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

Overall Job Function

To receive samples and make entries to the Laboratory Data Management System (LDMS), process samples into Dried Blood Spots (DBS) and centrifuge whole blood to get plasma aliquots for shipment to Central testing Laboratory. Provide testing services for KENPHIA II field samples that is CD4 Testing and GeneXpert POCT of DNA PCR (EID). Conduct Satellite Laboratory activities in liaison with field teams to implement the Laboratory Component for KENPHIA II Survey. He/she will perform various duties as needed to successfully fulfil the functions of this position including but not limited to 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 collected samples from household as well as check pre-analytical sample integrity/quality.
• Sample processing into Dried Blood Spots (DBS) and plasma aliquoting to vials, triple packaging and shipment to Central testing Laboratory according to the KENPHIA II Laboratory Standard Operations Procedures (SOPs).
• Testing survey respondent samples flagged for HIV DNA PCR (EID) using GeneXpert and returning results for linkage to prevention, care and treatment as per KENPHIA II Linkage to Care (LTC) SOPs.
• CD4 testing using PIMA CD4 Machine at the Satellite laboratory as described in KENPHIA II Protocol and applicable Laboratory SOPs.
• Provide technical support to field medical laboratory technologists for challenges on barcodes, phlebotomy good practices, necessary documentation, packaging and transportation to ensure specimen integrity at the satellite laboratory.
• Perform Quality Assurance measures in line with KENPHIA II SOP provision through the following activities:
  • Kit Lot verification to establish fitness for purpose and testing.
  • Testing of Quality Control Samples/QC Materials (both Negative and Positive controls)
  • Perform daily instrument maintenance to ensure equipment functionality and result accuracy.
  • Monitor daily environmental controls necessary for testing and storage of reagents including sample storage in fridges and freezers.
  • Provide on job trainings for new staff who have been brought in to support testing at Satellite level based KENPHIA II training SOPs.
  • HIV and Syphilis Quality Assurance re-testing.

 Requirements

Minimum and Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor of science in Medical Laboratory science or Higher Diploma in Medical Virology from a recognized institution.
• Must be registered with the Kenya Medical Laboratory Technologist and Technician Board (KMLTTB) and have a valid Practicing License and experience attachment in an ISO 15189 Accredited Laboratory.
• Knowledge working with a laboratory information system (LIS) is critical for this assignment.
• Knowledge and experience of Quality Management System essentials is critical in this assignment
• Proficiency in use of Point of Care (POC) systems is an advantage
• Good communication skills and fluency in spoken and written English, Kiswahili and relevant local languages as per the location of fieldwork.

 Experience

• 2 years’ experience in a busy medical laboratory
• Experience of two years on HIV Laboratory work; CD4, DNA PCR (EID) and HIV-1 Viral load testing/or Work involving specimen referring system. 
• Experience working in an Accredited Laboratory; Attachments, mentorship or internship will be considered.
• 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 Satellite Laboratory Technologist must have the following general skills and attributes: 

• Friendly and patient 
• Detail orientated and highly organized as well as have ability to multi-task.
• Flexible and proactive
• Able to maintain high levels of confidentiality
• Should have strong interpersonal skills (active listening, empathy, social awareness, emotional awareness).