The Armauer Hansen Research Institute (AHRI) was established in 1970 through the initiative of the Norwegian and Swedish Save the Children organizations with the assistance of the Ethiopian Ministry of Health. The Institute got its name from the Norwegian physician, Gerhard Henrik Armauer Hansen, who first described the leprosy bacillus (Mycobacterium leprae). The Federal Ministry of Health reorganized AHRI for biomedical research, clinical trials, and research capacity building by decree of the Council of Ministers Regulation No. 376/2016. In its 50 years of service, AHRI has established itself as a hub for skill and technology transfer, as well as a partnership encompassing research agendas impacting the development of Ethiopia and beyond.

Malaria and neglected tropical disease research division (MNTD) of AHRI is looking for a qualified Associate Researcher I (Study Physician) for the serological testing and treatment for plasmodium vivax malaria: a cluster-randomised trial in Ethiopia (PvSTATEM) project. This position will be based at the field in Oromia Region, West Arsi Zone, Shashemene Zuria Wereda, Negele Arsi Wereda and Shalla Wereda. 

The Study Physician (Associate Researcher I) will support the planning, coordination, and execution of clinical research activities, including clinical trials. This role involves direct patient interaction, clinical assessments, data collection, and ensuring compliance with research protocols, ethical standards, and regulatory requirements. The Study Physician plays a crucial role in safeguarding participant safety and ensuring the scientific integrity of the study. The successful candidate will be an integral member of the trial team and will work in close coordination with clinicians, data managers, field workers, and project coordinators. This position demands a high level of professionalism, daily travel to rural kebeles to treat study participants, strong organizational skills, and a commitment to ethical standards in clinical research. The candidate must be prepared to work under pressure, manage multiple tasks efficiently, and demonstrate a flexible work ethic—being available during weekends or after hours whenever project activities require.

Job Requirements

Qualifications:

• Medical Doctor (MD) degree from a recognized institution.

• Two or more years of clinical work experience (prior research experience is an added advantage).

• Valid medical license.

• Two publication points

Experience (Desirable but not Mandatory):

• Experience in clinical research, patient monitoring, or clinical trials.

• Involvement in studies under GCP (Good Clinical Practice) conditions.

• Exposure to data collection, entry, and management in research settings.

Essential Skills and Competencies:

• Strong clinical and diagnostic skills.

• Good understanding of research ethics and the informed consent process.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Proficiency in using computers and data entry tools 

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to handle multiple tasks.

• Attention to detail and commitment to high-quality work.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

• Fluent in written and spoken English and Afan Oromo languages.

Key Responsibilities:

• Coordinate and supervise day-to-day clinical trial operations at assigned field sites in compliance with study protocols, Good Clinical Practice (GCP), and institutional guidelines.

• Conduct clinical assessments including physical examinations, collection of medical histories, and diagnosis of study participants in accordance with protocol-defined criteria.

• Obtain written informed consent from participants or their guardians and ensure adherence to all ethical requirements throughout the study.

• Provide appropriate medical treatment and monitor patient outcomes over a 7-day treatment period following established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

• Ensure close clinical monitoring and prompt management of adverse events, in collaboration with the study safety team and pharmacovigilance personnel.

• Contribute to the development and revision of study protocols, case report forms (CRFs), and related documents as required by the project.

• Accurately document clinical findings and treatment outcomes, and ensure timely and complete data entry into the REDCap database.

• Report adverse drug reactions and participate in safety surveillance activities to ensure participant protection and regulatory compliance.

• Attend and contribute to investigator meetings, capacity-building workshops, and training sessions organized by the central trial coordination team.

• Ensure the confidentiality and integrity of all participant records, clinical data, and study-related documentation.

• Liaise closely with research nurses, field officers, and central coordinators to facilitate smooth trial operations and high-quality data collection.

• Prepare and submit regular progress reports, safety updates, and documentation as required by the Principal Investigator and regulatory bodies.

• Participate in external and internal audits, inspections, and monitoring visits.

• Perform patient interviews and collect relevant clinical information, completing necessary CRFs and maintaining accurate participant tracking.

• Take on additional duties as assigned by the Project Principal Investigator or Trial Coordinator to support overall project objectives.

• Availability for Flexible Working Hours, 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

Reporting Line:

Reports directly to the Principal Investigator (PI) and/or Central Clinical Trial Coordinator.

Positions available: 1 (one)

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

Number required: 1 (One)

Salary: 21,273.00

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

How to Apply

Interested applicants who fulfil 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 at THIS LINK