Junior Researcher

Job Advertisement: Junior Researcher

Division: Mycobacterial and Other Bacterial Diseases Research Division

Position Level: Junior Researcher

Job description

The Armauer Hansen Research Institute (AHRI) was founded in 1970 through the initiativeof 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 mycobacteria and other diseases of public health importance through applied

and basic biomedical research and training.

Position Summary

The Mycobacterial and Other Bacterial Diseases Research Division is seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Junior Researcher. This role is designed for an early-career scientist with strong foundational hands-on laboratory experience in microbiology and molecular diagnostics. The successful candidate will support ongoing research projects as a coordinator, and perform essential bacteriological and molecular biology procedures while ensuring strict adherence to laboratory quality control and operational standards.

Key Responsibilities

1. Bacteriology & Microscopy

• Perform standard bacteriological techniques, including media and culture preparation, sample inoculation, and the isolation and identification of bacterial pathogens.
• Conduct routine and specialized microscopy procedures (e.g., brightfield, fluorescence, or acid-fast staining specific to mycobacteria) to analyze clinical and research specimens.
• Maintain and subculture bacterial strains according to established biosafety guidelines.

2. Molecular Diagnostics & Biology

• Execute molecular biology workflows, including DNA/RNA extraction from diverse biological samples.
• Perform conventional, multiplex, and Real-Time PCR (qPCR) assays with high accuracy and reproducibility.
• Assist in troubleshooting assays and interpreting molecular data for project reports.

3. Laboratory Operations

• Manage and document comprehensive laboratory instrumentation logs to ensure operational compliance.
• Perform daily environmental and equipment monitoring, including temperature tracking for cold-storage units and incubators.
• Execute routine equipment quality control (QC), maintenance, and calibration protocols, reporting any deviations to the laboratory manager.
• Maintain inventory levels of reagents and consumables for assigned workflows.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Education: BSc degree in Microbiology, Biotechnology, Laboratory Technology, and Biomedical Sciences.
• Zero years work experience.
• Minimum CGPA of 3.00 for male and 2.75 for female applicants.
• Technical Proficiency: Demonstrated hands-on practice in bacterial culture techniques, microscopy, and various PCR modalities (conventional, multiplex, and qPCR).
• Quality Management: Foundational understanding of Good Clinical Laboratory Practices (GCLP) or ISO laboratory standards, with proven experience in maintaining laboratory logs and equipment QC.
• Soft Skills: Strong organizational skills, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary research team.

Duty station: Addis Ababa

Number required: 1 (One)

Salary: ETB 27,464.00

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