Laboratory Technologists at Ministry of Health

No of Positions: 108

Overview

Following the outbreak of COVID-19, the government of Kenya, through the Ministry of Health brought together different agencies to coordinate response to and management of this pandemic. Laboratory testing of suspect cases and their contacts is a major component of this coordination. Since the testing the first case, the number of testing laboratories has risen from one (1) to about 30 as per June 29th 2020. The major challenges the laboratories have faced include a shortage of information management officers. The Ministry of Health is seeking to recruit 108 Laboratory Technologists/officers who will be responsible for managing specimen and carrying out testing in any laboratory located in the republic of Kenya. The officers will report directly to the managers in respective laboratories.

Minimum requirements

• Bachelor of Science in a biomedical subject
• b. Sufficient knowledge on molecular testing procedures, analysis and interpretation
• Knowledge in data management software such as ODK, Epicollect, LIMs and other digital platforms
• Competence in computer packages including MS excel, word and PowerPoint
• Minimum data analysis techniques including MS Excel, STATA, R, SPSS, will be an added advantage
• Previous attachment, internship or employment in a molecular biology laboratory conducting PCR, ELIZA and related tests is an added advantage.
• Registered with relevant registration body.
• Basic skills in trouble shooting equipment failures

Key Responsibilities

• Reception and preparation of sample for testing and their digital indexing into relevant data bases
• To develop, curate and maintain hardcopy and digital databases related to sample testing and archival of primary samples and biological materials generated in the laboratories through testing
• To Analyze clinical specimen
• To manage and supervise removal and destruction of laboratory wastes
• To validate, Interpret and collate results using established algorithms and the transmit these results for rely the patient and to the National data center
• To carry out internal/external Quality Controls
• To keep an inventory of laboratory reagent and materials needs, use and requests.
• Development, improvement and updating laboratory Standard Operating Procedures related to data management
• Do any other duty assigned by the laboratory head

Scope of work

• Accurate data generated using the right SOPs
• Updated testing and result release SOPs
• Properly generated laboratory data that is accurately linked to patient metadata
• Catalogue of list of samples received and the results released
• Accurate results communicated back to the person who submitted the samples.
• Mentoring other staff working in the testing laboratory in testing techniques

Terms of employment

6 months contract