Introduction

Malaria remains a major public health challenge in Rwanda despite notable reductions in cases and deaths achieved through effective interventions such as insecticide-treated nets (ITNs), indoor residual spraying (IRS), and improved case management. However, the recent emergence of Plasmodium falciparum mutations associated with artemisinin resistance and Pfhrp2/3 gene deletions threatens to undermine these hard-won gains and threaten national malaria elimination efforts. To address these challenges, the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) has secured funding from the Gates Foundation to establish a National Malaria Molecular Surveillance (MMS) and a National Reference Genomic Laboratory. The project is being implemented in partnership with Society for Family Health (SFH) Rwanda, which plays a key role in supporting project implementation, coordination, stakeholder engagement, and the integration of molecular surveillance activities into existing malaria control and surveillance systems. The initiative aims to routinely detect and monitor genetic markers of drug and diagnostic resistance, integrate molecular testing into existing malaria surveillance systems, and provide real-time data to guide evidence-based policy and programmatic decisions at the national level. The project’s ultimate goal is to generate real-time molecular data to guide policy and programmatic decisions that will sustain Rwanda’s malaria elimination trajectory and contribute to regional and global efforts against antimalarial drug resistance.

Therefore, in order to implement the Malaria Molecular Surveillance Project, SFH Rwanda is recruiting Laboratory Scientists.

Job summary

The Laboratory Scientists will be responsible for implementing and supporting molecular and microscopy-based analyses within the national malaria molecular surveillance system. They will ensure the integrity, accuracy, and quality of laboratory results used to inform national malaria control and elimination strategies.

The position holders will be seconded to work at the NRL within RBC, Kigali, with frequent travel to sentinel sites and regional laboratories as required. The Laboratory Scientists will report directly to the MMS Analyst and will work in close coordination with the National Reference Laboratory (NRL) team and other project partners.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE LABORATORY SCIENTIST

The role and responsibilities are but not limited to:

• Conduct routine malaria microscopy, including parasite detection, quantification, and species differentiation.
• Perform molecular assays such as (Pfhrp2/3 gene deletion analysis, Antimalarial drug resistance marker detection and Therapeutic efficacy study genotyping)
• Participate in ex vivo assays to assess P. falciparum susceptibility to artemisinin and partner drugs (e.g., IC₅₀ and ring-stage survival assays).
• Ensure proper sample handling, storage, and tracking from collection sites to the National Reference Laboratory.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and contribute to data management and analysis.
• Participate in external quality assurance (EQA) and internal quality control (IQC) programs to maintain laboratory standards.
• Support training and mentorship of regional hubs laboratory staff in molecular and microscopy techniques.
• Collaborate with epidemiologists, bioinformaticians, and program officers to link molecular data with epidemiological information for real-time surveillance.
• Contribute to report writing, data sharing, and dissemination of findings at national and regional levels.
• Any others task related to the project assigned by the Principal Investigator (PI)

REQUIREMENTS

1. Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biomedical laboratory sciences.
• Valid license for professional laboratory practice in Rwanda.
• Minimum of three to five (3-5) years of experience in medical or research laboratory work.
• Proven expertise in malaria microscopy, including accurate species differentiation.
• Demonstrated understanding of malaria surveillance systems and data flow.
• Basic skills in molecular biology techniques (e.g., PCR, gel electrophoresis, DNA extraction).
• Knowledge of biosafety and biosecurity standards in infectious disease laboratories.

2. Competency

• Experience working in malaria research or surveillance programs.
• Familiarity with malaria microscopy and quality assurance
• Strong organizational, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work independently and maintain high-quality standards under minimal supervision.
• Commitment to data integrity, confidentiality, and ethical laboratory practice.

• Conduct routine malaria microscopy, including parasite detection, quantification, and species differentiation.
• Perform molecular assays such as (Pfhrp2/3 gene deletion analysis, Antimalarial drug resistance marker detection and Therapeutic efficacy study genotyping)
• Participate in ex vivo assays to assess P. falciparum susceptibility to artemisinin and partner drugs (e.g., IC₅₀ and ring-stage survival assays).
• Ensure proper sample handling, storage, and tracking from collection sites to the National Reference Laboratory.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records and contribute to data management and analysis.
• Participate in external quality assurance (EQA) and internal quality control (IQC) programs to maintain laboratory standards.
• Support training and mentorship of regional hubs laboratory staff in molecular and microscopy techniques.
• Collaborate with epidemiologists, bioinformaticians, and program officers to link molecular data with epidemiological information for real-time surveillance.
• Contribute to report writing, data sharing, and dissemination of findings at national and regional levels.
• Any others task related to the project assigned by the Principal Investigator (PI)

• Proven expertise in malaria microscopy, including accurate species differentiation.
• Demonstrated understanding of malaria surveillance systems and data flow.
• Basic skills in molecular biology techniques (e.g., PCR, gel electrophoresis, DNA extraction).
• Knowledge of biosafety and biosecurity standards in infectious disease laboratories.
• Experience working in malaria research or surveillance programs.
• Familiarity with malaria microscopy and quality assurance
• Strong organizational, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Ability to work independently and maintain high-quality standards under minimal supervision.
• Commitment to data integrity, confidentiality, and ethical laboratory practice.

• Bachelor’s degree in biomedical laboratory sciences.
• Valid license for professional laboratory practice in Rwanda.
• Minimum of three to five (3-5) years of experience in medical or research laboratory work.