KENPHIA II Central Medical Laboratory Technologist at The Center for International Health, Education and Biosecurity (CIHEB)

Overall Job Function

To provide technical analytical testing for KENPHIA II respondent samples for determination of HIV Prevalence and incidence (recency) at the Central Laboratory. Working under the Central Laboratory Coordinator, he or she will carry out verification of survey respondent sample shipment from satellite laboratories, catalogue them in testing batches, ensure testing is executed, facilitate archiving in biorepository using LDMS and support return of results to facilities of respondent’s choices for linkage to care and treatment in collaboration with the Laboratory data lead. Perform various duties to successfully fulfil the functions of this position including the following technical activities.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Attend the full survey training to understand the purpose and intent of the survey, as well as the plan for implementation.
• Verifying shipped samples from KENPHIA II satellite laboratories, check pre-analytical sample integrity/quality.
• Conduct Viral Load testing of identified KENPHIA II respondent samples shipped from satellite laboratories and return of results for linkage to prevention, care and treatment.
• Conduct Lag Avidity testing of identified KENPHIA II respondent samples.
• Participate in production of Training and Quality assurance panels for HIV, CD4 and Syphilis testing.
• Supporting Testing of DBS with for DNA PCR and returning results for linkage to prevention, care and treatment.
• Run HIV Geenius Confirmatory tests for computing the national prevalence as the KENPHIA II Laboratory SOPs.
• Facilitate any shipment of KENPHIA II samples for additional testing in recommended specialized laboratories with guidance from the Central Laboratory Coordinator.
• Carrying out Instrument/Equipment user routine maintenance, calibration checks and checking equipment book of life for
• Carry out sample repository using LDMS for future testing as defined in KENPHIA II Protocol and applicable SOPs.
• Provide technical support to field laboratory personnel and satellite laboratories on for challenges using barcodes, phlebotomy good practices, necessary documentation, packaging, use of LDMS on samples prepared for shipment to Central Testing Laboratory
• Perform any other duties assigned by the Central Laboratory Coordinator.
• Perform Quality Assurance measures in line with KENPHIA II SOP provision through the following activities:
• Kit Lot-to-Lot verification to establish fitness for purpose before distribution to testing KENPHIA II teams at both Satellite and Household facilities.
• Prepare Quality Control Samples/QC Materials (both Negative and Positive controls).
• Perform instrument daily maintenance of equipment to optimize functionality and accuracy of results generated.
• Monitor daily environmental controls necessary for testing and storage of reagents including sample storage in fridges and freezers including in the KENPHIA Biorepository.
• Perform competency assessment panels for the entire scope of testing work in the KENPHIA II Central Testing Laboratory.
• Provide on job trainings for new staff who have been brought in to support testing at Central Testing Laboratory level based KENPHIA training SOPs.

Requirements

Minimum and Preferred Qualifications 

• Bachelor of Science Medical Laboratory science or Biomedical sciences
• Master of Science in fields of Virology and Immunology will be an added advantage.
• For BSc. Medical Laboratory, they should be registered with the Kenya MedicalLaboratory Technologist and Technician Board (KMLTTB) and have a valid Practicing License and experience attachment in an ISO 15189 Accredited Laboratory.
• Training with IT background, high level proficient skills in computing, Laboratory information system (LIS).
• Knowledge and experience of quality management system essentials is critical in this assignment.
• Proficiency in use of Point of Care (POC) systems

 Experience

• 3 years’ experience working in an ISO accredited molecular laboratory.
• Experience in HIV Laboratory work; CD4, DNA PCR (EID) and HIV-1 Viral load testing/or Work involving specimen referring system.
• Experiences in previous similar surveys will be an added advantage 

Competencies

• Training with IT background, high level proficient skills in Computing.
• Ability to write clear and concise summaries of reports for internal and external audiences.
• Must be fully available for the duration of survey.
• Must have a good disciplinary record

Attributes: 

The Central Laboratory Technologist must have the following general skills and attributes: 

• Detail orientated and highly organized as well as ability to multi-task and have problem-solving skills.
• Ability to meet tight deadlines and to successfully manage multiple assignments concurrently.
• Ability to work under pressure with minimum supervision.
• Flexible and proactive.
• Able to maintain high levels of confidentiality