Job Vacancies

Human Resource Manager

The PNG Institute of Medical Research is a statutory authority of the Government of Papua New Guinea. Its mission is to conduct research into the major health problems of PNG and support the development of health services. The Institute is calling for qualified and experienced applicants for the position of Human Resource Manager.

The appointee will provide strategic human resources management advice and support in the implementation of the overall human resource management functions of the institute.

Job Specific Criteria

  • Post graduate qualifications in Business Administration/HR Management with over 6 + years experience in a similar role
  • Training & experience in change management advantageous
  • Demonstrated understanding of human nature & their motivations
  • Strong negotiation, communication & interpersonal skills
  • Drive & implement HR programs consistent with the Institute’s corporate plans and & objectives.
  • Membership of a professional body advantageous
  • Demonstrate strong leadership abilities in mentoring and coaching staff to achieve excellence and produce positive outcomes

Further details maybe obtained by email: general@pngimr.org.pg . Attention: Deputy Director – Corporate Affairs. Please send your application including current CV and names and addresses of three current referees to;

Deputy Director – Corporate Affairs
PNG IMR
P.O. Box 60
GOROKA, EHP 441
Papua New Guinea

By COB: 4.06pm, Friday, 13 November 2009


Head of Malaria and Vector Borne Disease Unit (Senior to Professorial Research Fellow)
To work in its Malaria and Vector Borne Disease Unit.

Are you interested in leading a group researching the aetiology of and/or immunity to malaria and other vector borne infections in a resource-poor setting?

The Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research (PNGIMR) is one of the leading biomedical research institutes in the developing world and for nearly 40 years has conducted research into the health problems of the people of Papua New Guinea. Major, already wellestablished research programs include malaria, respiratory diseases, HIV & STIs, enteric diseases, influenza, arboviruses, sexual health and women's health, thus addressing the major health problems of not only Papua New Guinea but also other developing regions.

At one of its 3 scientific branches, the PNGIMR maintains a Malaria and Vector Borne Disease Unit that has been conducti ng studies into acute malaria and filariasis for over 25 years. The Unit combines a classical parasitology and entomology section with modern molecular biology and immunology sections.

In order to head the work of their discipline within the Unit, determine its scientific direction and supervise ongoing and future studies in the Infection & Immunity Unit in Goroka, Papua New Guinea, we are currently looking for enthusiastic.

A PhD, MD, or equivalent is required. A proven publication record is desirable. Prior experience in malaria, filariasis, dengue/flaviviruses and other vector borne diseases and experience in either infectious disease or immunological research in a developing country would be beneficial.

The successful applicant will be expected to head the section, set up and supervise new research studies in the areas of malaria, filariasis, dengue/flaviruses build local capacity by training a group of Papua New Guinean researchers as well as supervise MSc/MA and PhD students. In addition, the Fellow will be expected, under the direction of the Institute Director and in collaboration with other senior staff of the Unit, to develop a research agenda that builds on the traditional strengths of the Unit but is open to newly emerging challenges, participate in the analyses and publication of results from studies involving different collaborative groups and engage with other research groups at the PNGIMR and overseas.

The position will be offered at Senior Research Fellow or Principal Research Fellow level depending on qualifications and experience. Remuneration for this 3-year position will be in accordance with PNG public service salary scales and includes a base salary. Free housing, school fees for two children and emergency health coverage will be pro vided. There are 6 weeks recreational leave per year and a leave fare to place of recruitment for Fellow and family every 18 months (if this still applies). The position is based in Madang, Papua New Guinea. However, stays at other IMR sites in Goroka and Maprik for field work are likely to be needed and a willingness to travel both domestically and internationally is required.

This position offers the unique opportunity to work within a well-funded, multidisciplinary research group and conduct relevant, problem -driven research that is part of a stimulating, collaborative environment and thereby contribute towards alleviating the burden placed by malaria and other vector borne diseases on people in Papua New Guinea and beyond.

A letter of application with a full curriculum vitae and the names, addresses and telephone numbers of three referees should be sent to Professor Peter Siba, Director, PNG Institute of Medical Research, P.O. Box 60, Goroka EHP 441, Papua New Guinea. Tel. +675 732 2800, Fax +675 732 1998, email: Peter.Siba@pngimr.org.pg. For further information about the position, the Institute or the selection criteria, please contact Professor Siba. Application close 1st December 2009


Head of Operational Research (Senior to Professorial Research Fellow)

Playing a key role in the expansion of activities into operational and health systems research, including the development and ongoing management of the Operational Research Unit

The Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research is a world-renowned tropical health research institution, which consistently contributes to global health issues. As head of this unit, you will be well supported in your own research, contribute to the strategic direction of health research in Papua New Guinea and direct and lead a team of experienced researchers.

The Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research (PNG IMR) is one of the leading biomedical research institutes in the developing world and for 40 years has conducted research into the health problems of the people of Papua New Guinea. Major, already well-established research programs include malaria, respiratory diseases, HIV & STIs, enteric diseases, sexual health and women's health, thus addres sing the major health problems of not only Papua New Guinea but also other developing regions.

As part of its Operational Research Unit, the PNGIMR maintains a unit that had been conducting quantitative and qualitative research in the areas of Sexual Health, Women’s Health, Immunization and Delivery of Health Services.

The applicant should have a high-level tertiary qualification in medicine, public health, epidemiology or an allied discipline, or equivalent relevant experience, with good leadership qualities. The position provides an exciting opportunity to bring research into policy and practice and assist in the development of Papua New Guinea. Appointment will be at the level of Senior, Principal or Professorial Research Fellow, depending on qualifi cations and experience.

Remuneration for this 3-year position will be in accordance with PNG public service salary scales, with a generous international or domestic market allowance. Housing is provided rent-free and for overseas fellows there is an education allowance for two children. Medical insurance cover is provided. Recreational leave accrues at 6 weeks annually and international home leave fares for research fellow and family are paid every 18 months. The position is based in Goroka, Papua New Gu inea. However, stays at other IMR sites in Madang and Maprik for fieldwork are likely and a willingness to travel both domestically and internationally is required.

For further information, job description and selection criteria, please contact Prof. Peter Siba, Director, PNG Institute of Medical Research, P.O. Box 60, Goroka EHP 441, Papua New Guinea. Tel. +675 732 2800, Fax +675 732 1998, email: Peter.Siba@pngimr.org.pg

Applications close on 1st December 2009.