Science Advisor – Antimicrobial stewardship and infection prevention and control

About the position

We are seeking a Science Advisor with a background in designing and implementing antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) and/or infection prevention and control (IPC) programmes in healthcare facilities (including primary care). The Science Advisor will work together with the members of the ICARS team to assist in the development of ICARS’ portfolio of 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, agro-food and environmental sectors.

The Scientific Advisor will provide expert scientific advice and facilitate project implementation from conceptualization throughout the project life. 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
• Provide expert input into development and implementation of ICARS projects related to your technical area of expertise
• Work closely with the science, monitoring and evaluation 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
• Participate 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
• Identify and contribute to grant applications for funding
• 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
• Participate in building 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
• Archive all email communications and relevant documents according to Danish laws
• 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 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. ICARS follows the travel advise of the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and does operate in some countries where it is necessary to take specific measures to mitigate the local security situation. The applicant should take this into consideration when submitting their application.

This is a full-time position based in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Education and professional experience

• Advanced degree (MD, DVM, PhD or equivalency in work experience) in medicine, nursing or pharmacy
• Demonstrated applied experience in the design and implementation of quality improvement programmes for antibiotic stewardship and infection prevention and control at primary, secondary and/or tertiary level care
• Minimum 5 years professional experience in designing and conducting intervention and implementation research studies including using advanced research methods
• Experience in project management including planning, resourcing, allocating budget, monitoring and reporting
• Experience in initiating and maintaining partnerships with a wide range of stakeholders
• Training in public health or field epidemiology is an advantage
• Knowledge on evidence compilation such as systematic reviews and meta-analysis
• Demonstrated experience working with or in LMICs. Working experience from morel LMICs countries would be an advantage.
• Excellent command of written and spoken English
• Knowledge of Arabic, French, Portuguese or Spanish is considered an advantage

Personal characteristics

• 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
• 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

Terms of employment

The salary and appointment terms will be based on the collective agreement between the Danish Ministry of Taxation and relevant agreements, depending on the candidate’s educational background (anticipated classification as Special Consultant or Fuldmægtig). In addition, there can be additional allowances according to qualifications. The accepted candidate will relocate to Denmark: a relocation allowance is added and a relocation package will also be offered. Within the first year of employment approximately 35 leave days can be expected and it will increase to 40 days of leave the second year.

Further information

For further information about the position, please contact Science Team Lead, Annick Lenglet, at +45 30 91 22 35.