Senior Technical Officer - Molecular Virologist (P3)

About the role

Africa CDC is recruiting a full-time, on-site Senior Technical Officer (Molecular Virologist, P3) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The role carries out laboratory-based research and surveillance on viral pathogens, including assay development, validation and implementation of molecular diagnostic techniques, and works closely with Africa CDC programmes and partners.

Key responsibilities

• Design and perform experiments, analyse and interpret virological data, and contribute to genomic sequencing and characterisation of emerging and re-emerging viruses
• Support outbreak investigations and advise on laboratory protocols and biosafety standards
• Collaborate with national and regional public health laboratories to strengthen virology capacity
• Prepare technical reports, scientific publications and training materials, and take part in capacity-building initiatives across Member States

Required profile

• Advanced academic training in virology, molecular biology, microbiology or a closely related field (Master's degree required; PhD strongly preferred)
• Demonstrated expertise in molecular virology techniques such as PCR/RT-PCR, qPCR, nucleic acid extraction, sequencing workflows and analysis of viral genomic data
• Experience in high-containment or enhanced biosafety laboratories, with strong knowledge of biosafety, biosecurity and quality management systems
• Proven ability to design, execute and troubleshoot experiments, interpret complex datasets and turn findings into public health recommendations
• Experience in infectious disease surveillance, outbreak response or public health laboratory systems in Africa or similar resource-constrained settings
• Strong technical writing skills and ability to communicate clearly to technical and non-technical audiences
• Ability to work in multidisciplinary, multicultural teams, manage priorities and meet deadlines under pressure
• Proficiency in English (written and spoken); knowledge of other African Union working languages is an advantage