OHRECA seeks to improve the health of humans, animals and ecosystems through capacity development, strengthening of local, regional and global networks and provision of evidence-based policy advice on One Health in sub-Saharan Africa. The center has four thematic areas: control of neglected tropical zoonotic diseases, emerging infectious diseases, food safety and informal markets, and prevention and control of antimicrobial resistance.
S/he will work closely with the research team from One Health Research, Education and Outreach Center in Africa (OHRECA) at ILRI.
The overall objective of the PhD research is to study the epidemiology of Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) and determine socio-cultural factors that influence individuals exposure to emerging zoonotic pathogens in Burkina Faso. CCHF is one of the vector-borne infections whose geographical coverage is slowly expanding in the region due to climate change and variability. A number of outbreaks have been reported in humans in some of the countries in the region but there is limited knowledge on the extent of exposure in humans and animals, its risk factors and transmission patterns of the disease. This study will use One Health approaches to generate evidence that can be used to guide interventions including capacity building on preventative measures among the front-line staff.
Fellow Responsibilities
- Set-up a livestock-based sero-surveillance and monitoring of CCHF
- Develop research tools and protocols for bio-physical sampling and collection of meta data including socio-cultural data for risk factor analysis
- Carry out laboratory work including serology and molecular biology
- Lead field studies to collect data on disease occurrence, Knowledge Attitude and Practices (KAP) and capacity to respond to zoonotic disease outbreaks at the community level.
- Present findings of his/her research in meetings and scientific conferences
Requirements:
- Masters Degree in epidemiology, veterinary sciences, biology, biomedical sciences or related field
- Extensive knowledge on livestock production systems in West Africa, especially in Burkina Faso
- Ability and willingness to travel extensively in rural areas to conduct fieldwork
- Ability and willingness to work in large multidisciplinary teams
- Excellent verbal and writing skills in French and English
- Excellent data management skills
- Proficiency in data analysis and modelling software such as STATA and R
Burkinabe nationals are encouraged to apply
Location: Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso with field travel.
Application deadline February 15, 2021
