Job Position: Junior Researcher- Laboratory Technologist 

• Career Level: Junior Level 

• Employment Type: Contract

• Working hour: Full time 

• Workplace (Location): Shashemene Specialized Hospital Shashemene town,  Oromia Region 

• Number of people required: 1 (one)

About Armauer Hansen Research Institute (AHRI) 

The Armauer Hansen Research Institute (AHRI) was founded in 1970 as a biomedical research institute 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).  Later, AHRI is restructured as one of the federal agents under the Ministry of Health and for expanded its research program and conducted numbers of clinical and diagnostic intervention to fight against emerging diseases and halting the possible transmission of infectious diseases in Ethiopia and the region. 

About Clinical trial directorate (CTD)

Since its first initiation of GCP compliant clinical trial in 2001, the Clinical Trial Directorate (CTD) conducts various drugs, vaccines, and devices trials; as well as Bioequivalence and pharmacovigilance studies. In addition to clinical trial facilities, CTD and acquired experiences in setting up collaborating satellite trial sites in several health care facilities in Addis Ababa and beyond. 

Specifications for the Position: Research Assistant Lab Technologist

The Research Assistant Lab Technologist will support the implementation of the Ethiopia Cholera Control and Prevention (ECCP) study, a collaborative project led by the Armauer Hansen Research Institute (AHRI), the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI), and the International Vaccine Institute (IVI). The ECCP project focuses on cholera surveillance, prevention, and the evaluation of vaccine effectiveness through community-based studies in Shashemene Woreda and Town.

Under the supervision of the ECCP Project Coordinator, the Research Assistant Lab Technologist will be responsible for carrying out laboratory-related activities, including the processing, analysis, and storage of biological samples collected from study participants.

Workplace (Study Sites): 

The Research Assistant Lab Technologist will primarily work at the ECCP Culture Laboratory located in Shashemene Specialized Hospital in Shashemene Town. The laboratory will receive samples daily from 12 designated healthcare facilities participating in cholera and diarrheal disease surveillance activities. While the position is based at the hospital, close coordination with the healthcare facilities will be required to ensure proper sample management and communication with the broader study team.

Job Responsibilities 

        1.   Laboratory Analysis and Testing:

• Conduct routine laboratory testing for cholera and diarrheal disease samples collected from Shashemen Woreda and Town as part of ongoing surveillance activities.

• Ensure accurate and timely processing of biological samples (e.g., stool, water) for bacteriological, molecular, and parasitological analyses.

       2. Data Management and Reporting:

• Maintain detailed records of laboratory procedures, test results, and sample tracking in compliance with ECCP protocols and ethical guidelines.

• Prepare and submit regular reports on laboratory results, including statistical analysis of data trends relevant to the surveillance activities.

        3. Collaboration with Field Teams:

• Work closely with field teams conducting surveillance in Shashemene Woreda and Town, ensuring proper handling and transportation of samples from the field to the lab.

• Provide technical support and guidance to field staff on laboratory procedures and sample collection protocols.

        4. Quality Control and Assurance:

• Adhere to standard operating procedures (SOPs) for laboratory safety and quality assurance, ensuring all equipment and materials are properly calibrated and maintained.

• Assist in the development and implementation of laboratory quality control programs to ensure reliable and valid test results.

Job Requirements

Required education qualification and experience

Education: BSc or Masters in Laboratory technology, applied biology, microbiology or other related field

Experience: 0 year experience 

Preference and additional skills 

• Experience in bacteriology lab techniques and/or microbiological techniques for the identification of pathogens related to cholera and diarrheal diseases.

• Basic computer skills and previous exposure in Electronic Data Capture (EDC) systems, such as REDCap

• Good interpersonal and organizational Communication skills and able to build rapport with the research team, study participants and healthcare providers 

• Previous experience in community-based research or field surveillance activities, especially in rural or underserved areas.

• Ability to adapt to new and dynamic clinical work environment, the study protocol, and procedures.

Personal Attributes:

•  Initiatives for teamwork, team formation and leadership

• Personal training/skills in the required position 

• Excellent interpersonal communication skill and proficient in English  

• Strong organizational skills, flexible to working off-working hours and weekends

•  Open for discussion and learning

• Ability to problem solving and willingness to take self-initiatives

How to Apply     

Interested applicants who fulfilled the above requirements should submit the following documents through THIS LINK

• CV/resume (not more than 3 pages) including names for references and their contact info

• A cover letter (not more than one page)

• A one-page table summarizing your educational background, work experience, technical skills and Competencies to facilitate the screening process. 

 Selection process 

• All short-listed candidate will have written exam and interview 

  • Short listed applicants for interview should attend the interview in person at AHRI, Addis Ababa