The World at Abt

Solving the world’s most pressing issues and improving the quality of life for people worldwide is what we do every day at Abt Associates. Creating a more equitable world is no small task, but we are driven by big challenges.

We are a team of 4,000+ people in over 50 countries working in unison and focused on the bigger picture. Only by sharing our commitment, energy, and innovation do we affect change and push the boundaries of what’s possible. We welcome diverse ideas, backgrounds, and viewpoints – joining Abt means access to exceptional thinkers at the top of their game.

To thrive at Abt is to embrace flexibility and collaboration. Our open culture allows you to balance your work and personal life as needed to optimize personal well-being. Creating a more equitable world starts from within – we look after people around the world, and we’ll do the same for you.

Ready to embrace rewarding and meaningful work? Now’s your chance.

The Opportunity

Under the supervision of the Technical Manager, the Entomology Lab Technician will oversee all entomology lab activities, will perform all the molecular analyses, sample archiving and will oversee the sample sorting and final reporting of all laboratory assays carried out.

Project Description

The PMI Evolve Project supports the U.S. President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI) and USAID to plan and implement an integrated vector control strategy with the overall goal of reducing the burden of malaria while promoting equity to sustain malaria gains. Abt has implemented integrated vector control for PMI since 2011, delivering high-quality indoor residual spraying (IRS), technical assistance for insecticide-treated net (ITN) distribution and durability monitoring, and new approaches for larval source management (LSM). Additionally, Abt’s PMI-funded work manages the most comprehensive malaria vector entomological surveillance programs in 21 African countries to inform malaria vector control trends, strategies, and impact. Under the PMI Evolve Project, Abt will further its delivery of integrated vector control programs by partnering with local communities, organizations, and governments to co-design and co-implement tailored malaria vector control programs. The end goal is fighting malaria while strengthening local capacity to sustain malaria gains.

Core Responsibilities

Oversee and maintain operations at the newly set up molecular entomology laboratory in Njala Campus, Bo

•  Receive mosquito samples from the field and verify their condition and number.
•  Carry out morphological identification of received samples to confirm the species identification of a subset of mosquitoes.
•  Liaise with the Entomology field coordinator to verify the database of sampled mosquitoes from the field.
•  Carry out mosquito bisections to prepare mosquitoes for molecular processing.
•  Lead and supervise the training of existing and new technicians on mosquito identification, molecular entomological techniques; species Id using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), bloodmeal ELISA and cs-ELISA to detect plasmodium infected mosquitoes.
•  Perform ELISA tests for detection of sporozoite in mosquitoes.
•  Perform DNA extraction in mosquitoes for species identification PCR to differentiate different species of mosquitoes.
•  Cary out conventional and real-time PCR for detection of kdr/Ace-1/N1575Y alleles in mosquitoes for insecticide resistance monitoring.
•  Take lead in molecular screening of mosquitoes using Anopheles stephensi protocol.
•  Maintain safe working standards in all laboratory procedures and ensure proper storage of biological samples.
•  Keep inventory of all lab equipment and consumables and make requests for additional supplies through the PMI Evolve Technical Manager.
•  Generate regular lab reports and submit to the PMI Evolve Technical Manager.
•  Submit all lab generated data to the project’s Entomology database manager for entry in timely manner.
•  Support the field collection of adults mosquitoes and larvae in Bo whenever necessary.
•  Be available to perform any additional task as assigned responsible for timely and high-quality field entomological work and will work with the Njala Laboratory Technicians, Insectary Technicians and Database manager to ensure uninterrupted, high quality entomological activities.

What We Value

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry/Chemistry/Biology/laboratory, veterinary or other related health field.

•  At least 2 years doing field entomology mosquito identification and processing
•  At least two (2) years of experience in busy entomology laboratory.
•  Knowledge in computer skills including Microsoft Access, Word, Excel and Power Point
•  Knowledge of English both spoken and written
•  Experience in real time PCR and field entomological techniques is an added advantage

What We Offer

We foster an environment where you can Thrive Your Way. Our innovative total rewards programs are designed to help balance your work and personal life. The approach toward your wellbeing centers around comprehensive benefits and professional development.

Abt Associates is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse workforce. Abt Associates provides market-competitive salaries and comprehensive employee benefits. Local candidates strongly encouraged to apply.

Disclaimer: Abt Associates will never ask candidates for money in exchange for an offer of employment.

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