Position: Assistant Researcher II

Description

The Armauer Hansen Research Institute (AHRI) was founded in 1970 through the initiative of the Norwegian and Swedish Save the Children organizations seconded by the Ministry of Health of Ethiopia. The Institute got its name from the Norwegian physician, Gerhard Henrik Armauer Hansen, who first described the leprosy bacillus (Mycobacterium leprae). AHRI reorganized by the decree of the Council of Minister’s Regulation No. 530/2023 with the objectives of conducting biomedical, clinical trial and bioequivalence research, promoting and strengthening local production of pharmaceutical products and research capacity building under the Federal Ministry of Health. AHRI, over its 50 years in service, is well known for its hub function for skill and technology transfer and partnership embracing research agendas with direct impact in the development and transformation of population in Ethiopia and beyond.

The Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases (MNTD) Research Division is one of the divisions in the institute and currently MNTD runs different Malaria Research Projects. Anti-Parasite Net (ApNet) is one of the malaria research projects run by the division and being implemented in collaboration with the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University and funded by the Open Philanthropy Foundation.

Therefore, the MNTD Division is looking for self-driven, motivated, innovative, energetic and experienced Assistant Researcher II to join our team for the Anti-Parasite Net (ApNet) project.

 Key duties and responsibilities

• Conduct gDNA/RNA extractions from human blood and mosquito vectors.

• Perform conventional and advanced PCR (qPCR, dPCR).

• Conduct mosquito bisection and prepare for molecular analysis.

• Responsible for DBS punching and extraction

• Prepare solutions for different laboratory activities.

• Ensure the appropriate storage of laboratory equipment.

• Receive, store and register mosquito and DBS samples from the field. 

• Ensure appropriate records are kept in the laboratory log books.

• Assist with procurement requests related to these activities.

• Prepare Standard Operating Procedures and adhere to the SOPs for these activities.

• Participate in other field activities as required.

• Work closely with researchers, field team, data management team and lab logistics officers.

• Ensure standards and the quality of laboratory procedures by strictly following the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

• Adhere to biosafety measures adopted in the laboratory, minding the safety of oneself and others.

Job Requirements

Qualifications Required

• BSc in Medical Laboratory, Infection Biology, Biomedical sciences or Biotechnology from a recognized university with minimum 4 years work experience in related fields. 

• Minimum GPA of 3.50 for male and 3.00 for female applicants

• Having experience on mosquito insectary rearing and membrane feeding is advantageous

• Field coordination and sample collection experience in project settings

Other competencies

• Skilled in performing routine molecular biology experiments and interpreting results.

• Strong computer literacy (MS office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Google apps use)

• Excellent interpersonal communication skill

• Capacity to work under pressure and manage personal stress levels

• Ability to work with others/teamwork, including international collaborators

• Willingness to take up out of office tasks

• Good communication skills, with good command of written and spoken English.

• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of research participants and other related information and test results.

Duty station: Addis Ababa

Number required: 1 (one)

Terms of employment: yearly contract basis with possibility of extension based on performance and budget availability 

How To Apply

How to apply

Interested applicants can submit the following documents on the Ethio jobs 

• CV not more than 5 pages

• A short summary of educational background

• Application letter

• References 

Job Requirements This role requires a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Medical Laboratory, Infection Biology, Biomedical Sciences, Biotechnology, or a related field from a recognized university, along with a minimum of 4 years of relevant work experience. The successful candidate should have proven knowledge of laboratory procedures, diagnostic techniques, infection control practices, and biomedical research methods. How to Apply Apply using the provided link below.