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 Ministers’ Regulation No. 530/2023 with the objectives of conducting biomedical and clinical trials, 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 of service, is well known for its hub function in skill and technology transfer, as well as its partnerships that embrace research agendas with a direct impact on the development and transformation of the population in Ethiopia and beyond.

The Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases (MNTD) Research Division is one of the departments at the institute. Currently, MNTD is conducting various malaria research projects, which include entomology and vector control work packages. DRIVAX is a Wellcome Trust-funded project run by MNTD in AHRI in collaboration with international collaborators and partners. This project will be implemented in the selected study sites of West Arsi Zone, Shalla Woreda, Oromia region, and looks for vibrant young professionals to join our multi-disciplinary team. Therefore, the MNTD Division is looking for self-driven, motivated, innovative, and energetic researchers to join our team as Junior Researchers_ Entomologist for the different Malaria projects.

Key Responsibilities:

• Screen study participants to determine eligibility for malaria research studies.
• Interview study participants, fill CRF, and assist in data entry and analysis related to laboratory procedures.
• Collect venous and capillary blood samples from research participants following ethical and safety guidelines.
• Process and store blood samples, including preparation of blood smears, Dried Blood Spot (DBS), serum/plasma separation, and proper labeling.
• Perform malaria diagnostic tests such as microscopy, rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), as per research protocols
• Perform hemoglobin measurement and G6PD testing following standardized protocols.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records, ensuring proper documentation of sample collection, processing, and storage.
• Follow Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP) and biosafety regulations to ensure the integrity of research data and participant safety.
• Work closely with the research team to coordinate field sample collection activities and ensure the timely transport of samples.
• Perform routine quality control and calibration of laboratory equipment used for malaria diagnostics.
• Participate in training sessions and capacity-building activities as required by the research team.
• Take on additional assignments that may be assigned by the project PI.
• Perform inventory management of sample collection and laboratory materials needed for the project
• Participate in sample sorting, sample layout preparation, and other sample management activities
• Availability for Flexible Working Hours
• As a Junior Researcher, the nature of the research activities may occasionally require working beyond standard office hours.
• Willingness to work on weekends and public holidays as needed, particularly during time-sensitive data collection phases, fieldwork, clinical trials, or urgent project deadlines.
• Availability to work outside of regular business hours, which may include early mornings, evenings, or late nights, depending on the operational demands of the project

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Technology.
• Minimum of 1-2 years of experience in clinical or research laboratory settings, preferably in malaria diagnostics.
• Proficiency in blood collection techniques and handling biological samples.
• Experience with malaria microscopy, RDTs, and routine laboratory technique.
• Knowledge of laboratory quality control and biosafety procedures.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to work in a team environment.
• Fluency in Afan Oromo language (spoken and written) is mandatory.
• Good communication skills and ability to work with research participants in a professional manner.

Other Competencies

• Microscopic-based malaria diagnostics
• Strong computer literacy (MS Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and internet use)
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills
• Capacity to work under pressure and manage personal stress levels
• Ability to work with others/teamwork, including international collaborators.
• Good communication skills, with good command of written and spoken English.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of patient information and test results

Duty station: Addis Ababa, with frequent travel to Shalla woreda of West Arsi Zone, Oromia region

Number of Positions: 02 (two)

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 (Ten Thousand Three Hundred Eighty Six Birr)