Vacancy: Associate Researcher I; Number of Positions: 01; Type of Employment: Contract, Project

About Us: The Armauer Hansen Research Institute (AHRI), established in 1970 by the Norwegian and Swedish Save the Children organizations and later seconded by the Ministry of Health of Ethiopia, is a premier biomedical and clinical research institute. Named after Gerhard Henrik Armauer Hansen, who first described the leprosy bacillus (Mycobacterium leprae), AHRI was reorganized by the Council of Ministers Regulation No. 376/2016. As a hub for biomedical research, clinical trials, and capacity building under the Federal Ministry of Health, AHRI has been instrumental for over 50 years in driving skill and technology transfer and fostering partnerships that directly impact the development and transformation of populations in Ethiopia and beyond.

Position Overview: The AHRI’s Viral Diseases Research Division is seeking a dedicated and experienced Associate Researcher I. This role will support the development, analytical and clinical validation of nanobody-based ultrasensitive sandwich immunodiagnostic (NanoIDx) (ELISA and/or LFA) for HBsAg detection and on other high priority viral diseases with public health importance.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Participate in the analytical and clinical validation of NanoIDx (ELISA and/or LFA) and molecular assays for HBsAg detection.

• Work under the guidance and direction of the NanoIDx project PI to ensure project milestones are achieved.

• Participate in nanobodies expression, purification, and conjugation.

• Support other immunological and molecular based projects and assist MSc and PhD students enrolled in these projects.

• Receive clinical samples (plasma, serum) from study sites/facilities, ensure proper long-term storage, and perform laboratory testing of these samples per Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

• Establish and adhere to research protocols with the NanoIDx team.

• Conduct research adhering to high standards of quality control and assurance required for regulatory approval, and write technical reports and manuscripts based on research findings.

• Prepare lists of reagents, supplies, and equipment for domestic and international procurement. Ensure proper storage, utilization, and regular monitoring, and provide inventory reports.

• Provide training to other researchers and staff to enhance their skills and knowledge.

• Stay updated with the latest advancements in immunodiagnostics and incorporate them into ongoing projects.

• Ensure compliance with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) standards.

• Systematically document all samples using appropriate biological sample management systems.

Job Requirements

Qualifications:

• MSc Degree in Laboratory Sciences or Immunology 2 years of experience and 2 publication points

• Demonstrated experience in preclinical and clinical research in in vitro immunodiagnostics development.

• Experience working under Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) regulations is a plus.

• Experience with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) is also desirable.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Experience in running ELISA and lateral flow assays.

Why Join Us:

• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge research projects funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

• Collaborative and supportive work environment.

• Professional development and training opportunities.

• Contribution to impactful research that advances healthcare and improves lives.

Additional Information: Female applicants are highly encouraged to apply.

We look forward to welcoming a motivated and skilled researcher to our team who is passionate about advancing healthcare through innovative research and development of immunodiagnostics.

Position Details:

• Duty Station: AHRI/ALRET Compound, Addis Ababa

• Salary: As per the organization's scale

• Terms of Employment: Two-year contract period on a full-time basis with the possibility of extension based on performance and budget availability. The first 90 days are provisional period.

How to Apply

Interested applicants who fulfill the above requirements should send the following through THIS LINK

• CV/resume (not more than 2 pages)

• Cover letter (not more than one page)

• One-page table summarizing your educational background, technical skills, and competencies to facilitate the screening process

• Names of three references with their e-mail addresses

• Publications (if any) should be listed in your CV