ABOUT IFAKARA HEALTH INSTITUTE (IHI)
Ifakara Health Institute (IHI) is a leading health research organization in Tanzania with a strong reputation in biomedical and public health research. The Institute conducts high-quality research, training, and capacity strengthening to generate evidence for improving health and well-being in Tanzania and beyond. IHI is currently implementing the MSMT2 project and other biomedical research and clinical trials, and invites qualified candidates to apply for the following positions:
BIOSTATISTICIAN INTERN (1 Position)
Job Summary
Ifakara Health Institute is seeking a Biostatistician Intern who will receive training and become part of the team involved in performing routine and specialized tasks in the implementation of the MSMT2 project. The Intern will have the opportunity to undertake training in statistical and analytical work related to the MSMT2 project and contribute to individual data-driven research projects. The internship will provide hands-on experience in data management, analysis, interpretation, and presentation of findings for studies from different areas of research.
Responsibilities
Undertake hands-on training to familiarize himself/herself with data generated by the MSMT2 project and data analytics to support malaria molecular surveillance in Tanzania.
Work with the MSMT2 project team in the analysis of real-world biomedical data focusing on malaria molecular surveillance.
Undertake tailored training to develop statistical computing skills in one of the programming languages (R, STATA, Python, or SAS).
Participate in the MSMT2 mentorship programme and explore options for higher studies or careers in Biostatistics.
Participate in preprocessing and cleaning of raw data prior to statistical analysis.
Apply statistical models such as linear regression, logistic regression, and survival analysis to research questions.
Generate statistical reports and presentations for use by project members, collaborators, and partners.
Attend and contribute to research meetings, discussions, and journal clubs organized by the MSMT2 project.
Participate in MSMT2 training courses on manuscript preparation for scientific publication.
Support data management activities, including cleaning, processing, analyzing, and updating databases.
Perform any other duties as assigned by the Project Principal Investigator or supervisors.
Desired Skills
Strong problem-solving, decision-making, critical thinking, time management, and teamwork skills.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Essential Qualifications
Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics and Statistics, Biostatistics, or Data Science obtained within the past 24 months.
Minimum GPA of 3.8 with demonstrated potential for science leadership development.
Experience
Experience in genomics, molecular biology techniques, or mathematical/statistical modelling is an added advantage.
Experience with data visualization tools (R).
Preferred Language Skills
Good verbal and written communication skills in both Kiswahili and English.
Job Opening Date: 15-Jan-2026
Job Closing Date: 28-Jan-2026
FIELD INTERVIEWER (1 Position)
Job Summary
Ifakara Health Institute is seeking a Field Interviewer to be stationed in Ifakara to support patient care and retention, counselling of HIV/TB patients, and drug dispensing at the CDCI clinic. This position is open to internal applicants who meet the required criteria.
Responsibilities
Counselling PLHIV on HIV infection, KIULARCO, and other ongoing studies.
Conduct daily U=U counselling.
Collect clients’ concerns regarding the care they receive.
Provide counselling on adherence and retention in care.
Support Enhanced Adherence Counselling.
Provide health education to PLHIV and clients attending CDCI.
Work collaboratively with team members to create a positive working environment.
Attend all compulsory CDCI, IHI, and hospital meetings as scheduled.
Assist in planning, coordinating, and supporting research activities organized by IHI and partners.
Participate in training and supervision of students when required.
Perform any additional tasks assigned by the Principal Investigator or Director of SFRH.
Desired Skills
Knowledge of laboratory technologies.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Professional attitude, strong work ethics, and emotional intelligence.
TB/HIV counselling skills and adherence to research ethics.
Essential Qualifications
Certificate of Secondary School Education (Form IV or VI).
Experience
At least one year of experience working in a TB/HIV clinic for research activities.
Preferred Language Skills
Excellent communication skills in both English and Swahili.
Job Opening Date: 21-Jan-2026
Job Closing Date: 26-Jan-2026
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT (1 Position)
Job Summary
Ifakara Health Institute is seeking an Administrative Assistant to be stationed in Ifakara, Morogoro, to support day-to-day administrative functions for projects under Biomedical Research and Clinical Trials. The role involves providing administrative and logistical support to project teams to ensure smooth daily operations.
Responsibilities
Perform general clerical duties including photocopying, scanning, filing, mailing, phone calls, and email correspondence.
Liaise with the Procurement Unit and follow up on goods, services, utilities, and bills.
Coordinate with the Human Resources Unit on HR matters and maintain project staff records.
Ensure project activities comply with study protocols and ICH-GCP guidelines.
Maintain professional relationships with government officials in study areas.
Organize meetings and support travel arrangements for project staff.
Ensure study sites are well organized and adequately supplied.
Maintain hard copy and electronic filing systems.
Organize meetings, trainings, workshops, and manage payment issues.
Perform any other duties assigned by the supervisor.
Desired Skills
Good computer and ICT skills.
Strong interpersonal, organizational, problem-solving, and teamwork skills.
Proactive, flexible, with good time management and emotional intelligence.
Essential Qualifications
Diploma in Secretarial Studies, Public Administration, or Business Administration.
Certificate in Computer Studies.
Experience
At least one year of experience in a similar role with a reputable organization.
Preferred Language Skills
Excellent written and oral communication skills in both English and Swahili.
Job Opening Date: 13-Jan-2026
Job Closing Date: 26-Jan-2026
LABORATORY SCIENTIST INTERN (2 Positions)
Job Summary
Ifakara Health Institute is seeking Laboratory Scientist Interns to receive training and participate in routine and specialized laboratory procedures under the MSMT2 project. The training will cover sample collection, processing, analysis, storage, and adherence to Good Clinical and Laboratory Practices.
Responsibilities
Participate in sample collection, processing, and analysis according to SOPs.
Support preventive maintenance of laboratory equipment.
Process samples and accurately record test results.
Ensure proper storage and documentation of specimens.
Perform routine and specialized laboratory procedures, including troubleshooting.
Maintain laboratory standards, cleanliness, and equipment functionality.
Communicate effectively with project teams, hospital staff, and field teams.
Participate in quality control programs in compliance with GCP and GCLP.
Attend research meetings, discussions, and journal clubs.
Participate in training on manuscript preparation for scientific publications.
Perform any other duties assigned by supervisors.
Desired Skills
Strong problem-solving, critical thinking, teamwork, and time management skills.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Good written and verbal communication skills in English and Swahili.
Essential Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science or Molecular Biology and Biotechnology obtained within the past 24 months.
Minimum GPA of 3.8 with strong potential for science leadership development.
Experience
Experience in genomics and molecular biology techniques and at least one year of experience in a similar field.
Experience with data visualization tools (R) is highly preferred.
Preferred Language Skills
Ability to communicate effectively in both Kiswahili and English.
Job Opening Date: 20-Jan-2026
Job Closing Date: 02-Feb-2026