A Peace Corps Response Volunteer (PCRV) with a Master’s degree in biology, biochemistry, or pharmaceutical sciences who has worked on at least one research project or has been involved as member of technical working group on policy-making related to drug discovery and development, and who has at least 3 months of experience living in a developing country is needed to work with the University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB) and the faculty of their Institute of Biological Sciences. UPLB is the national university and a center of excellence in many fields. The university works in a multi-disciplinary and collaborative approach that aims to advance science and technology. The faculty working in the Natural Products Development Program have individual projects on bioactives derived from natural resources, including the testing of biologically active substances on selected test organisms. The goal of these tests is drug discovery and development, specifically for the treatment of cancer and cardiovascular disease. As the faculty working on this project move forward into more technical and complex processes in this field, they have requested a PCRV to provide expertise and guidance as an integrated member of this team.

A Peace Corps Response Volunteer (PCRV) is needed to work with the university staff and other primary stakeholders to observe ongoing preclinical testing activities and visit laboratories of committee members, conduct consultation meetings with the Institute of Biological Sciences research team, and assist in planning and building a Preclinical Testing platform following international standards and tapping the resources - human and otherwise - available in UPLB. The PCRV will also be involved in conducting trainings and lectures on the subject of biomedical research and drug discovery/development. The long term plan of the university is to become a globally competitive graduate and research university contributing to national development.

Please note that departure dates and other details of this project could change because of the uncertainties as Peace Corps and local partners resume volunteer operations. Candidates selected for this position will be arriving in the Philippines together as a group, so while the departure dates for the whole group could change, dates cannot be changed for individual candidates.

University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB)

• High tolerance for ambiguity and high level of flexibility – some details of this project could change because of the uncertainties as Peace Corps and local partners resume volunteer operations
• Master’s degree in biology or biochemistry or pharmaceutical sciences;
• Previous work on at least one research project, or had been involved in as member of technical working group on policy-making related to drug discovery and development;
• At least 3 months of experience, living immersed in a developing country like the Philippines;
• Demonstrated ability to live and work in a multi-cultural setting; and
• Excellent interpersonal skills with demonstrated flexibility.