Position: Assistant Researcher - Laboratory Coordinator

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 Ministers 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 at the institute. Currently, MNTD is conducting various malaria research projects, which include entomology and vector control work packages. Therefore, the MNTD Division is looking for self-driven, motivated, innovative, and energetic researchers to join our team as Laboratory Coordinator to join our vibrant team. 

Key Duties and Responsibilities 

• Prepare and implement schedules for laboratory cleaning, logistics, gown laundry, and Saturday shifts for recording refrigerator and freezer temperatures. Ensure adherence to the schedule and display it clearly on the laboratory notice board.

• Collaborate with core laboratory managers and other laboratory coordinators to complete assigned tasks promptly and efficiently.

• Ensure all laboratory instruments and equipment are regularly calibrated, serviced, and maintained in compliance with manufacturer and AHRI standards.

• Monitor sample reception and documentation for all projects. Verify that the number and type of samples, as well as box layouts, are recorded and shared with you and the project coordinator prior to transportation from the field site to the MNTD laboratory.

• Ensure proper storage and handling of samples, reagents, and controls in accordance with laboratory quality and biosafety standards. Maintain accurate, up-to-date inventory records in a computerized system to ensure easy accessibility (LIMS system).

• Ensure that the temperature of every freezer and refrigerator in the MNTD laboratory division is recorded twice daily, including every Saturday, in accordance with the schedule.

• Ensure that all refrigerators and freezers are locked when not in use and that you securely hold the keys to prevent unauthorized access.

• Provide induction and orientation for new staff, interns, visitors, and MSc/PhD students, ensuring that they are registered and introduced to AHRI’s Safety Office before commencing any laboratory experiments.

• Coordinate and process local procurement requests in collaboration with the administrative and procurement staff.

• Oversee proper labeling, storage, and traceability of processed samples (DNA elute, RNAelutes, culture materials, serum elutes etc., ensuring accurate record-keeping within the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).

• Maintain accurate documentation of maintenance logs, incident reports, and reagent usage, ensuring that both hard copy and electronic versions are up to date and properly filed.

• Manage laboratory inventory efficiently, including regular stock assessments, reordering before stock-outs, and disposal of expired lab prepared buffers and chemicals in compliance with safety regulations.

• Coordinate both field and laboratory logistics, ensuring that transportation, storage, and workflow support are effectively managed.

• Order and follow local procurement based on lab and field consumable needs.

• Take on additional assignments that may be assigned by the project PI.

• Availability for Flexible Working Hours

Job Requirements

Qualifications

• MSc Degree in Medical Laboratory Management fields from a recognized university.

• Minimum CGPA of 3.00 for male and 2.75 for female applicants

• Two year work experience

Duty station: Addis Ababa, AHRI main office

Number required: One (1)

Salary: As per the Institution scale

Terms of employment: 1 Year contract period with full time employment basis with possibility of extension based on performance and budget availability.

How To Apply

Interested applicants who fulfill the above requirements should send their CV/resume through THIS LINK