- Full Time
- Chikwawa
- Salary: 00
Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Trust
Job Description
Introduction
The Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Research Programme (MLW) is an internationally recognized centre for research and training, funded by the Wellcome Trust in collaboration with our key partners, the Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KuHes), Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) and University of Liverpool (UoL) among others. We are committed to promoting research and training led by Malawian & International scientists, with the aim of improving the health of people in Malawi and elsewhere in the Region.
Job Summary
The Junior Research Assistant (Entomologist) will be part of a community-based trial in Chikwawa, Malawi, assessing the impact of ivermectin-treated cattle on malaria transmission. Responsibilities include conducting mosquito collections using specific traps, identifying mosquitoes to gather data on vector density, survival, and sporozoite rates, and assisting in analyzing host blood meals to understand the role of zoophilic vectors. The assistant will collaborate with veterinary officers, maintain accurate records of field and lab activities, contribute to data analysis, and ensure ethical research practices while aiding in report writing and scientific publications.
The ideal candidate should have a Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Entomology, Biology, Public Health, or a related field, with experience in field entomology, particularly in mosquito collection and identification. A solid understanding of malaria transmission dynamics and vector control methods is essential, along with strong analytical and data interpretation skills. The candidate should possess excellent written and verbal communication skills and can work collaboratively in a multicultural team environment. Previous experience in field-based entomological research and knowledge of the Chikwawa district and local languages are desirable
POSITION FUNCTION (PURPOSE): In summary, why does the job exist?
This position is part of a community-based intervention trial assessing the potential of ivermectin, an endectocide administered to cattle, in reducing malaria transmission in Chikwawa district, southern Malawi. The Junior Research Assistant (Entomologist) will be responsible for conducting entomological research as part of the study to evaluate the impact of ivermectin-treated cattle on malaria transmission. The successful candidate will work closely with the research team to collect and analyze data on mosquito density, survival, and sporozoite rates.
Responsibilities
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES/RESPONSIBILITIES: The major duties and tasks of this job.
Professional requirements
- Conduct mosquito collections using Prokopack aspirators and cattle-baited host decoy traps in selected villages.
- Morphologically identify collected mosquitoes and record data on vector density, survival, and sporozoite rates.
- Assist in the analysis of host blood meals to model the contribution of zoophilic vectors to malaria transmission.
- Maintain detailed and accurate records of field and laboratory activities.
- Collaborate with veterinary officers and other research team members to ensure the smooth execution of the study.
- Contribute to data analysis, report writing and scientific publications.
- Ensure adherence to ethical standards and guidelines in all research activities.
G RESPONSIBILITY:
G(a) For people (supervisory): N/A
G(b) For resources: describe the type, volume and value of resources/equipment, etc for which you have direct responsibility.
- All inventory owned by the Study group.
H WORK COMPLEXITY: The degree of complexity of the job i.e. how simple, standardized or complicated the work is:
- This role requires working hand in hand with the community members as well as field stuff in terms of decision making on a day-to-day basis.
I ACCOUNTABILITY FOR ERRORS: The impact of errors on organizational resources, customers, processes, equipment etc.
- The post holder is responsible for the accuracy and validity of all research conducted.
- The post holder is responsible for acting with scientific integrity.
- The post holder needs to comply with Good Clinical Practice (GCP).
- Errors can lead to reputational damage to MLW, retraction of publications and loss of future research funding.
J WORKING CONDITIONS: Inconvenient or disagreeable aspects of the job e.g. exposure to heat, dirt, outside work, constant interruptions, hazards, uncomfortable situations etc.
J(a) Uncomfortable Conditions:
- Field based work environment
J(b) Job Hazards:
Based in Chikwawa where temperatures can get exceedingly high
K ORGANISATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS/CONTACTS: Local and international contacts, frequency, purpose and method etc.
Requirements
D QUALIFICATIONS: (i.e. Education, Training and Experience Requirements).
D(a) Education: The minimum level of education required to perform all the duties of the job to standard.
- [Essential] Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Entomology, Biology, Public Health, or a related field.
D(b) Experience: The minimum number of years of experience required to perform all the duties of the job to standard.
- [Essential]Experience in field entomology, particularly in mosquito collection and identification.
- [Essential]Knowledge of malaria transmission dynamics and vector control methods.
- [Essential]Previous experience in field-based entomological research.
- [Essential]Knowledge of the Chikwawa district and local languages.
E KEY COMPENTENCIES/ATTRIBUTES AND SKILLS (e.g. IT Skills, Personality, Communication, Teamwork etc)
- [Essential] [Essential]Strong analytical and data interpretation skills.
- [Essential] Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- [Essential] Critical thinking skills
- [Essential] Achieve agreed objectives independent of day-to-day supervision
- [Essential] Attention to detail.
- [Essential] Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications
F DECISION MAKING: 2-5 decisions required on the job with minimum input or checking by supervisors.
- Collaborate with local community members in a multicultural team environment to collect samples
- When to escalate challenges and ensure that solutions pertaining to the realm of responsibility are found.
- Strict adherence to SOP’s
F(a) Manuals, policies, procedures or guidelines that govern decision-making:
- MLW Code of Conduct
F(b) Financial decisions required in this job (e.g. budgets, expenditures, petty cash etc)
- N/A
Method Of Application
Interested applicants should apply by sending, a cover letter, copies of relevant certificates, detailed CV with 3 traceable referees (with at least 2 professional referees) to the address below or email to [email protected] This should be in 1 pdf format.
MLW recognizes its responsibility in safeguarding and protecting communities, research participants and patients with whom MLW is working. Please note that successful candidates will be requested to undergo a safeguarding check prior to appointment and at regular time points during employment.
ONLY SHORT-LISTED CANDIDATES WILL BE ACKNOWLEDGED.
To apply for this job email your details to vacancies@mlw.mw