Internal/external vacancy announcement

Job by the School of Public Health, Addis Ababa University

Job title: Biobank Technician

Number of available Positions: 1

Employment type: Full time fixed term contract

Work location: Addis Ababa

Project title: Research and Excellence in Africa Capacity to Control and Treat CANcer (REACCT-CAN)

Background:  The change in lifestyle, demography, health services and disease epidemiology engendered an unprecedented increase in cancer burden in African countries including Ethiopia. However, evidence to guide control interventions and improve health services for cancer patients is limited.  The Delta consortium Research and Excellence in Africa Capacity to Control and Treat CANcer (REACCT-CAN) aims to bridge this evidence gap. We envision establishing Africa-led, interdisciplinary research groups in oncology and cancer sciences. This will help expand global collaborations and contributes to increased research output on cancer. As part of this initiative, we have launched Ethiopia–led consortium on cancer research. The consortium comprises six institutions (universities and research centers) from Egypt, Tanzania, South Africa, Germany and the International Agency for Research on Cancer under the World Health Organization. The consortium envisions further collaboration with more institutions in African, Europe and the United States of America to form an enduring network of institutions that work on cancer research across the African continent.

Long-term goal for REACCT-CAN project is to generate high quality research evidence to inform policy and programmatic implementation for effective primary and secondary cancer prevention programs in Africa and achieve universal access to affordable, high quality and timely diagnosis, treatment, and care for cancer patients. Morbidity and mortality due to cancer will thereby be reduced and lives will be saved

Job summary: The Biobank Technician will be responsible in the handling, processing, storage, and management of biological samples in compliance with quality standards and regulatory requirements. The successful candidate will contribute to advancing research by ensuring the integrity and proper management of biobank operations.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Receive, process, and store biological samples according to standard operating procedures (SOPs).

• Perform sample preparation tasks such as DNA/RNA extraction, serum/plasma separation, aliquoting, and labeling.

• Maintain meticulous records of sample inventories using Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).

• Ensure compliance with quality management systems (QMS) and regulatory guidelines.

• Conduct routine maintenance and calibration of biobank equipment.

• Monitor environmental conditions for sample storage to ensure integrity.

• Coordinate the shipment of biological samples in accordance with applicable regulations.

• Assist in drafting and updating SOPs, work instructions, and reports.

• Communicate effectively with clinical and research staff to ensure smooth operations.

Job Requirements

Qualifications and experience

• A Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Medical laboratory technology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, or a related field.

• At least 1 year of experience working in a laboratory or biobank setting; experience in clinical trials is an advantage.

• Proficiency in laboratory procedures and familiarity with LIMS or similar database systems.

• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and accuracy.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

• Ability to work independently as well as part of a multidisciplinary team.

• Knowledge of regulatory requirements (e.g., FDA, ISO standards) is a plus.

Competencies and personal qualities

• Experience with equipment maintenance and troubleshooting.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

• Ability to multitask and manage priorities effectively.

How to Apply

• Qualified applicants are expected to submit their CV and cover letter to Addis Ababa University, School of Public Health (Sefere Selam Campus), Pathobiology building, human resource department, first floor. In ten working days from the day of this announcement.

• Applicants should provide three references, who should be their previous employers.

• Female applicants are strongly encouraged to apply.

• Only short-listed applicants will be contacted.