Project Name: Operationalizing a One Health–Based Risk Assessment and Surveillance Framework for Wet Markets in Kochi to Strengthen Urban Health Security

Position Code: IIPHG/REC/2026-27/03

Position Title: Project Associate (Veterinary)

No. of Posts: 01 (One)

Location: Kochi, India

Duration of Position: 10 Months

Brief On The Organization

Indian Institute of Public Health Gandhinagar (IIPHG) is a University established under IIPHG Act, 2015 of Gujarat State. It offers courses in the field of Public Health. It also undertakes various research projects in the field of Public Health. The university is established by Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI) with support from the Government of Gujarat, Department of Health & Family Welfare.

Project Brief

Wet markets represent critical interfaces where human, animal, and environmental health intersect, creating potential pathways for the emergence and transmission of zoonotic diseases and other public health risks. Addressing these challenges requires a systematic, evidence-based One Health approach that integrates environmental monitoring, animal health surveillance and human health services within market ecosystems. This project aims to strengthen One Health-based surveillance and risk mitigation in wet markets by developing standardized risk assessment tools, conducting field-based environmental and animal surveillance, and improving health screening and referral systems for market personnel. The initiative will utilize a data-driven geospatial monitoring system to categorize markets by risk levels and support evidence-based decision-making. Additionally, the project seeks to establish sustainable monitoring systems by integrating with the IHIP-IDSP platform, thereby improving early detection and response to public health threats.

Deliverables

 Support field-based public health assessments in the implementation of the project.

 Coordinate planning and implementation of health screening and surveillance activities in collaboration with local health facilities and field teams.

 Support preparation of screening formats, line lists, referral documentation, and follow-up tracking for symptomatic or high-risk personnel.

 Contribute to the development of manuals, SOPs and mitigation guidance related to biosafety, occupational health and health risk identification

 Assist in data review, interpretation, and synthesis of findings/data related to the project.

 Support training, awareness, and capacity-building for stakeholders, and assist in preparing technical and field documentation on human health components of the project.

 Undertake any other tasks assigned by supervisors in line with project needs.

Qualification: Master's degree in Veterinary Science.

Desirable: Postgraduate qualification in Veterinary Public Health, MVSc, One Health, or a related domain.

Experience: Minimum 4 (four) years of experience after bachelor's or 2-3 years of relevant experience post-graduation in veterinary health, animal health fieldwork, zoonotic disease programmes, or surveillance.

Desirable: Experience in field coordination or public health documentation. Knowledge of Malayalam language will be given preference.

Last Date of Receipt of Applications: 10th April, 2026.

Remarks

 Interested and eligible candidates are requested on apply online at https://iiphg.edu.in/work-with-us/.

 Please highlight the Name of the Post Project Associate (Veterinary) & Position Code (IIPHG-REC-2026-27-03) in the subject.

 Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the interview.

 Mere eligibility will not entitle any candidate being called for interview.

 Candidates applying for more than one post are required to submit separate application for each post.

 Call letters to the shortlisted applicants shall be sent by email. No postal communication shall be made.

 Incomplete applications, shall be summarily rejected and no communication in this regard shall be entertained.

 No TA / DA will be paid to attend the selection process, if called for.

 Persons employed in Government/Semi-Government Organization or Educational Institutions in India must apply through proper channel.

 IIPHG reserves the right to fill or not to fill any or all available positions.

 The requirements of minimum qualification and/or experience may be relaxed in the case of candidates with outstanding credentials.

 No correspondence will be entertained from candidates regarding any delays, conduct & result of interview and reasons for not being called for interview.

 Women are encouraged to apply.