Job title: Laboratory technician

Department: Entomology Laboratory

Supervisor:  Entomologist

Supervisee:  Lab technician and lab assistants

Location: Mae Ramat, TAK Province 

Introduction
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 (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 Tak Province. This is achieved by the dual activities of research and humanitarian services, with an emphasis on maternal-child health and infectious diseases.

This combination of health care and research makes SMRU unique. The research agenda is driven by the questions we face in our clinical practice and whether clinical or laboratory based, our studies are designed to be of relevance to the population we serve.

Tasks/Responsibilities:

The person selected for this job will lead the molecular biology work performed in the Entomology department, which will consist of (1) performing routine processing of entomological samples in molecular biology, (2) developing new assays under the supervision of a senior staff and (3) carry out management duties and supervise other laboratory technicians and assistants in the Entomology-molecular biology working group. 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, PCR product purification and preparing samples for DNA sequencing. Use bioinformatic tools to analyse the sequences.
   3. qPCR: including reagent aliquoting, master mix preparation, use of a real-time Thermocycler.
   4. MALDI-TOF: protein extraction, spot preparation and acquisition of the mass spectra.
   5. Record, enter and report the corresponding data.
2. Shared management duties for Entomology-molecular biology working group:
   1. Equipment inventory, inspection and coordinate maintenance by service companies,
   2. Procurement: perform regular inventory of reagent and consumables for molecular biology, send procurement request to research assistant. Compare item specifications and prices from different suppliers when ordering new items.
   3. Sample management: complete sample inventory, manage sample storage and use in Freezerworks, prepare paperwork for shipping samples.

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.

Position requirements:

• 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 mosquito experience
• Experience in research

How to apply:

Applications, CV or Resume must be sent to SMRU/HR Department MRM - BHF/SMRU office Address: 78/1 Moo 5, Mae Ramat Sub-District, Mae Ramat District, Tak Province, 63140 or email to smru-hr@shoklo-unit.com

Dead line for application: 17^th September 2023

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

SMRU has a zero tolerance to sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination. Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) is everyone’s responsibility and all staff are required to adhere to the Code of Conduct, that enshrines principles of PSEA, always (both during work hours and outside work hours). All selected candidates will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles