Research Officer (Intern in Genomics & Bioinformatics)

Job Summary

Position: Research Officer (Intern in Genomics & Bioinformatics) – 2 posts
Reports To: Project Leader / Principal Investigator
Work Station: Dar es Salaam
Apply By: 16th June, 2025

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, service delivery and policy translation.

Position Summary

Ifakara Health Institute (IHI) is looking for highly motivated and skilled graduates to join our team as Research Officer Interns and train in genomics and bioinformatics. Selected candidates will receive specialized training while contributing to a cutting-edge research project titled Molecular Surveillance of Malaria in Mainland Tanzania (MSMT2). The project aims to strengthen capacity for malaria molecular surveillance in Tanzania and beyond.

The MSMT2 project is being implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Health through the National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP), the President’s Office – Regional Administration and Local Government (PO-RALG), and the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR). The project is currently in its second phase of implementation.

The MSMT2 team, in close collaboration with multidisciplinary researchers, public health professionals, and local and international stakeholders will appropriately train the successful candidates. The training will be part of the ongoing efforts to strengthen and scale up local capacity for molecular, genetic, genomic, and serological laboratory and data analytics to support malaria molecular surveillance, and other requirements based on the project's objectives. The project endeavors to ultimately support policy change and informed decision-making for malaria control and elimination in Tanzania.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Intern will receive training and become part of the team that is involved in performing routine and specialized tasks related to the execution of laboratory procedures for the MSMT2 project. The position entails dedication and commitment to follow the training program of the MSMT2 project.

The training will cover areas such as sample collection, processing, analysis, and storage, as well as acquiring skills and experience in Good Clinical Laboratory Practices (GCLP), Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and professional and project standards and/or guidelines. Overall, the training will enable the interns to obtain skills and experience in the entire process of generating and analyzing genomic data within the MSMT2 project.

The duties and responsibilities of a successful candidate shall include theoretical and hands-on training in the following areas:

• Sample collection, processing, and analysis according to the project's needs and SOPs.
• Processing and recording all test results according to SOPs for all specimens delivered to the laboratory.
• Storage and location of specimen records according to the SOPs of the project.
• Planning and performing routine and specialized technical procedures required by the project including troubleshooting during work.
• Maintaining laboratory equipment standards and cleanliness according to the engineer’s advice, guidelines, and equipment manual.
• Effective communication within project, and with hospital staff, and field teams to get all the collected information for laboratory records.
• Quality Control programs of the MSMT2 project as required by GCLP to ensure the reliability of testing procedures, proper functioning of laboratory equipment, and compliance with relevant regulations.
• Internal and external regulatory authorities responsible for quality assurance and quality control of laboratory processes, health and safety, and inspection control practices.
• Science communication, grant writing, manuscript development and other relevant skills such as epidemiology, biostatistics, genomics, bioinformatics, etc.
• Attend and contribute to research meetings, discussions, and journal clubs.
• Develop skills in manuscript preparation for scientific publications.
• Any other areas as may be determined by the Project Leader, Principal Investigator and other superiors.

Qualification and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in either Medical Laboratory Science or Molecular Biology and Biotechnology received within the past 24 months.
• Pass in the first degree with a minimum GPA of 3.8 and with exceptional ability for science leadership development.
• Experience in genomics and practical skills in different molecular biology techniques, and at least one (1) year of experience in a similar field will have an added advantage.

Skills and Competencies

• The position requires some practical and technical abilities as well as the potential for training to acquire key skills of high relevance to the MSMT2 project.
• Applicant should have complex problem-solving skills, decision-making, independence, critical thinking, time management, and teamwork skills.
• The applicant must have the ability to work well with partial supervision.
• Applicants must have good verbal and written communication skills; with good commands of both Kiswahili and English.
• Adhere to IHI core values (Integrity, Initiative, Equity, Excellence, Accountability).

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 (EAT) on Monday, June 16th 2025. All email application subject lines should include: RESEARCH OFFICER (INTERN IN GENOMICS & BIOINFORMATICS) – MSMT2 Project. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interview.

The Senior Human Resources and Administration Manager
IFAKARA HEALTH INSTITUTE
Plot 463 Mikocheni
P.O. Box 78,373
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania