Assistant Researcher, Laboratory Coordinator (lab technologist/ microbiologist)

Job Vacancy: Assistant Researcher, Laboratory Coordinator (lab technologist/ microbiologist)

Department: Clinical trials and Communicable and non-Communicable Diseases Research Directorates

Background and purpose of the vacancy:

AHRI in collaboration with local and international partners is planning to undertake a project entitled " Optimizing severe pneumonia management in children through scaleup of bCPAP technology in low-income settings (OPT-bCPAP) ". The project is funded by the Global Health (GH) European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP) 3 and is a collaboration between partners in Ethiopia, Nigeria, Malawi, South Africa and Sweden. We are looking for a lab technologist/microbiologist who will be responsible for coordinating sample collection and laboratory processing from 24 hospitals which will be part of the study. The lab  technologist/microbiologist will work in collaboration with the project PI, work package lead and the project staff at AHRI as well as in the field and will coordinate all lab and field related project activities.

Position in the organization:

The associate researcher will be affiliated to the Communicable and non-Communicable Diseases Research and Clinical Trial Directorates reports to the project lead, PI and the work package lead.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1.   Contributes to the quality and timely delivery of field & laboratory research results of the project by:-

·        Preparing field & laboratory activity plan of the research project

·        Securing the necessary field & lab resources and facilities for conducting the research activities

·        Carrying out and coordinate the day to day laboratory operations including but not limited to sample collection and/or ensuring its proper collection from health facilities, onsite processing as required, proper storage & transport of samples to lab and/or facilitate its transfer to AHRI & other study procedures are run per the study Protocol & SOPs of the project.

·        Coordinate field, clinical and lab activities and ensuring quality of study forms completion, sample collection & transport.

·        Coordinate and monitor recruitment and follow-up of patients, controls & contacts in the study.

·        Serve as the primary technical & admin contact person regarding sample collection, storage and processing.

2.   Contributes to training and ensure the efficient and effective utilization of field and laboratory resources by:

·        Facilitating preparation and delivery of training programs and/or deliver training to site staff as necessary.

·        Facilitate preparation and utilization of the field and lab research project resources.

·        In collaboration with the project coordinator, anticipate the research project’s material needs and requesting supplies on time.

3.   Perform other project related duties as required by:

·        Performing all laboratory processing work at AHRI based on the project SOP.

·        Preparing field and lab reports of project activities

·        Preparing and submitting periodic reports on the lab performance of the project.

·        Field visit and supervision of all project activities in lab & field during data & sample collection

·        Other related responsibilities as requested by the project leader and/or director as necessary

Job Requirement

BSc degree in Laboratory Science or Biomedical Sciences and a minimum of two years of working experience

       OR

MSc degree in Laboratory Science or Biomedical Sciences

Minimum GPA of 3.5 for males and 3.25 for females

Additional competencies

-      Excellent communication skills.

-      Strong cumputer literacy.

-      High personal motivation and willingness to travel as required to the filed sites.

-      Training and/or experience in microbiology and molecular biology techniques is a must.

-      Capacity to work under pressure and willingness to take additional duties as required.

-      Ability to work with others/team work, including international collaborators.

-      Previous experience in handlig and processing respiratory specimens is an added advantage.

Work station: Addis Ababa

Employment type: Annual contract, renewable based on performance.

Number of position: 01

Salary: As per AHRI’s salary scale

How To Apply

How to Apply: Submit your application letter (detailing your motivation and suitability), CV (maximum of three pages with clear indication of your educational background and experience) and copies of your documents and certificates as one PDF file.