Postdoc in Health Science

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

Background

In Africa, there is a rapid urbanization, the world’s fastest urbanization occurring in the sub Saharan Africa. The contribution to GDP growth is advocated as one driver for growth and prosperity in the region, related public health issue call for attention.

Anopheles stephensi, a common and efficient urban malaria vector in South East Asia and the Persian Gulf has recently been found in the Horn of Africa, including Ethiopia. This species has been associated with a rise in malaria in Djibouti city. Historical precedents like the case of, An. gambiae in Brazil showed that without prompt action, invasive species can established with massive impacts on public health. This research project thus brought together vector biologists, epidemiologists, mathematical, geostatistical modellers, and medical anthropologists with the aim of preventing the spread of An. Stephensi and contribute to the effort to avert potential public health consequences. 

Description of role

We are seeking a post-doctoral scientist with good knowledge of malaria. A successful candidate is expected to contribute in skills transfer, fast adapt to new methods and techniques and play leadership role in the endeavour to generate evidence to inform health policy in Ethiopia and elsewhere.

The postdoc will be the focal point within the CEASE-AHRI group; focus of activities include:

WP1a. To update and validate predictive distribution maps enabling us to identify habitats permissive to Anopheles stephensi establishment

WP1b. Bionomics of invasive Anopheles stephensi in Ethiopia

WP1c. Genomic surveillance of Anopheles stephensi invasions and spread

WP2a: Empirical assessment of the role of An. stephensi for malaria transmission and WP2b: Identification of the spatial distribution of malaria cases in urban centres

WP2c: Observational study of entomological and routine malaria morbidity data

WP2d: Mathematical modelling of the contribution of An. stephensi to malaria transmission

In addition, he/she will be immediate supervisor of PhD student(s) and liaises with in country and international collaborators.

The post-holder will be directly responsible to Malaria & NTD Director at AHRI. The project duration is at least for 3 years. The contract of employment will be renewable annually at a salary of the institute, AHRI.

To apply, candidates should follow the instruction on the call.

Responsibilities

·         Collect plan and coordinate field and laboratory work

·         Supervise data collection and laboratory work

·         Participate actively in all aspects of both work packages

·         Pilot data collection tools

·         Do systematic review of publication and contribute as co-author to additional publications

·         Contribute to development of communications materials for policy makers and general audiences

·         Ensure effective communication between the multidisciplinary CEASE research team in Ethiopia and the UK

·         Review and stay up-to-date on relevant literature in the fields and contribute to kill/knowledge transfer

·         Participate in dissemination of findings to policy makers, other stakeholders, and academic audiences

Person specification

Essential

·         PhD in Health Science; with thesis in malaria

·         Can present evidence of arrangement or leave of absence from host institute/university

·         Published minimum two original articles in peer-reviewed journals on malaria

·         Demonstrable written and spoken English for academic purposes

·         Ability to work independently and proactively to ensure results are delivered

·         Evidence of ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams and with remote collaborators

·         Willingness to travel extensively within Ethiopia and elsewhere as required by the project

·         Previous successful experience of conducting and supervising data collection and laboratory work

Desirable

·         First authorship of previous works – peer-reviewed original article(s)

·         Knowledge of clinical and policy aspects of malaria

·         Well-versed in molecular and artificial malaria infection techniques

·         Experience in insectary maintenance and establishment