ThaiNGO

Job title: Research assistant

Department: Malaria Laboratory

Supervisor: Head of Malaria Laboratory

Supervisee: Laboratory Technicians and Laboratory Assistants

Work Area: Tha Song Yang- Mae Ramat- Mae Sot- Phop Phra (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 border Thailand and Myanmar. 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.

Task and Responsibilities

Research work

-          Participate in study design and methodology development, including proposing research ideas, reviewing scientific literature, attending scientific seminars, and contributing to the development of experimental protocols and standard operating procedures (SOPs).

-          Conduct laboratory experiments involving malaria parasites, including parasite isolation from infected patients, in vitro culture, and antimalarial drug susceptibility testing. This includes activity planning, laboratory work, data collection, preliminary data analysis, and preparation of activity reports.

-          Disseminate research findings by presenting results during MORU/SMRU laboratory tutorials, journal clubs, and scientific meetings, as well as contributing to the writing of scientific manuscripts for publication.

Laboratory management

-          Prepare activity plans, technical reports, procurement plans, and provisional budgets to support laboratory operations and research activities.

-          Oversee laboratory equipment inventory and maintenance to ensure proper calibration, functionality, and documentation in accordance with laboratory standards.

-          Manage supply inventory and initiate procurement requests to ensure consistent availability of reagents, consumables, and other laboratory materials.

-          Supervise sample inventory and oversee freezer maintenance, including labelling, storage monitoring, and temperature documentation.

-          Oversee data management activities, including data collection, cleaning, verification, and entry into designated research databases.

-          Supervise and support the training of staff, students, and visitors in laboratory techniques, safety procedures, and established SOPs.

-          Serve as the Laboratory Safety Officer (LSO) for the Malaria Laboratory, ensuring compliance with biosafety guidelines, risk assessments, and safety protocols.

Essential Criteria

·       PhD in Biology or equivalent field

·       Fluent Thai and English

·       Experience with laboratory management and supervision

·       Experience in malaria research laboratory

·       Willingness to work in Mae Ramat

·       Ability to work as part of multinational team

·       Ability to work flexible hours including weekends

·       Able to work under pressure

Desirable Criteria

·       Fluent in Karen or Burmese

How to apply

Applications, CV or Resume must be sent to SMRU/HR Department 78/1 Moo 5 Mae Ramat, Mae Ramat, Tak 63140 or email to smru-hr@shoklo-unit.com.

Dead line for application: 09^th April 2026. Qualified candidates will be interviewed as soon as their application is received.

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.