This is an entry-level position into a research career, and requires strong intellectual capability, resilience, and ability to work under significant pressure within a public institution.
The Assistant Research Officer will provide technical support to SARS-CoV-2 serology testing.
**Recruitment is contingent upon successful award of the project
Duties and responsibilities:
• Support validation of SARS-CoV-2 ELISA testing protocols and platforms
• Perform SARS-CoV-2 ELISA tests necessary to support the serosurvey study
• Record test results in an organized and timely manner, and write summary reports
• Document all problems encountered with samples and equipment,take necessary immediate
action, and forward them for further action
• Observe GCP/GCLP to ensure quality work is attained
• Ensure adequate stocks of reagents and other consumables are available, and track usage
• Maintain laboratory QC/QA in the performance of assigned duties
• Perform HIV viral load laboratory tests necessary to support diagnosis and patient monitoring on Roche c8800, Abbott M2000 platforms, Panther and related platforms
• Facilitate PT testing and other EQA schemes as recommended by the quality assurance officer
• Support KEMRI Kisumu HIV-research laboratory in maintaining ISO 15189:2012 accreditation for
medical laboratories
• Ensure proper operational procedures, laboratory safety precautions and waste management procedures are maintained and adhered to in the laboratory
Required qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences (Degree in Medical Laboratory Science would be an added advantage).
• Must have trained in ISO 15189 QMS implementation
• Must have completed GCP/GCLP training
• Registered with the Kenya Medical Laboratory Technicians and Technologists Board (KMLTTB)
Desired experience, skills and competencies:
• A minimum of two years’ working experience in a busy molecular diagnostics laboratory;
• Experience carrying out serological tests, PCR testing for HIV Diagnosis or Viral Load testing;
• Experience in supporting surveillance or clinical trial studies;
• Ability to work independently under pressure while at the same time adhering to strict
deadlines
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (oral and written);
• ICT proficient including analytical programmes and database applications
• Excellent analytical skills, Critical thinking, presentation and problem solving skills;
• Innovative with a high degree of self-drive
• Excellent organizational skills
• Pleasant personality, flexibility, team player, ability to solve problems, work with minimal supervision
• Laboratory data and inventory management
• Ability to evaluate, verify, and edit research data
