Molecular laboratory experts

NAME OF PROJECT:  Epidemiology and determinants of artemisinin drug resistance of malaria in Ethiopia (MARE2 project)

Assignment Title: Molecular laboratory experts

Duration of contract:  One year, with possibility of extension

Required number: Two 

Contract Duration:

·   One year –with possibility of extension

1.      Back ground

The Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) has been engaged in malaria drug resistance surveillance to detect the emerging and spreading of drug resistant parasites. The emergence of Plasmodium falciparum strains with resistance to first-line artemisinin-combination therapies threaten malaria control and elimination efforts across the Horn of Africa. Improved understanding of the epidemiology and determinants of drug-resistant falciparum malaria, including infections by drug- and diagnostic-resistant strains with hrp2/3 deletions, is needed to inform clinical management and policy decisions in the region. In this regard EPHI in collaboration with its partners has launched a project titled “Epidemiology and determinants of artemisinin drug resistance of malaria in Ethiopia (MARE2)” with the aim of early detection of resistance markers as well determining the spatial distribution and impact of known molecular markers. The outcome of the study will inform the national elimination program in Ethiopia as well as expected to produce information to be used by the malaria community at large.

As part of the implementation of the project, EPHI plans to strengthen and advance the malaria laboratory by implementing advanced molecular and cellular methods. As part of the project advanced molecular, genomic and culture-based assays will be implemented.  EPHI would therefore like to hire enthusiastic laboratory experts with an extensive experience in molecular technique, parasite culture and overall strict laboratory management techniques.  

3.Specfic Tasks/Responsibilities

·         Develop laboratory plan of action based on responsibilities and deliverables

·         Ensure the overall standard and quality of the parasitic disease laboratory

·         Develop and ensure the availability of laboratory polices, protocols, appropriate tools and standard operating procedures (SOP).

·         Checks all internal quality control procedures are in place and implemented.

·         Support laboratories to involve in External quality assurance system

·         Ensure the availability of commodities and reagents at national and filed site.

·         Ensure proper maintenance of laboratory diagnostic devices and equipment, with a focus on molecular, culture PCR reagent and equipment

·         Involved in specimen management including optimal specimen transport of samples and isolates

·         Create smooth communication with EPHI PI and sentinel sites,

·         Close support to sentinel sites in inventory control, specimen collection, processing and package

·         Support sites on documentation, quality data collection and transferring to EPHI

·         Compiling and reporting laboratory activities to project coordinator as required: quarterly, bi-annual and annual basis

·         Working closely with MARE project and drug resistance surveillance coordinators

·         Contribute to molecular data analysis and preparation of papers for publication

·Ensure compliance with federal, state, and system regulations to provide a safe operation.

·Ensure compliance with all project/program policy procedures in the laboratory.

·Establish and maintain all laboratory records in accordance with project specifications.

·Ensure supplies are available as required for lab activities.

·         Any other task deemed necessary to achieve the objectives of the project as assigned by immediate supervisor

Deliverables

·         Ensure management, communication of laboratory data and appropriate result reporting.

·         Establish and maintain all laboratory records in accordance with specifications.

·         Maintain QC inventory by ensuring the lab has the necessary supplies, ordering items when need, and receiving incoming packages.

·         Maintain laboratory equipment performance by following quality standards, developing operation, quality, and troubleshooting procedures; and ensure staff compliance

·         Follow the safety and proper use, storage and maintain ace of reagents

·         Follow the safety and standard of freezers, nitrogen system and gas cylinders.

·         Conduct equipment, supplies and reagent inventory and maintain all test devices twice a year

4.   REPORTING

·         The laboratory experts report to the project coordinators

·         The Antimalarial drug resistance surveillance laboratory quality management officer will be based at the Ba/Pa/Zo Research Directorate; Malaria and NTDs research team. He/she is expected to involve in team activities including team meetings, planning and reporting

·         Master’s degree, in Molecular Medical Laboratory Science, Parasitology, Molecular biology or any equivalent biomedical Science.

·         related 2 years experiencers and above (2-5 years’ experience is preferred)

Experience

Knowledge in diagnostics and treatment monitoring/surveillance including:

·         Demonstrated skill in molecular laboratory activities including extraction, amplification, gel electrophoresis processing, qPCR, sequencing etc.

·         Demonstrated skill in cell culture activities including extraction cell/parasite culture, parasite growing and harvesting, conducting drug resistance assays, Ring stage assay etc.

·         Antimalarial drug resistance molecular diagnostic and monitoring technologies, tools and approaches

·         Familiar with local and international research ethics

·         Ability and being proactive in team work and works long hours efficiently.

·         Experience in inventory and procurement management of molecular supplies, with a focus on drug resistance commodities and reagents

·         Experience in maintaining functional diagnostic devices and equipment, with a focus on antimalarial drug resistance -related devices and equipment

·         Advanced skill in data curation and management