Job Description
POST: RESEARCH ASSISTANT-INSECTARY(2 POSITIONS)
Kamuzu University of Health Sciences
MAC-CDAC is a research unit under the Kamuzu University of Health Sciences that works with Ministry of health, local and international health agencies to address priority health problems in Malawi and the SADC region through operational and evidence synthesis research, capacity building and training, health care systems strengthening, disease surveillance, and monitoring and impact evaluation in communicable diseases including malaria, HIV, vaccine preventable diseases and Neglected tropical diseases.
With funding from Vestergaard and Abt Global, the MAC-CDAC intends to conduct a study to monitor the durability of dual active nets (PermaNet Dual and Interceptor G2) distributed during the 2024 nationwide net campaign, as well as insecticide resistance among major malaria vector mosquitoes in Malawi.
In this regard, MAC-CDAC is inviting applications from suitably qualified, motivated and enthusiastic individuals to fill the following positions under the study:
RESEARCH ASSISTANT – INSECTARY (2 POSITIONS)
Position summary
The Research Assistant will be expected to carry out duties in the insectary to support various studies that require rearing and raising mosquitoes under laboratory controlled conditions.
Duration of Contract
The initial contract will be for twelve (12) months with possibility for further extension based on performance and availability of funding.
Reporting Line
The Research Assistant will be reporting to the Principal Investigator.
Duties and Responsibilities
Working under direct supervision of Principal Investigator Research Assistant’s main duties and responsibilities will include:
Rearing and maintaining a viable Anopheles gambiae Kisumu colony
Collecting and rearing wild caught Anopheles sp mosquitoes for susceptibility testing
Collecting of wild Anopheles mosquitoes for midgut microbiome analysis
Putting in place standard operating procedures for handling specimens and running the insectary facilities
Maintaining the insectary in standard hygienic conditions
Carrying out regular QA/ QC activities in the insectary
Performing data entry in hard copy and electronic format
Regular report writing
Assisting with any other related duties as seen fit by the principal investigator and team leader.
Requirements
Applicants must satisfy the following essential requirements:
Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science or any related field.
Willingness to learn, be mentored, and improve
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office (MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint), Internet and e-mail applications
Demonstrated ability to work with minimal supervision and meet strict deadlines
Must be prepared to have a flexible schedule when required
Demonstrated ability to work as a member of a team
Ability to follow written instructions on experimental Standard Operating Procedures
Excellent organizational, interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills
Remuneration
Remuneration will be commensurate with experience and qualifications as applicable to staff in the Kamuzu University of Health Sciences. KUHES is an equal opportunity employer.
Application procedure
Suitably qualified candidates should forward their applications by e-mail. Indicate the position being applied for on the subject line of the email as “Durability Monitoring Research Assistant – Insectary/ Project Coordinator application”. Applications
should be submitted as a one pdf document in the email and should include a cover letter, a detailed and signed CV, certificates and names of three traceable referees, and should be addressed to:
The Registrar
Kamuzu University of Health Sciences
P/Bag 360
Chichiri
Blantyre 3
Email: recruitment@kuhes.ac.mw and vacancies@mac.kuhes.ac.mw
Applications should be submitted not later than 13th November 2025. Only short-listed candidates will be acknowledged.
The successful candidates will be required to undergo a safeguarding check prior to
appointment and periodically during employment.