The Armauer Hansen Research Institute (AHRI, https://ahri.gov.et) established in 1970 through the initiative of the Norwegian and Swedish Save the Children organizations as a leprosy research institute made breakthrough contribution in understanding the immunology and eventual improved treatment (MDT) that changed the global landscape of leprosy epidemiology. Re-organized by the decree of the Council of Minister’s Regulation No. 376/2016 as biomedical research, clinical trial and biomedical research capacity building arm of the Federal Ministry of Health. The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine is a world-leading centre for research and postgraduate education in public and global health. Addis Ababa University, the institute of public health is renowned for its research and capacity building.  These three institutions are working in partnership on the Skin Health Africa Research Programme (SHARP, https://www.lshtm.ac.uk/research/centres-projects-groups/sharp#research). SHARP is a multidisciplinary research program funded by the United Kingdom National Institute for Health Research with the aim to identify strategies for improving experiences of “severe stigmatising skin diseases”. In conjunction, SHARP will conduct a cohort study which aims to improve the understanding of the health and economic burden of CL and to lay the groundwork for future, robust randomized controlled trials, and economic evaluations of alternative CL treatment strategies in Ethiopia.

Thus, AHRI is seeking to appoint two Dermatology clinicians and a laboratory researcher as part of the expanding programme of clinical and population-based research in skin Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) in Ethiopia knows as SHARP.

Functional Relationships:

The position holders will be part of a team of local and international investigators. He/she will be accountable to the local Principal Investigators (PIs). He/she should always maintain a good relationship with co-workers at their study sites, SHARP staff at Kombolcha/Boru Meda, and partners at AAU and LSHTM by communicating in a professional and courteous manner. We would endeavour to support the dermatologists if he/she wishes to pursue a PhD.

The position holder will support the medical team at the study sites in providing medical care to study participants, and expected to carryout administrative and scientific work in line with study protocols.

Tasks, duties and responsibilities

·         Maintaining an up to date and accurate study data base; CRFs and ICFs

·         Preparing and collating material for the protocol and study documents

·         Preparing appropriate documents and communicating with the Ethics Board for the CL cohort study, with the collaboration of the study team

·         Strictly adhere to Good Clinical Practice guidelines, study protocol and study manual at all times.

·         Ensure confidentiality is maintained in the collection and handling of information.

·         Managing the CL cohort study by actively working in the CL clinic at ALERT Hospital

·         Involvement in supervising colleagues at Boru Meda and Gondar Hospitals as the need arises

·         Participating in the production of training materials

·         Communicating and collaborating with local and international colleagues

·         Participating in active case finding trips in the latter part of the project, in South Wollo.

·         Willing to dedicate as part-time research clinician for a minimum of four hours/day on the SHARP projects as per project schedule.

·         Able to participate in field trips for supportive supervision of colleagues at Boru Meda (and Gondar) and data collection during case finding exercises in South Wollo

·         Able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, in English and Amharic

·         Show evidence of good organizational skills, including effective time management and attention to detail.

·         Show evidence of excellent interpersonal skills

·         Interested in academic skills

·         Be a dynamic person with demonstrated capacity for teamwork and team leadership

·         An interest in clinical research and research methods and ethics. Be familiar with clinical research activities and conduct of clinical research/trials. Able to demonstrate some previous research experience

·         Previous experience working at ALERT or Boru Meda Hospital dermatology services is an added advantage

Applicants should provide:

–          Up to date full Curriculum Vitae, dated

–          Training credentials and copy of official documents

–          Letter of motivation on how your qualifications, experience and training make you an ideal candidate as well as why you are interested to join and what added value you may bring to the project.

–          The names and email of contacts of 2 referees who can be contacted immediately if shortlisted.

Number required: one

Place of work: based at ALERT Hospital, with supervision of colleagues in Boru Meda and possibly Gondar Hospital.

Employment Type:  One year contract period with possible extension based on performance and budget availability.