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CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: MONITORING AND SURVEILLANCE DATA FOR EFFECTIVE MALARIA CONTROL PROJECT

POSITION: RESEARCH ASSISTANTS

Malaria case management and vector control remain key interventions in Ghana’s malaria elimination strategy. Since monitoring and surveillance are key components in an effective elimination strategy, monitoring the therapeutic efficacy of antimalarial drugs and the effectiveness of vector control tools will provide great support to the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP) strategic plan. This project therefore covers therapeutic efficacy studies (TES) and entomological monitoring and surveillance.

The TES component of this project will have three thematic areas: 1) In-vivo efficacy studies, which will provide continuous efficacy data on Ghana’s first-line ACTs (artesunate-amodiaquine, artemether-lumefantrine, and artesunate-pyronaridine combinations) and second-line ACT (dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine) using WHO protocol for surveillance of antimalarial drug efficacy; 2) Pharmacokinetic (PK) studies on artemether-lumefantrine (AL), which will help distinguish between clinical treatment failure due to inadequate drug concentrations and failures due to drug resistant parasites; and 3) Molecular studies, which will help establish associations between treatment failure and molecular markers of artemisinin, lumefantrine, amodiaquine, and piperaquine resistance.

This entomological monitoring & surveillance (EMS) component will cover three thematic areas: 1) Monitoring of insecticide resistance status of malaria vectors in Ghana under the umbrella of the National Insecticide Resistance Partnership (NIRMOP); 2) Monitoring bionomics and transmission dynamics of malaria vectors; and 3) Genomic surveillance of Anopheles stephensi at selected ports of entry into Ghana.

Six (6) Research Assistants are needed to support a PMI/USAID funded project as follows. The positions will be for 5 years (2024 – 2028), renewable annually upon satisfactory performance and availability of funds.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIRED SKILLS

In-vivo studies (1)

  • A first degree in Social Sciences or Biological Sciences
  • Research experience in the conduct of antimalarial therapeutic efficacy studies
  • Excellent communication skills, including oral presentations and scientific writing.
  • Basic data management skills and knowledge of statistical tools such as R, SPSS or STATA
  • Ability to work very well in a team or independently with minimal supervision.
  • Willingness to work for longer hours, weekends or on public holidays when necessary.
  • Willingness to travel across Ghana.
  • A postgraduate degree in project management will be an advantage.

Molecular/Pharmacokinetic studies (1)

Entomological monitoring and surveillance (4)

  • A first degree in Biological Sciences, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry or Microbiology.
  • Research experience in Entomology will be an advantage.
  • Motivated, willing to learn and adjust quickly to changes in procedures.
  • Excellent communication skills, including oral presentations and scientific writing.
  • Ability to work very well in a team or independently with minimal supervision.
  • Excellent organizational skills and careful attention to detail.
  • Willingness to work for longer hours, weekends or on public holidays when necessary.

JOB DESCRIPTION

In-vivo studies

  • Assist in preparatory activities for the in-vivo studies.
  • Coordinate implementation of the in-vivo studies across ten sentinel sites
  • Maintain accurate inventory of all reagents and consumables for the in-vivo studies.
  • Ensure availability of clinical and laboratory logistics in all sites
  • Provide weekly reports on implementation of studies in the ten sentinel sites.
  • Provide draft reports on project meetings, trainings etc.
  • Any other project-related duties assigned by the Principal Investigator.

Molecular/ Pharmacokinetic studies

  • Coordinate sampling for molecular and pharmacokinetic studies
  • Assist with sample processing from field, their storage and maintaining accurate inventory of all samples.
  • Maintain accurate inventory of all reagents and consumables of the project.
  • Strictly follow and implement study protocols in carrying out experiments and participate fully in all periodic training sessions and seminars.
  • Assist in genome sequencing activities including nucleic acid extraction and library preparation.
  • Maintain accurate documentation of all experimental activities to assist with reporting and manuscript preparation.
  • Any other project-related duties assigned by the project Co-Principal Investigator responsible for molecular studies.

Entomological monitoring and surveillance

  • Assist with sample processing from field, their storage and maintaining accurate inventory of all samples.
  • Maintain accurate inventory of all reagents and consumables of the project.
  • Strictly follow and implement study protocols in carrying out experiments and participate fully in all periodic training sessions and seminars.
  • Assist in genome sequencing activities including nucleic acid extraction and library preparation.
  • Maintain accurate documentation of all experimental activities to assist with reporting and manuscript preparation.
  • Any other project-related duties assigned by the project Co-Principal Investigator responsible for Entomological monitoring and surveillance.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

  • One (1) year Contract Research Assistant position.
  • Remuneration in line with current NMIMR contract staff terms.
  • Contract renewable every year for 4 years upon satisfactory performance and availability of funding.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applicants must submit, as a single pdf file, electronic copies of the following:

  1. A cover letter detailing why you are suitable for the position.
  2. A current Curriculum Vitae.
  3. Copies of relevant educational and professional certificates, transcripts
  4. Two reference letters

Email the application package, pdf file, to the email addresses: gosae-amoako@noguchi.ug.edu.gh and PNai@noguchi.ug.edu.gh, and, and copy babuaku@noguchi.ug.edu.gh no later than 5 pm GMT on 31st  January, 2024. Applications received after this deadline will not be considered. Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. 

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