1.     Background

The Ohio State University Global One Health (OSU-GOH) has been striving to address Global Health Security threats through One Health approach and currently implementing Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) project that aims to 1). Enhance AMR detection and reporting capacity of hospital laboratories; 2). Strengthen the Hospital infection prevention and control (IPC) programs in response to AMR pathogens and improve prevention, isolation and containment; 3). Strengthen National Reference Laboratory capacity on molecular detection and characterization of AMR pathogens; and 4) Build network of hospitals to improve detection, response, and prevention of AMR in Ethiopia.

 2.     Key Roles and Responsibilities:

• Receive samples from target hospitals including carbapenemase producing-carbapenem resistant Enterobacterales (CP-CRE) isolates and perform species identification using biochemical tests, drug susceptibility test, and other tests as required.

• Conduct additional confirmatory tests for the isolates such as modified carbapenem inactivation method (mCIM).

• Conduct proper storage and preparation of reagents and consumables needed for molecular testing.

• Conduct molecular testing (RT-PCR)

• Data entry and reporting of designated laboratory activity and tests as per the OSU-GOH designated standard protocol.

• Document the results in a timely manner and in the designated method and make reports to the data manager.

• Retrieve and store isolates as to the working protocol for long term storage and further analysis

• Ensure adherence and monitor safe handling and biosafety compliance for all laboratory activities to mitigate cross contamination

• Develop/adopt the necessary testing procedures/protocol 

• Ensure and plan for timely maintenance and calibration of diagnostic equipment and validation of testing process with a refence control to ensure optimal equipment functionality and accuracy of test results.

• Proper documentation of maintenance and calibration.

• Have proper stock management and inventory system for lab supplies to mitigate stockouts and stoppage of testing.

• Provide regular reports as per the protocol and attend AMR project internal and stakeholder meetings and participate in conference calls and trainings.

• Undertake other activities given by the supervisor

Number required: One

Employment type: Full time five month contract with a possibility of renewal up on availability of funds and successful performance up on evaluation.

Place of work: to be seconded to the Ethiopian Public health Institute (EPHI) Microbiology Laboratory, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Job Requirements

1.     Personal Specification

Education

• MSc in microbiology/ molecular biology/ laboratory technology or related fields from a recognized university

• Have received proper training on molecular testing (RT-PCR)

Experience

• Minimum of five years of experience in microbiology with additional experience in performing molecular testing methods

• Experience in AMR related activities is beneficial

• Have demonstrated practical competencies in the use and application of microbiology and molecular laboratory diagnostic tools and processes, particularly RT-PCR and others.

Adjunct skills required: 

• Excellent verbal and written English communication skills

• Ability to handle multiple tasks; proven self-initiative thorough documentation and record tracking; quality performance in highly pressured environments; strong analytical, problem-solving and decision - making capabilities based on use of data.

• Ability to work collaboratively with other healthcare workers and laboratory staff in a team-based environment.

• Computer skills, including Word, Excel, Power-Point, and virtual meeting platforms.

How to Apply

All applicants should send their application documents, CV and other credentials electronically as one pdf document through THIS LINK application portal. Applications send through other e-mails will not be accepted

Applications should be sent with in five working days of this notice.

Application documents should include list of three references with contact details (email & Phone numbers)