Position: Junior Researcher_ Medical Laboratory Technologist

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 Research (MNTD) Division of AHRI has secured a grant from the European Union in collaboration with the Institute Pasteur Paris (IPP), the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), and other collaborators for the project entitled “Serological Testing And Treatment For P. Vivax: From A Cluster-Randomised Trial In Ethiopia And Madagascar To A Mobile-Technology Supported Intervention-PvSTATEM”. The research project sites will be in the Oromia Region, West Arsi Zone, Shashemene Zuria Wereda, Negele Arsi Wereda and Shalla Wereda. Therefore, the MNTD Division is looking for self-driven, motivated, innovative, and energetic Junior researcher (Medical Laboratory Technologist) to  join our vibrant team.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Screen study participants to determine eligibility for malaria research studies.

• Interviews 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 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

Job Requirements

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.

Duty station: West Arsi Zone, selected Woredas (Shashemene Zuria, Negele Arsi and Shalla Woreda), Oromia Region, Ethiopia

Number of Positions: 08

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)

How to Apply

Application Process:

Interested applicants who fulfill 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  THIS LINK

Please note that filling this online application form and sending your CV/resume through ethiojobs.net is mandatory and applicants who fail to fill the online form will not be considered for screening. Multiple submissions for this job post is not allowed.