Job Summary
Position: Research Officers (2 Posts)
Reports To: Project Investigator
Work Station: Bagamoyo
Institute Overview
Ifakara Health Institute (IHI) is a leading research organization in Africa with a strong track record in developing, testing and validating innovations for health. Driven by a core strategic mandate for research, training and services, the Institute’s work now spans a wide spectrum, covering biomedical and ecological sciences, intervention studies, health-systems research and policy translation.
Position Summary
Ifakara Health Institute is looking for qualified research officers to join the Transmission Zero Project. An expert in molecular biology with a specialization in biotechnology and related studies, this role demands a robust understanding of molecular biology techniques. The built capacity and contribution under this internship will significantly propel the progress of transgenesis research at Ifakara Health Institute (IHI) and in Tanzania at large toward malaria control and elimination.
Transmission Zero (T0) is a global malaria research programme at IHI working to develop innovative genetic tools to stop transmission of malaria in Africa.
Duties and Responsibilities
• Mandatory compliance with safety protocols within a biosafety level 3 laboratory (BSL3) facility.
• Assist in performing comprehensive laboratory experiments involving analysis of DNA, RNA, and protein under supervision.
• Learn the application of molecular biology methods such as PCR, DNA/RNA sequencing, gel electrophoresis in transgenesis studies.
• Contribute to execution of genetic manipulations, including design of DNA constructs through gene editing applications such as CRISPR-Cas9 technology under supervision.
• Contribute to conducting microinjection of samples with DNA constructs, subsequent screening and characterization of gene edited samples through microscopy under supervision.
• Contribute to adaptation and maintenance of malaria parasite cultures for experimental studies under supervision.
• Assist in performing Direct and standard membrane feeding assays under supervision.
• Contribute to optimization of experimental protocols and maintenance of laboratory equipment.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of all performed experiments.
• Engage in literature reviews of transgenesis related work and assist with the preparation of research findings for publications.
• Participate in laboratory meetings and present research findings.

Qualification and Experience
• Bachelor’s degree in molecular biology, genetics, biotechnology, or a related field
• Knowledge of safety protocols and laboratory practices in molecular biology related research.
• Hands-on experience and strong background in molecular biology techniques is an added advantage. Skills and Competencies
• Conducting different assays performed in the laboratory for example ELISA, PCR, insecticide susceptibility.
• Proposal writing and Report writing.
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal,
• Ability to work as part of the team and independently,
• Study/experiments designing.
• Insecticide products and bio-efficacy evaluation.
• Mosquito identification.
• Computer skills (Microsoft office (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint,). Skills on STATA, R Studio etc. will be an added advantage.
Remuneration
An attractive and competitive remuneration package will be offered to successful candidates as per IHI salary scales.
Equal Opportunity
IHI is an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit intentional biases or discrimination and harassment of any kind at the work place and during recruitment. All employment decisions are based solely on job requirements and individual qualifications, and our recruitment process is governed by the labour laws of Tanzania.
Mode of Application
All candidates who meet the above job requirements should send their application letters together with their detailed curriculum vitae (CVs) showing contact addresses including email, telephone/cell phone numbers and copies of academic and professional certificates to the email address below.
The deadline for this application is 17:00 hrs on Sunday, May 26, 2024. All e-mail application subject lines should include: Research Officer – Transmission Zero. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interview.

Human Resources Manager
IFAKARA HEALTH INSTITUTE
#5 Ifakara Street Plot 463 Mikocheni
P.O. Box 78,373
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Email: recruitment@ihi.or.tz