Junior Researcher_ Entomologist

Position: Junior Researcher_ Entomologist

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 runs different Malaria Research Projects which have entomology and vector control work packages. Comprehensive assessment of the public health importance of Anopheles stephensi in Africa (AnoSTEP Africa) 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 across Ethiopia and looks for vibrant young professional to join our multi-disciplinary team.

Therefore, the MNTD Division is looking for self-driven, motivated, innovative and energetic researcher to join our team as Junior Researchers_ Entomologist for the different Malaria projects.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct membrane feeding experiment of mosquitoes
• Maintain mosquito colonies in the insectary.
• Conduct the feeding of lab animals and mosquito colony.
• Collect and manage immature mosquitoes from field sites and rear them in the laboratory
• Ensure and coordinate the cleaning of the insectary
• Monitor mosquito feeding behavior, physiology, feeding biology
• Responsible for field entomology activities and related laboratory work
• Establish regularly the needs required for the insectary.
• Ensure the appropriate storage of equipment and animal food.
• Ensure appropriate records are kept in the laboratory log books.
• Assist with procurement requests related to this activity.
• Prepare Standard Operating Procedures and adhere to the SOPs for these activities.
• Participate in other field activities as required.
• Perform any other duty assigned by the Entomology Coordinator (as applicable) and Project coordinator.
• Work closely with researchers, data management team and lab logistics officers

Qualifications Required

• BSc Degree in Biology or Biotechnology or Medical Lab Technology or other related fields of study from a recognized university with zero year work experience.
• Experience in mosquito collection and rearing, microscopic based malaria diagnostics is an added advantage
• Minimum GPA of 3.00 for male and 2.75 for female applicants

Other Competencies

• Strong computer literacy (MS office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint and internet use)
• Excellent interpersonal communication skill with good command of written and spoken English.
• Capacity to work under pressure and manage personal stress levels
• Ability to work with others/team work, including international collaborators
• Willingness to take up out of office tasks

Duty station: Adama with frequent travel to different study sites

Number required: 4 (four)

Salary: ETB 10,386.00

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