Entomology Lab Technician at Abt Associates

Duty Station / Location: Kisumu County, Kenya

Under the supervision of the Technical Manager, the Entomology Lab Technician will be in charge of all entomology lab activities, will perform all the molecular analyses and sample archiving and will oversee the sample sorting and insectary laboratories.

Specific duties and responsibilities include the following:

• Receive samples from the field and verify their condition and number.
• Perform ELISA tests for detection of sporozoite in mosquitoes.
• Perform DNA extraction in mosquitoes for species identification PCR to differentiate different species of mosquitoes and real-time PCR for detection of kdr alleles in mosquitoes for insecticide resistance monitoring.
• 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 VectorLink Kenya Technical Manager.
• Generate regular lab reports and submit to the PMI VectorLink Kenya Technical Manager.
• Submit all lab generated data to the data clerk for entry in timely manner.
• Conduct WHO susceptibility and CDC bottle assay tests for evaluation of insecticide resistance in malaria vectors.
• Be available to perform any additional task as assigned responsible for timely and high quality field entomological work and will work with the Entomology
• Laboratory Technician, Insectary Technician and Data Entry Clerk to ensure uninterrupted, high quality entomological activities.

Qualification requirements include the following:

• Bachelors Degree in bio-chemistry, laboratory, veterinary or other related health field.
• At least two (2) years of experience in busy entomoogy laboratory.
• Knowledge in computer skills including Microsoft Access, Word, Excel and Power Point
• Knowledge of English bot spoken and written
• Experience in real time PCR and microarray analysis is an added advantage