Position Description:

The Research Assistant will report to the Research Officer and will be responsible for planning, organizing, and implementing laboratory assays with the objective of conducting high-quality laboratory research. S/he will be responsible for the following duties and responsibilities: –

• Laboratory activities involving Neglected Tropical Disease’s diagnosis and surveillance (leishmaniasis, leprosy, filariasis, dengue etc.).
• Receiving, storing & maintaining inventory of samples from fields.
• Performing DNA/RNA extraction techniques (standard and rapid) from various human specimens including stool, skin, blood, serum, and vectors including mosquitoes, sandflies, etc., and different molecular (e.g. PCR, RT-PCR, ddPCR, RPA) and immunological (e.g. ELISA) assays.
• Conducting MinION Sequencing and downstream analysis of sequencing data.
• Isolating bacteria and phages from stool samples, fluorescent labeling & counting of phages and bacteria under fluorescence microscope.
• Interpret tests, generate reports on results, and keep records.
• Updating, submitting project progress reports to the supervisor, and providing input in manuscript writing

Required qualifications and experience:

• Bachelors and Masters in Biochemistry/Molecular Biology/ Microbiology with good academic record.
• At least 2 years of laboratory work experience in the fields of biochemistry, molecular biology, and microbiology.
• Candidate must have experience in MinION sequencing, SXP1 ELISA, REPL RPA and PCR for diagnosis of leprosy