health and Research Centre (BPHRC), Hyderabad

1. POSITION VACANT: Head-Research (HR), LEPRA Society, Blue Peter Public Health and Research Centre (BPHRC), Hyderabad

2. BACKGROUND:

LEPRA Society (LS) works in several states across India providing healthcare. Since 1988, LS has worked to restore health, hope and dignity to people affected by leprosy, tuberculosis, malaria, HIV and AIDS, blindness and other health conditions, exacerbated by stigma and social discrimination.

LS works in close collaboration and also lobbies with the Central and State Governments, to ensure equitable access to health and an improved life for India’s poor and marginalized communities. Currently working in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Delhi, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha,Telengana and Sikkim, the Society has a team of 320 staff in India.

LS established the Blue Peter Public Health and Research Centre (BPHRC) in 1999 and this state-of-art facility is recognized as a Scientific, Industrial & Research Organization (SIRO), by the Government of India. The goal of BPHRC is to carry out clinical and basic research into the pathogenesis, diagnosis and management of Leprosy, Tuberculosis and AIDS, thereby contributing to the knowledge of these diseases.

BPHRC has three Research Divisions, i.e. Microbiology, Clinical & Epidemiology and Immunology & Molecular Biology. Each Division is headed by a Group Leader, responsible for activities like training of Ph.D. students and garnering extramural research funds, apartr ftom the conduct of research work.

BPHRC is undergoing a transition phase, which includes re-positioning and organizational changes. The Head of Research is expected to oversee this change process, in alignment with the new LEPRA Global Strategy (2016-2020).

Please visit http://leprasociety.org/ to learn more about LS.

LS is an equal opportunity employer. It fosters a multicultural work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity. Women are encouraged to apply.

3. JOB DESCRIPTION/ RESPONSIBILITIES:

Reporting to Chief Executive, the Head of Research (HR) shall oversee all aspects of the BPHRC and providing consultative inputs and support to management for the evaluation of research programs, and dissemination of research findings and lessons to the organization’s stakeholders.

S/he will contribute to BPHRC’s work by bringing scientific institutions, academic communities and other researchers together to accelerate public health research work.

Key job responsibilities of the post holder in the areas of planning, research, management and communications are discussed in the paragraphas that follow.

A. Planning

(1) Provide leadership and expertise in the development of research strategy in line with LEPRA Strategy;
(2) Periodically assess laboratory infrastructure requirements;
(3) Maintain existing and/or develop new, funding sources, to implement the strategy and research activities;
(4) Identify and plan research projects that attract extramural funding and develop new techniques in research.

B. Research Activities:

(1) Coordinate research activity in clinical /immunology/microbiology divisions;
(2) Review and guide the research staff in research activities;
(3) Update and share research information with the Head Office;
(4) Represent LEPRA (BPHRC) at national and international symposia and seminars;
(5) Liaise with State and Central governments, NGOs and other research institutes, for updating research information;
(6) Collaborate closerly with management to ensure mutual understanding of research priorities.

C. Management Functions:

(1) Overall administration of BPHRC
(2) Manage the research team and keep them highly motivated;
(3) Identify staff training and personal development needs;
(4) Periodically evaluate the performance of staff;
(5) Ensure effective team communication throughout BPHRC by instituting suitable reporting systems; 
(6) Delivery of high quality research outputs and updates to management on various research projects.

D. Communications and Networking:

(1) Represent the organization at various forums, consortiums, symposiums etc.;
(2) Network with academics, public officials, partners, development sector organizations and think tanks;
(3) Collaborate with other research institutions for the development of new proposals and funding.

4. PERSON SPECIFICATIONS: 
   
Qualification:

MD, Ph.D. or post-graduate in Medical or Life Sciences, or equivalent.

Experience:

Applicants must have a minimum of 10 years research experience in reputed, large or medium- sized research, or academic institutions. 

Core Skills and Competencies:

(1) Strong leadership skills to lead a large organization;
(2) Excellent teamwork skills;
(3) Excellent written and verbal communication skills with good computer skills;
(4) Proven ability to interact with cross functional teams.

5. COMPENSATION OFFERED:

The gross annual remuneration budgeted for the position ranges fropm Rs. 12 to 15 lacs. Offers shall be commensurate with the qualifications, experience and salary history, of the selected candidate.

6. LOCATION: Hyderabad, Telanagana

7. REFERENCE: HR-LS

8. CONTACT INFORMATION:

Senior Consultant, 
Strategic Alliance Management Services P Ltd.
1/1B, Choudhary Hetram House, Bharat Nagar
New Friends Colony, New Delhi 110 025 
Phones: 011-2684-2162; 011-4165-3612; 011-4101-1564 and 011-4101-1565
Email: hr-ls@sams.co.in  

9. LAST DATE FOR APPLICATIONS:

Eligible candidates interested in this position are requested apply to hr-ls@sams.co.in with a cover letter, discussing their interest in and suitability for the position, along with an updated resume, giving details of three references, current cost to organisation and expected compensation, by or before December 22, 2015. For further details please visit www.sams.co.in or http://leprasociety.org/.