Assistant Research Officer at Amref Kenya

No of Positions: 2

Background

Amref Health Africa-Kenya, through a PEPFAR grant, is setting up a research study aimed at determining SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence among People Living with HIV (PLHIV) at national level and within selected sentinel counties, using remnant viral load samples available at viral load laboratories supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Main purpose of the job

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.

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.