Position: Junior Researcher (Medical Laboratory Technologist)

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. 376/2016 as biomedical research, clinical trial 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 researchers to join our team as Junior Researchers for the PvStatem project.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

·         Collect human blood samples, including performing phlebotomy and conducting home visits to patients and conduct routine laboratory investigations for patients.

·         Conduct RDT test, Hemoglobin measurement, preparing thin and thick blood film, perform microscopic examination, and performing Dried Blood Spot (DBS) preparation

·         Communicate to field coordinator and file reports while ensuring confidentiality

·         Process specimens in the field laboratories and do follow up of patients as required

·         Transport the collected samples to central laboratory by maintaining proper handling of samples

·         Maintain quality control of specimen samples

·         Organize and store all chemicals substances, fluids and compressed gases according to safety instructions.

·         Ensure hygiene and sterilization criteria, including universal precautions, are met; manage waste as per good laboratory practices.

·         Ensure biomedical equipment is in good working order by using in accordance with user manual and protocols, perform cleaning and minor maintenance and alert supervisor in case of malfunctioning

·         Ensure appropriate requisition and consumption of field and lab supplies to maintain departmental inventory levels

·         Ensure that laboratory practices are conducted with the highest level of integrity and ethics according to professional Code of Conduct

·         Ensure direct reports have clear objectives, receive mentorship and participate in capacity building opportunities.

·         Respect research participants writes and ensure confidentiality of their information

·         Plan and conduct real-time data capturing, data cleaning and entry activities

·         Conduct Molecular and Serological based diagnostic lab activities

·         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.

·         Facilitate and maintain the established system of organized record keeping and information management for timely delivery of results, data collection, analysis and reporting for laboratory monitoring and facilitation to operational research.

·         Prompt response to the requests from project coordinator, manager, local data collectors and the study participants

·         Other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Qualifications required

 Education, Licenses and Certifications

·         BSc or MSc Degree in Medical Laboratory Science/Technology from a recognized university

·         Valid Professional license is required.

·         Training in Laboratory Quality Management System is an added advantage

·         A minimum of 2 years of experience in a similar role is required

·         Experience working in a research institute is an added advantage.

·         Minimum CGPA of 3.00 for male and 2.75 for female applicants

·         Experience in field travel is an added advantage

·         Experience driving an ambulance and working with an international NGO is an added advantage

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 laboratory investigations 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.

·          Knowledge of hygiene management and IPC protocol

Duty station: Addis Ababa with frequent travel to the study sites (Shashemene Zuria Wereda, Wondo Wereda, Arsi Negelle Wereda and their rural Kebeles) and stay for months in the field.

Number required: 6 (six)

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 CLICK HERE 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 process