Entomology Field and Laboratory Technician (8 Positions)

Job Title: Entomology Field and Laboratory Technician

Job Summary

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 diseases of public healthy importance through applied and basic biomedical research and training.

Malaria-Neglected Tropical Diseases (MNTD) research division, runs under Non-Communicable and Communicable Diseases research directorate, conducts multiple field and laboratory research activities across the country. To strengthen entomological surveillance and research activities related to malaria and other vector-borne diseases, we are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented entomology technician. The technician will assist in field collections, processing, and laboratory analysis of mosquitoes and other disease vectors under the supervision and guidance of entomologists and researchers.

Key Responsibilities

Field Work:

• Identify mosquito breeding sites and assist in larval collections.
• Conduct mosquito surveillance using standard methods (e.g., CDC light traps, BG-Sentinel traps, Prokopack aspirators, clay pots, resting boxes, etc.) in rural and urban settings.
• Arrange and prepare necessary logistics and supplies for entomological surveillance.
• Maintain proper labeling and transport of samples from field to lab
• Record and enter entomological, environmental and household data to paper forms and electronic data capturing software.

Laboratory work:

• Morphologically identify mosquito species using standard identification keys.
• Preserve, sort, and store collected samples according to protocol.
• Assist insecticide susceptibility testing (e.g. WHO tube test, CDC bottle bioassay)
• Prepare specimens for further analysis (e.g., PCR, ELISA).
• Maintain cleanliness and safety in the laboratory environment.
• Record laboratory results accurately and assist in data entry and management.
• Maintain and rear mosquitoes, and handle laboratory animals in the insectary

Qualifications:

• Diploma or Level 4 in Entomology, Medical Laboratory Technology, Biology, Biotechnology, Public Health, Veterinary Medicine, Animal Science or related fields.
• Experience on entomological tools and identification of mosquitoes.
• Basic knowledge of malaria, malaria vectors and vector-borne diseases.
• Ability to work effectively in field conditions, including rural or remote areas.
• Good organizational and communication skills.
• Basic computer literacy (MS Excel, Word).

Desirable Skills and Attributes:

• Prior experience with field entomological surveys (CDC-LT, Prokopack aspiration, BG Sentinel trap, Mouth aspiration) and laboratory specimen handling.
• Willingness to travel and work flexible hours, including weekends, evenings or early mornings.
• Team player with attention to detail and integrity in data handling.
• Basic understanding of biosafety and ethical research practices.

Duty station: Adama Malaria and NTD Research and Training Center, Adama with frequent travel to the field across Ethiopia

Reports to: AHRI, Addis Ababa

Number required: 08 (eight)

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

Salary: as per the institute’s scale