Junior Researcher: Serology Lab – Armauer Hansen Research Institute (AHRI) Vacancy Announcement

Junior Researcher: Serology Lab

Job Description

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 reorganized by the decree of the Council of Minister’s Regulation No. 530/2023 with the objectives of conducting biomedical, clinical trial and bioequivalence research, promoting and strengthening local production of pharmaceutical products and research capacity building under the Federal Ministry of Health. AHRI, over its 50 years in service, is well known for its hub function for skill and technology transfer and partnership embracing research agendas with direct impact in the development and transformation of population in Ethiopia and beyond.

The Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases (MNTD) Research Division is one of the departments in the institute and currently MNTD’s Malaria Research Unit runs different research projects on malaria in collaborations with national and international partners and funders. Therefore, the MNTD Division is looking for self-driven, motivated, innovative, and energetic Junior Researcher in Serology Laboratory to join our diverse team.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

·                     Prepare weekly individual plans and performance reports

·                     Receive, label, and store appropriately samples collected from the field.

·                     Make sure that samples and reagents are stored and used based on the standard of the lab and manufacturer guidelines and procedures.

·                     Utilize complex technical equipment extensively to achieve desired results

·                     Read and follow all the SOPs related to the experiment type

·                     Follow standardized procedures to prepare buffers, reagents and volumetric solutions to combine with samples and used in different steps of the procedure

·                     Maintain precise records; follow established quality assurance and quality control guidelines. Use laboratory log book in addition to electronic recordings

·                     Plan, prepare, process antigen bead based assay, antibody bead based assay, CSP bead based assay and genotyping on luminex MagPix machine

·                     Prepare all the necessary samples, buffers and reagents

·                     Keep up to date with training on new test procedures and instrumentation

·                     Prepare and share SOPs for new techniques and procedures developed in our laboratory or adopted from different collaborative laboratories

·                     Mentor junior members of the laboratory team, students (MSC/PHD), and gusts from different researcher institutions based on PI approval

·                     Capacity to work standing or in a stationary position for 4-5 hours at a time

·                     Clean and maintain lab

·                     Take on additional assignments that may be assigned by the project PI or the Lab Coordinator.

Qualifications and Competences

·         B.Sc. degree in Medical Laboratory Science/Technology, Biology.

·         Work experience is not required

·         Hands-on lab experience in serology lab setting is advantageous.

·         Willing to work on evenings, holidays and weekends when necessary

·         Ability to work independently and with minimal supervision

·         Excellent interpersonal communication skills

·         Fluent in English Languages (speaking, writing, reading and listening)

·         Advanced skill of computer science

·         Ability to work with others (colleagues, MSc and PhD students) respectfully, professionally and maintain good team spirit all the time

Duty station: Addis Ababa AHRI Head Office

Number required: 1 (one)

Terms of employment: one year contract period with full time employment basis with possibility of extension based on performance and budget availability

Salary: ETB 10,386.00