Assistant Researcher

Position: Assistant Researcher

About the Job

The Armauer Hansen Research Institute (AHRI) was founded in 1970 through the initiative of the Norwegian and Swedish Save the Children organizations seconded by the Ministry of Health of Ethiopia. The Institute got its name from the Norwegian physician, Gerhard Henrik Armauer Hansen, who first described the leprosy bacillus (Mycobacterium leprae). AHRI is a biomedical research institute that works in developing tools for prevention, control and treatment of mycobacterium and other diseases of public health importance through applied and basic biomedical research and training.

We are looking for an Assistant Researcher-a creative, tech-savvy, and versatile Graphic & Web Designer to support our malaria research team. This unique role blends scientific illustration, visual communication, and interactive web design to help bring complex research to life.

You will work closely with researchers, staff, and students to develop impactful visuals for manuscripts and presentations, as well as create engaging web-based content and interactive tools that enhance the visibility and accessibility of our work.

As an Assistant Researcher_ Scientific Graphics and Web Designer within the Malaria and Neglected Tropical Diseases Research Division (MNTD) at the Armauer Hansen Research Institute (AHRI), you will craft compelling visual stories that communicate breakthrough research in malaria and neglected tropical diseases to diverse audiences worldwide.

In this role, your artistic expertise and technical acumen will transform intricate scientific data into engaging digital experiences. You’ll design interactive infographics, scientific illustrations, animations, and user-centric web platforms that simplify complex research findings into accessible, visually striking content. Your work will not only elevate the visual identity of our cutting-edge research projects but also play an essential part in educating, inspiring, and engaging a global community of researchers, policymakers, and the public.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Scientific Illustration & Graphic Design

• Collaborate with researchers and subject-matter experts to understand data and experimental results, transforming them into publication-quality visuals.
• Develop clear, engaging, and aesthetically compelling graphics, infographics, and diagrams that accurately represent complex scientific concepts.
• Ensure all visual content adheres to branding guidelines and meets high standards for scientific accuracy and clarity.

Scientific Web Development

• Design, build, and maintain responsive websites and online platforms that serve as interactive portals for our scientific research and publications.
• Implement modern front-end technologies (e.g., HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript) and frameworks to create user-centric, accessible, and data-driven digital experiences.
• Optimize web content for performance, accessibility, and cross-platform compatibility while ensuring seamless integration with research databases and multimedia assets.

Collaborative Innovation

• Work closely with interdisciplinary teams to conceptualize and execute projects that meld scientific content with captivating visuals and interactive design.
• Stay updated on current trends in digital design and scientific communication to continuously enhance our outreach initiatives.
• Contribute to brainstorming sessions and strategic planning to extend our digital footprint and engagement.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor or Master’s Degree in Computer Science, Graphic Design, or a related field.
• Minimum of two year work experience
• Strong portfolio showing both graphic design and web/UI design experience.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop) and web tools such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, or frameworks like React, Vue, or Bootstrap.
• Ability to create interactive visuals or dashboards using tools like Plotly, D3.js, or Tableau.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Attention to detail, responsiveness to feedback, and ability to work independently.
• Proven ability to interpret and visualize complex scientific data into digestible and impactful imagery.
• Excellent communication skills and a collaborative spirit, with experience working in a team-oriented research or academic environment.
• Familiarity with emerging trends in digital storytelling, data visualization, and user experience design is a plus.

Preferred (but not required)

• Familiarity with scientific concepts in biology, infectious diseases, or global health.
• Experience with BioRender, Figma, Canva, or interactive notebook environments (e.g., Jupyter Notebooks).
• Interest in science communication and data visualization.

Positions available: 1 (one)

Duty station: Addis Ababa

Salary: ETB 15,767 monthly gross salary

Terms of employment: One year contract period with full time employment basis with possibility of extension based on performance and budget availability.