Introduction

The Shoklo Malaria Research Unit (SMRU) is a field station of the Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand, and is part of the Mahidol-Oxford Research Unit (MORU) supported by the Wellcome Trust, UK. The main objective of SMRU is to provide quality health care to the marginalized populations living on both sides of the Thai-Myanmar border in the Mae Sot area, Tak province. This is achieved by the dual activities of research and humanitarian services, with an emphasis on maternal-child health and infectious diseases.

SMRU is based in Mae Sot where the main laboratories are based and received samples from sites along the Thai-Myanmar border. 

Job title:             Lab Technician

Location:            Mae Sot

Probation:          SMRU can terminate employment at 3 months if performance inadequate

Report to:           Research Assistant

The person selected for this job will (1) perform routine processing of entomological samples in molecular biology, (2) develop of new assays under the supervision of a senior staff and (3) take care of routine management duties shared with other staff in the Entomology-molecular working group. Specific to this position, this person will take the role of Laboratory Safety Officer (LSO) of the Entomology Laboratory. On a daily basis, this person will:

1. Perform routine molecular biology experiments:
   1. DNA extraction including buffer preparation, reagents aliquoting, control of the DNA extraction using a biophotometer, pooling and dilution of the DNA extracts, cleaning DNA extraction room
   2. PCR including reagent aliquoting, master mix preparation, using thermocycler, gel electrophoresis, preparing samples for DNA sequencing
   3. qPCR: including reagent aliquoting, master mix preparation, use of a real-time Thermocycler
   4. Carry out other routine molecular biology experiments according to specific project requirements
   5. Record, enter and report the corresponding data
2. Shared management duties for Entomology-METF working group
   1. Logistic: coordinate with the logistic team to fix facilities and equipment in the rooms used by molecular team.
3. Development of new assays under the supervision of a senior staff
   1. Perform literature search
   2. Design experiments
   3. Draft protocols and SOPs
   4. Perform experiment set-up
   5. Record, enter and report the corresponding data
4. Entomology Laboratory Safety Officer
   1. Induction of new staff
   2. Attend to safety committee meeting and complete the corresponding action points
   3. Accident/Incident reports
   4. Safety training specific to entomology team
   5. Laboratory compliance inspection every 3 months

Essential Criteria

• Bachelor Degree in Biology or equivalent
• Previous experience in molecular biology
• Good communication skills including fluent in English and/or Thai
• Computing skill
• Willingness to live in Mae Sot
• Willingness to learn different techniques
• Ability to work as part of multinational team
• Ability to work flexible hours including weekends
• Able to work under pressure

Desirable Criteria

• Karen and Burmese is an asset
• Previous experience in entomology
• Previous experience in research

How to apply:

Applications must be sent to SMRU/HR Department 68/30 Bantung Road, Mae Sot, Tak 63110 or email to smru-hr@shoklo-unit.com

Dead line for application: 17^th February 2022

Please note that only short-listed candidates will be notified for the interview process

Contact : smru-hr@shoklo-unit.com