About Armauer Hansen Research Institute (AHRI) 

The Armauer Hansen Research Institute (AHRI) is a medical research institute established in 1970 by the Government of Ethiopia in collaboration with Save the Children Organizations of Norway and Sweden, and University of Bergen. It was named after the Norwegian physician, Gerhard Henrik Armauer Hansen, who first described the leprosy bacillus (Mycobacterium leprae). AHRI was initially established to investigate the pathogenesis and human immune responses of leprosy. However, it undertakes medical research in a wide range of diseases such as tuberculosis, malaria, antimicrobial resistance, HIV various cancers, and other non-communicable conditions. The Institute focuses on responding to emerging and re-emerging diseases through health research and innovation. In addition, the Institute also places due emphasis on research on communicable and non-communicable diseases. The research activities are organized and carried out under seven Research Directorates.

Purpose of the vacancy

AHRI, in collaboration with local and international partners, is conducting a research project titled "Effects of Tuberculosis Infection on Placental Development and Function (TB Placenta)". The project aims to study how TB infection and disease affect the placenta during pregnancy. It will collect placenta tissue and blood samples from a large group of women at delivery and six weeks postpartum to investigate placental changes, dysfunction, and their link to TB and pregnancy complications. We are looking for a study physician who will support the implementation of the TB Placenta study by conducting clinical assessments, conduction and overseeing biological sample collection (including placental tissue and blood), ensuring adherence to study protocols, and maintaining the quality of research activities. The study physician will work closely with clinical staff, provide technical support, and monitor the proper execution of research procedures at the delivery ward. 

Major Responsibilities 

• Obtain informed consent from participants after clearly explaining the study purpose, ensuring their full understanding and voluntary participation in the research

• Enroll study participants based on established inclusion criteria, attend deliveries, and conduct neonatal assessments

• Conduct and coordinate placental tissue and cord blood immediate collection following birth in the operating room, ensuring strict and timely adherence to the specific study protocol

• Conduct physical examinations and clinical assessments of the mother and infants according to study protocols

• Following up with mothers and infants at the 6-week postpartum visit

• Providing clinical assessments during unscheduled visits

• Collaborating with hospital staff to ensure the integration of clinical care with the research protocol

• Monitoring and ensuring adherence to SOPs for specimen collection and clinical procedures

Additional Responsibilities 

• Assist in on-the-job mentoring and observe clinical staff to ensure that research activities such as data collection, physical measurements, and biological sampling are being performed correctly and in accordance with the study protocol and research ethics

• Ensure the accuracy and completeness of clinical data, physical measurements, and biological sample collection in line with study protocols

• Monitor and verify that research procedures are being followed correctly by the clinical staff, without disrupting routine hospital operations

• Conduct regular on-site observations to assess adherence to standard operating procedures and ethical research practices

• Collaborate closely with hospital teams to maintain a cooperative environment while ensuring research integrity

• Provide supportive, diplomatic feedback to clinical staff to promote continuous improvement

• Identify and report quality issues or protocol deviations promptly to the study coordinator or principal investigator

• Document observations, quality checks, and corrective actions taken to ensure accountability and protocol compliance

Job Requirements

Qualifications and Experience

• MSc or specialization in public health or maternal and child health, with a background as a General Practitioner (GP) and at least 3 years of clinical work experience

• Experience working in hospital or clinical settings, with an emphasis on maternal, neonatal, or child health research preferred

• Demonstrated experience in clinical practice and research activities, including patient examination, data collection, biological sample collection and protocol adherence

• Demonstrated experience in conducting clinical assessments and physical examinations in a hospital or clinical research setting

• Familiarity with clinical research procedures, ethical guidelines, and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) standards

• Experience in patient recruitment, informed consent, and ongoing patient monitoring for research purposes

Personal attributes and specification

• A high level of attention to details and accuracy to ensure high-quality data collection and reliable patient assessments and biological samples collection

• Excellent observational skills to identify and document clinical signs and relevant patient behaviors effectively

• High level of empathy and compassion to support patients respectfully and sensitively during examinations

• Strong sense of professionalism and integrity when handling confidential patient data and adhering to Research ethics. 

• Commitment to ethical research conduct and compliance with institutional standards

• Excellent interpersonal communication skills and patience to interact effectively with study  participants and the research team

• Team-oriented mindset with the ability to collaborate closely with clinical and research personnel

• Exceptional organizational skills to manage study protocols, schedule patient appointments, and maintain accurate records

• Flexibility and willingness to working off-working hours or weekends and respond phone calls and emails to adjust to evolving study requirements and diverse conditions 

• Openness to discussion and learning, with the ability to receive and accommodate feedback from other team

• Willingness to take up additional responsibilities and continuous training as needed

• Strong computer literacy (MS Office, Internet use and data collection software use)

• Ability to problem-solving to respond to unexpected issues or changes during research activities

 Terms and Conditions:

1. Salary: 15,767.00

2. Hours of Work: These are governed by the laws of Ethiopia. However, the nature of the work is such that it might require working late hours and weekends

3. Length of Contract: One-year contract period with possible extension based on performance and budget availability

No. Required: 01 (one)

Duty Station: Addis Ababa

How to Apply

Interested applicants who fulfil the above requirements should send their CV/resume through THIS LINK and to facilitate the screening process, applicants should also fill the online application form at the following website