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 is a biomedical research institute that works in developing tools for prevention, control and treatment of mycobacterium and other diseases of public healthy importance through applied and basic biomedical research and training. 

AHRI would like to hire qualified candidate in the position of Associate Researcher II under Pharmaceutical Industry Development Directorate. 

The Pharmaceutics Associate Researcher II is a skilled professional engaged in the research and development of pharmaceutical-grade excipients and advanced drug delivery systems. This position is ideal for a researcher with active involvement in applied pharmaceutics, specializing in the characterization and formulation of excipients. The role focuses on the design and optimization of innovative dosage forms, evaluation of formulation performance, and promotion of excipient self-reliance through the utilization of locally sourced materials. The incumbent will be embedded within the Pharmaceutical Industry Development Directorate and is expected to conduct all research activities in strict accordance with institutional research ethics, regulatory standards, and established standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Plan, execute, and disseminate experimental research findings through peer-reviewed publications.

• Conduct optimization studies utilizing advanced experimental designs, including response surface methodology and central composite design.

• Participate in the development of novel dosage forms such as mini-tablets, bilayer tablets, and chronotherapeutic systems.

• Demonstrate proficiency in advanced analytical techniques, including Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Infrared Spectroscopy (IR), Ultraviolet-Visible Spectroscopy (UV/Vis), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) for excipient and formulation evaluation.

• Assist in the development of drug formulations, including solid dosage forms (tablets, capsules), liquids, and biologics.

• Ensure all research activities are in compliance with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and other relevant regulatory guidelines.

• Collect, analyze, and interpret experimental data using advanced techniques. Document findings in detailed reports and presentations.

• Perform literature searches and reviews to stay updated on the latest scientific advances and identify opportunities for innovation.

• Work closely with cross-functional teams, including senior researchers, chemists, biologists, and quality assurance personnel, to meet research objectives.

• Prepare chemicals, reagents, and test materials required for laboratory experiments and trials.

• Assist in identifying and resolving issues related to experimental protocols, equipment, and data inconsistencies.

• Maintain accurate and thorough records of experiments, findings, and processes in accordance with regulatory guidelines. 

• Perform other related tasks as assigned by supervisors ·       

 Personal Attributes:

 The candidate for the job is expected to have:

• Profound understanding of pharmaceutical formulation and drug delivery systems, with particular expertise in excipient sourcing and solid oral dosage form design.

• Advanced skills in laboratory operations, instrumentation, and both quantitative and qualitative analytical methods (DSC, XRD, FTIR/ATR, UV/Vis, SEM,…)

• Knowledge of GMP, gained through academic training and collaborative researches.

• Proficient in data analysis and interpretation using Microsoft Excel and specialized statistical software (SPSS, Design Experiment, Origin…); 

• Excellent scientific writing skills, demonstrated by numerous international peer-reviewed publications and successful grant proposals.

• Recognized experience of engagements in grant writing

• Good written and verbal communication skills for report writing and team collaboration.

• Attention to detail and ability to conduct experiments with precision and accuracy.

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

• A passion for scientific research and innovation in the pharmaceutical industry.

• Problem-solving mindset and ability to adapt to evolving research requirements.

• Excellent experience in scientific data analysis, interpretation and presentation

• Proven experience in manual and guideline preparation.

• Good general work habits, capacity building and people skills.

• Committed to the values of integrity, accountability, transparency, and scientific rigor

• Practical experience in medical research

• Basic understanding in health research ethics and in national and international laws related to health research 

• Well organized; flexible to working off-working hours or weekends as needed 

Employment Type: Contract

 Duration: - One-year contract

 No of Positions: 1

Job Requirements

 Education, Experience & Publication Point:-     

• MSc in Pharmaceutics and 6 years of experience and 7 publication points in Scopus or Web of Science-indexed publications OR PhD in Pharmaceutics and 4 years of experience and 6 publication points in Scopus or Web of Science-indexed publications, with:

  • At least four publications related to excipient and/or formulation development.

  • Primary authorship in at least four publications.

  • Corresponding authorship in at least four publications.

  • At least one publication directly addressing GMP compliance.

• Has at least 3 national or international conference abstracts.

• Experienced in optimization researches utilizing advanced experimental designs, including response surface methodology and central composite design.

How To Apply

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

• CV/resume (not more than 3 pages) 

• A cover letter (not more than one page)