Laboratory Technologists (KEN SHE Study) at Kenya Medical Research - KEMRI

K MR7 Vacancy No.FN-08-05-2021

Reports to: Laboratory Manager

Duration: 1 Year Renewable Contract as per KEMRI Scheme of Service. The first 3 months is a probation period

Duties and Responsibilities

• Accurate and timely performing of Study specific assays
• Nasal Swab collection of participants
• Ensuring custody of participant specimens and storage/archival
• Appropriate reporting of any abnormal lab result.
• Ensure maintenance and troubleshooting on all lab equipment and report to the supervisor
• Running and logging of specimen controls as per the set SOP.
• Ensuring Laboratory Waste segregation and management.
• Developing and updating laboratory inventory.
• Developing and continuous review of standard operating procedures in keeping with the protocol for the laboratory, and all lab related documents and manuals.
• Ensure compliance with all the SOPs and respective specimen flow charts
• Projection on consumables and reagents, and re-ordering whenever due and ensuring custody.
• Participate and pass all required proficiency testing
• Participate in timely enrolment of all EQAs required
• Participate in supervised sample shipment procedures
• Ensure that are IATA certified and compliant
• Updating and ensuring quality assurance of the lab specimen data base
• GCLP compliant
• Receive, download, and post/report all external lab results/reports
• Transcription of all lab results and communication of the same as per the lab results communication SOP
• QA/QC point persons at the lab level

Required Qualifications

1. Diploma in Medical Laboratory
2. Degree in Medical Laboratory, biomedical laboratory or biochemical laboratory added advantage
3. Extensive and recent hands-on experience on running HIV-1, Pregnancy testing, CD4 count, PCR, HIV ELISA assays and medical sample shipment.
4. Must have Good Clinical laboratory Practice training and/or CITI training.
5. Must be registered with KMLTTB with a valid Practicing Certificate.

Experience

At least two (2) years Clinical research experience in a busy research laboratory setting

Desirable Qualities

1. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
2. Extensive organization skills
3. Ability to work in a clinically busy, resource-challenged and demanding environment.
4. Commitment to integrity and high quality performance
5. Good interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team
6. Keen and attentive to detail
7. Ability to communicate lab results , write reports and trouble shoot lab equipment related challenges
8. Proactive, ability to work independently, interact well with other departments
9. Familiarity with a multi- department clinical lab setting