Primary prevention of ARF and RHD begins with early treatment of Group A streptococcal infections. Unfortunately in remote northern Australia where the burden of ARF/RHD is the highest amongst Aboriginal children, it remains unclear whether GAS pharyngitis or GAS impetigo is the primary driver of ARF/RHD. The burden of GAS pharyngitis is anecdotally low in this population. The burden of GAS impetigo is well documented and highly prevalent. Earlier work to confirm the role of GAS impetigo in the development of ARF/RHD in the Northern Territory was supportive, but not conclusive. Since then, there has been a strong focus on skin disease control, both for the clinical benefit of a reduction in the burden of skin infections but also hypothetically for the primary prevention of ARF/RHD.
Whilst impetigo may be implicated in ARF causality, rejecting pharyngitis as a co- or primary- contributor to ARF in Aboriginal children is limiting a complete understanding of how to end RHD. It is possible that we are currently under-treating pharyngitis due to atypical presentation or a lack of recognition of the disease and this may be contributing to the high ARF disease burden. It is critical to understand the disease burden of both pharyngitis and impetigo concurrently in children. We need to develop, pilot and evaluate simple, robust tools for GAS surveillance to better inform treatment algorithms, public health priorities and ultimately GAS vaccine development.
The purpose of this role is to lead the setup and manage a research project under the direction of the Clinical Research Fellow. This project is a prospective cohort study which aims to document the concurrent burden of Group A Streptococcus (GAS) skin infection and GAS pharyngitis.
Essential criteria:
- PhD in relevant field
- Demonstrated knowledge of Group A streptococcal infections and epidemiology
- High-level written and oral communication skills, including a track record in scientific publications and presentations
- Demonstrated ability to set goals, develop priorities and meet deadlines
- Experience in scientific paper preparation and submission such as grants and ethics applications
- Ability to work effectively as part of a broad, multidisciplinary team
- Ability to work in a team with minimal supervision and contribute to the achievement of team goals, including an ability to be adaptable and flexible working within an environment subject to change
- Capacity to supervise students
Desirable:
- Experience working closely with clinicians
- Experience in Indigenous health or low resource settings
- Knowledge of impetigo, pharyngitis and acute rheumatic fever
This is a full time position fixed term for 18 months. Remuneration package includes access to generous salary packaging.
How to Apply:
Applicants should read the Job description available here.
Send your CV along with a cover letter outlining your skills and experience that make you suitable for this
role (maximum one page) to applications@telethonkids.org.au.
Please quote the position title in the subject heading of your email application.
For further information about this position please contact Marianne Mullane.
Closing date: 5pm, Friday November 3rd, 2017