Laboratory Technologist – Makerere Non-profit Jobs – Makerere University Walter Reed Project (MUWRP)
Job Title: Laboratory Technologist – Makerere
Organization: Makerere University Walter Reed Project (MUWRP)
Duty Station: Makerere, Kampala, Uganda
Reports to: Senior Laboratory Technologist
About US:
Makerere University Walter Reed Project (MUWRP) is a non-profit biomedical research Organization, whose mission is to mitigate disease threats through quality research, health care and disease surveillance. MUWRP was established in 2002 by a Memorandum of Agreement between The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, lnc. (HJF) and Makerere University (Mak) to undertake medical research to test HIV vaccines. Over the years, MUWRP’s portfolio has progressively expanded to include vaccine research for Ebola and Marburg viruses, surveillance of influenza and influenza- like viruses and other emerging infections in humans and animals; also epidemiological, basic and implementation research in HIV treatment, care and prevention programs in the Districts of Kayunga, Mukono, Buvuma and Buikwe.
Job Summary: The incumbent will serve as a Microbiology laboratory technologist for the EID -MUWRP laboratories located in Makerere COVAB, Kampala. The incumbent’s primary responsibility will be to support collection of samples, undertaking microbiology culture and antibiotic sensitivity testing for animal samples. The candidate will also support other Anti-Microbial Resistance (AMR) surveillance sites in sample processing, supervising the sites to ensure QA/QC is maintained, data and reports are submitted in time and isolates are preserved and maintained in accordance with established SOPs. The candidate will also prepare isolates for sharing partners in accordance with IATA. The incumbent may be required to assist the senior staff in teaching new technologists/technicians and volunteer students in laboratory practices. The incumbent may be required to perform their duties away from the main MUWRP lab in Kampala. MUWRP may have sites within Uganda which Technologists may be required to work such as but not limited to Bundibugyo/Kayunga
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
- Proficiently perform Specimen accessioning, including registration of specimens into the Laboratory information Management system (LIMS), preparation of samples for both testing and storage and become proficient enough to conduct the assay without daily oversight.
- Proficiently perform sample processing and testing using various testing algorithms at EIDL as established by the SOPs for each assay.
- Proficiently perform QA/QC procedures, maintain and enforce all SOPs as well as equipment maintenance and troubleshooting as may be required.
- Have knowledge of basic laboratory safety rules and equipment including identification of precautions for and emergency response to biological, chemical, electrical, mechanical and physical hazards.
- Work independently and/or with others, collect and transport samples from various surveillance sites using proper sample handling protocol as may be required. Samples collection may involve going on water, climbing rocky areas, lifting, visiting marshy areas. Markets, farms and other hazardous sites.
- Perform QA/QC, maintain laboratory equipment, including but not limited to service and repair as established by SOPs and QA/QC guidelines.
- Maintain lab databases and keep up with current software applications for specific departments.
- Perform other duties as may be assigned.
Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
- The ideal applicant must hold a Bachelor’s degree in biomedical laboratory technology, Bachelors in medical laboratory Sciences or any related science laboratory field.
- At least five years’ experience working in a virology Laboratory is required. with PBMC processing as well as conducting clinical chemistry, manual and automated haematology.
- Must be aware of the logistical requirements and should always be conscious of proper operation of Laboratory equipment and safety.
- Occasionally, new Laboratory activities may be introduced and the incumbent may be requested to train and become competent in the new assays, equipment and / or protocols.
- The candidate should have the ability to travel to program sentinel sites for sample collection within the country as may be required.
- Ability to professionally communicate in writing and verbally or other means deemed appropriate.
- The incumbent will from time to time be required to lift some lab supplies to and from the lab to the required destination as he/she may be directed by his/her superiors.
- The incumbent is also expected to sit for extended periods of time.
How to Apply:
All qualified and interested candidates should apply online at the link below and Choosing the desired position.
Deadline: 27th March 2020