Senior Research Coordinator

Culmen International is seeking a Senior Research Coordinator to work in Queen City, Philippines.

The Senior Research Coordinator will provide scientific, technical, and administrative support to the WRAIR AFRIMS Philippines (WAP) in conducting clinical research, laboratory experiments, and data analysis. This role is responsible for overseeing research conducted across multiple sites in the Philippines and facilitating discussions and collaboration with international investigators. The position requires expertise in infectious disease research, molecular diagnostics, sequencing, and bioinformatics.

• Oversee and monitor ongoing clinical trials and research on emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases across multiple sites in the Philippines.
• Coordinate and support the implementation and execution of research projects at various Philippine sites while ensuring alignment with AFRIMS broader regional and global research initiatives.
• Facilitate inter-agency communication and maintain strong working relationships with national agencies, international collaborators, and research institutions.
• Serve as Principal Investigator (PI) or Co-Investigator on various research projects conducted in the Philippines, facilitate communication with ethics committees and regulatory bodies to obtain ethical approvals and necessary permits as needed to support WAP research studies.
• Conduct sequencing, bioinformatics analysis, and establish new molecular assays to support pathogen testing and diagnostics.
• Develop research protocols and funding proposals for submission to funding agencies.
• Serve as the Biosafety Officer of the AFPMC-AFRIMS collaborative molecular laboratory in Quezon City, ensuring compliance with biosafety regulations.
• Ensure timely completion of tasks, deliverables, and reports in accordance with project timelines and sponsor requirements.
• Maintain laboratory safety standards and contribute to the operational functionality of research laboratories.

Education:

• Doctoral degree (PhD, MD, DrPH, or equivalent) in Biomedical Sciences, Public Health, Microbiology, Virology, Molecular Biology, Epidemiology, or related fields.

Experience:

• 5–7 years of experience in clinical research, surveillance studies, or laboratory-based investigations.
• Proven expertise in clinical trials and infectious disease research.
• Experience managing multi-site research projects within the Philippines and supporting project implementation.
• Strong background in molecular diagnostics, sequencing, and bioinformatics.
• Prior experience as a Principal Investigator (PI) or Co-Investigator in internationally funded research projects.
• Experience developing and submitting grant proposals and research protocols.
• Familiarity with biosafety regulations and experience managing biosafety compliance.

Skills & Competencies:

• Excellent scientific writing and grant proposal development skills.
• Strong analytical skills, with proficiency in data interpretation, statistical analysis, and bioinformatics tools.
• Ability to manage complex multi-site research projects, ensuring compliance with ethical, regulatory, and operational requirements.
• Effective inter-agency communication and collaboration skills, including coordination with international investigators.
• Proficiency in laboratory safety protocols, quality assurance, and research compliance.
• Fluency in English is required; knowledge of regional languages (e.g., Filipino, Thai) is a plus.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with AFRIMS, U.S. military research programs, or similar international research organizations.
• Knowledge of regional regulatory and ethical approval processes for clinical and laboratory research in the Philippines.
• Previous experience in biosafety management or compliance.

Culmen International is committed to enhancing international safety and security, 
strengthening homeland defense, advancing humanitarian missions, and optimizing government operations. With experience in over 150 countries, Culmen supports our clients to accomplish critical missions in challenging environments.

• Exceptional Medical/Dental/Vision coverage with 100% of the premiums paid by the company for all eligible employees and their eligible dependents (including same or opposite sex domestic partners)
• 401k – Vested immediately and 4% match
• Life insurance and disability paid by the company
• AFLAC Available
• Opportunities for Training and Continuing Education
• 12 Paid Holidays

To learn more about Culmen International, please visit www.culmen.com

At Culmen International, we are committed to creating and sustaining a workplace that upholds the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO). We believe in the importance of fair treatment and equal access to opportunities for all employees and applicants.  Our commitment to these principles is unwavering across all our operations worldwide.