Data Officer – Ifakara Health Institute (IHI)

Job Title: Data Officer (1 Position)
Organization: Ifakara Health Institute (IHI)
Location: Bagamoyo, Tanzania
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: Data & Research Jobs
Opening Date: 03 August 2026
Application Deadline: 14 August 2026

Job Overview

Ifakara Health Institute (IHI) is seeking a qualified Data Officer to support malaria research activities at its Bagamoyo Branch. The successful candidate will apply molecular biology expertise, biotechnology techniques, and laboratory research skills to support malaria parasite culture, mosquito infectivity studies, and molecular research activities.

The role requires strong knowledge of molecular biology techniques, laboratory safety, research documentation, and experimental procedures.

Key Responsibilities

Laboratory Research & Molecular Biology Support

• Ensure compliance with safety protocols within a Biosafety Level 3 (BSL3) laboratory facility.
• Assist with laboratory experiments involving:
  • DNA analysis
  • RNA analysis
  • Protein analysis
• Apply molecular biology techniques including:
  • PCR
  • DNA/RNA sequencing
  • Gel electrophoresis
• Support transgenesis studies and molecular research activities.

Malaria Parasite Culture & Research Activities

• Perform routine malaria parasite culture maintenance, including:
  • Thawing
  • Expansion
  • Passaging
  • Cryopreservation
• Monitor:
  • Parasite culture growth
  • Contamination
  • Sample quality
• Maintain accurate records of parasite vial stocks and usage.
• Prepare and manage malaria parasite culture reagents, including:
  • Media
  • Supplements
  • Buffers

Laboratory Operations & Quality Management

• Support researchers with:
  • Experimental setup
  • Sample preparation
  • Biological assays
• Perform routine laboratory activities including:
  • Preparation of solutions and reagents
  • Equipment cleaning and maintenance
  • Waste management
  • Biosafety compliance
• Manage laboratory inventory through:
  • Stock control
  • Consumable ordering
  • Reagent tracking
• Support implementation and maintenance of laboratory SOPs.
• Maintain accurate documentation of all laboratory activities.

Experimental Support & Research Reporting

• Assist with:
  • Direct membrane feeding assays
  • Standard membrane feeding assays
  • Mosquito dissection under supervision
• Contribute to optimization of experimental protocols.
• Maintain detailed records of experiments performed.
• Conduct literature reviews on:
  • Malaria parasite culture
  • Infectivity studies
• Support preparation of research findings for publications.
• Participate in laboratory meetings and present research findings.

Required Skills & Competencies

• Knowledge of:
  • Molecular biology laboratory safety procedures
  • Research laboratory practices
  • Biotechnology techniques
• Ability to work independently and as part of a research team.
• Experience performing laboratory assays such as:
  • ELISA
  • PCR
  • Insecticide susceptibility testing
• Skills in:
  • Proposal writing
  • Report writing
  • Experimental design
• Computer proficiency in:
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft PowerPoint

Added Advantage:

• Experience using:
  • STATA
  • R Studio
  • Other statistical analysis software

Qualifications & Requirements

Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in:
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Biotechnology
  • Related fields

Experience

• Hands-on laboratory experience and strong background in molecular biology techniques will be an added advantage.

Language Requirements

• Excellent communication skills in:
  • English
  • Swahili

(Both written and verbal communication)

Application Information

Application Deadline: 14 August 2026

Interested candidates should submit applications through the official application link provided by Ifakara Health Institute.

Important Notice:
Ifakara Health Institute (IHI) does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process. Applicants should disregard any suspicious requests for payment related to job offers or interviews.

Apply using the employer’s official application instructions.