RECRUITMENT LECTURER IN MEDICAL BIOCHEMISTRY FOR THE NJALA UNIVERSITY NEW MEDICAL SCHOOL

 

 

MINISTRY OF HEALTH

 

INTEGRATED HEALTH PROJECTS ADMINISTRATION UNIT

 

   VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

RECRUITMENT LECTURER IN MEDICAL BIOCHEMISTRY FOR THE NJALA UNIVERSITY NEW MEDICAL SCHOOL

 

Background

The Ministry of Health (MoH) and its partners are working to improve health services’ outcomes, particularly for maternal and child health. While progress has been made in recent years, population health outcomes remain unsatisfactory and there is a strong commitment to improve well-being and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) using health as a catalyst for national development. The government has set a goal to reduce maternal mortality ratio to less than 300 by 2025 and end preventable deaths of children under five years of age by 2030. To support this goal, MoH has received funding for a three-year project focusing on maternal and child health services with a focus on providing quality people-centered healthcare services and strengthening existing weak health systems. The Ministry intends to apply part of the proceeds towards the recruitment of a Senior Lecturer in Medical Biochemistry.

Considering the above, the Ministry is seeking application from Senior Lecturer with the requisite expertise and experience to teach Medical Biochemistry at both postgraduate and undergraduate levels. The successful candidate will contribute to the delivery of lectures in Medical Biochemistry, practical sessions, and research supervision, thereby enhancing the overall quality of Medical Biochemistry education in Sierra Leone. The Senior Lecturer will work closely with the Sierra Leone Council for Postgraduate Colleges of Health Specialties (SLCPCHS), a local postgraduate Medical Training Institution charged with the responsibility of producing Postgraduate Health Specialists to close the existing gap.

Position: Senior Lecturer in Medical Biochemistry (1)

Location: The Senior Lecturer will be based in Freetown/Njala University, but the role will require full-time presence on Njala University campus in the southern province of Sierra Leone where the University is located.

Period of Performance and Level of Effort: The Senior Lecturer is expected to serve for a period of one year (renewable upon satisfactory performance, relevance of position and availability of funds), with an estimated effort of 40 hours per week. The exact duration and workload will be finalized upon mutual agreement.

Location

The Expert will be based in Freetown/Njala University, but the role will require full-time presence on Njala University campus in the southern province of Sierra Leone where the University is located.

Reports to: The Chairman, Sierra Leone Council for Postgraduate Colleges of Health Specialties (SLCPCHS).

Remuneration: To be determined by employers (SLCPCHS/Njala University)

Scope of Services

The Senior Lecturer will be responsible for the following:

1. Teaching and Learning:

• Deliver lectures and practical sessions for the Postgraduate and Undergraduate degrees in Medical Biochemistry, as per the existing curriculum and syllabus.
• Teach undergraduate students in Medicine, Pharmacy, Nursing and Laboratory Sciences, ensuring that foundational Biochemistry concepts are effectively communicated.
• Utilize modern teaching techniques and technologies to enhance students’ engagement and learning outcomes.

1. Curriculum and Course Development:

• Provide feedback and recommendations on the current curriculum and syllabus to ensure alignment with the latest developments in the field.
• Develop supplementary teaching materials, including lecture notes, presentations, and laboratory guides.
  1. Research Supervision:
• Guide and supervise students in their research projects, ensuring rigorous scientific inquiry and adherence to ethical research standards.
• Encourage and mentor undergraduate students to engage in research activities.
  1. Capacity Building:
• Conduct workshops or seminars for faculty development, sharing best practices in Biochemistry education and research.
• Collaborate with the faculties of the three colleges to develop innovative teaching and assessment methods.
  1. Academic Contribution:
• Participate in academic committees, meetings, and events as required.
• Contribute to the overall academic strategy of the College, including input on research priorities and curriculum enhancement.

Deliverables

The Senior Lecturer is expected to deliver on the following:

1. Teaching Plan:

• A comprehensive teaching plan for both the Postgraduate and undergraduate courses, detailing lecture topics, practical sessions, and assessment methods.
  1. Course Materials:
• Developed or revised lecture notes, presentations, and laboratory guides for Postgraduate and undergraduate courses.
  1. Research Supervision Report:
• A report on the progress and outcomes of student research projects, including any challenges and recommendations for improvement.
  1. Workshops and Seminars:
• At least one workshop or seminar during the period of engagement.
  1. End-of-Assignment Report:
• A detailed report summarizing the activities undertaken, outcomes achieved, and recommendations for future teaching and curriculum development.

Qualifications of the Senior Lecturer

The ideal candidate should have the following qualifications:

1. Academic Background:

• Bachelor’s degree in Medicine (M.B., B.S./M.B., ChB/M.D) degree
• A degree in Medical Biochemistry or a closely related field.
  1. Experience:
• At least 10 years of teaching experience in Medical Biochemistry at the postgraduate and undergraduate levels.
• Demonstrated expertise in delivering medical biochemistry education, including experience with innovative teaching methods.
• Proven track record of supervising postgraduate research projects.
  1. Research and Publications:
• A robust portfolio of research publications in peer-reviewed journals, particularly in the field of Human biochemistry or related areas.
  1. Skills:
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with faculty and students from diverse backgrounds.
• Proficiency in utilizing digital tools and e-learning platforms for teaching.
  1. Other:
• Familiarity with the educational context and healthcare landscape of West Africa is desirable.

Evaluation Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

1. Relevant Experience and Expertise:

• Alignment of the candidate’s qualifications and experience with the requirements of the position.
  1. Teaching and Research Excellence:
• Demonstrated excellence in teaching and research in Medical Biochemistry or related fields.
  1. Academic Impact:
• The candidate’s contribution to the field through research, publications, and academic leadership.

To apply, please send your application (a mandatory cover letter and an updated CV with at least 3 references) to the following email address: awsuma@mohsihpau.gov.sl for the attention of   SahrGevao@gmail.com by: 4:00 pm Local Time, Friday 11^th July  2025. (Note: only scanned copies of original certificates should be submitted. Application should be addressed to:

Atten: Alpha Umaru Jalloh

Team Lead / Funds Management Specialist

Integrated Health Projects Administration Unit (IHPAU)

Ministry of Health,

Address: 23 Cantonment Road, Off King Harman Road

Freetown, Sierra Leone

 

 IMPORTANT NOTE: Only email applications sent to the above email address will be included in the pool of applicants to be assessed by MoH. No hand deliveries will be accepted. Please also note that your CV should contain your full contact details such as residence address, working mobile telephone number, working email address, as well as those of your three referees.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interview and selected candidates will be required to sign a contractual agreement with the Government of Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health.