Position: Junior Researcher (Entomologist)

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 departments in the institute and currently MNTD has secured grant from the European Union in collaboration with Institut Pasteur Paris (IPP), London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) and other collaborators for the project entitled “Serological Testing And Treatment For P. Vivax: From A Cluster-Randomized Trial In Ethiopia And Madagascar To A Mobile-Technology Supported Intervention-PvStatem”.

Therefore, the MNTD Division is looking for self-driven, motivated, innovative and energetic researcher to join our team as Junior Researchers_ Entomologist for the PvStatem project.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

·   Conduct membrane feeding experiment of mosquitoes

·   Maintain mosquito colonies in the insectary.

·   Conduct the feeding of lab animals and mosquito colony.

·   Collect and manage immature mosquitoes from field sites and rear them in the laboratory

·   Ensure and coordinate the cleaning of the insectary

·   Monitor mosquito feeding behavior, physiology, feeding biology

·   Responsible for field entomology activities and related laboratory work

·   Establish regularly the needs required for the insectary.

·   Ensure the appropriate storage of equipment and animal food.

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

·   Assist with procurement requests related to this activity.

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

·   Participate in other field activities as required.

·   Perform any other duty assigned by the Entomology Coordinator (as applicable) and Project coordinator.

·   Work closely with researchers, data management team and lab logistics officers

Qualifications Required

·   BSc Degree in Biology or Biotechnology from a recognized university with zero year work experience.

·   Experience in mosquito collection and rearing is an added advantage

·   Minimum GPA of 3.00 for male and 2.75 for female

Other Competencies

·   Microscopic based malaria diagnostics

·   Strong computer literacy (MS office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint and internet use)

·   Excellent interpersonal communication skill

·   Capacity to work under pressure and manage personal stress levels

·   Ability to work with others/team work, including international collaborators

·   Willingness to take up out of office tasks

·   Skilled in performing routine entomology experiments and interpreting results.

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

·   Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of patient information and test results.

Duty station: Addis Ababa with frequent travel to the study sites (Shashemene and surrounding Kebeles) and stay for months in the field.

Number required: 1 (One)

Salary: ETB 10,386.00

Terms of employment: one year contract period with full time employment basis with possibility of extension based on performance and budget availability

How to Apply

Interested applicants who fulfilled the above requirements should send the following through THIS LINK on or before October 24, 2023.

·         A CV/resume (not more than 5 pages)

·         A cover letter (note more than one page)

·         A one page table summarizing your educational background, technical skills and competencies to facilitate the screening pr