Jobs at Kenya Medical Research - KEMRI

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee a quality control program appropriate for tests performed in the DLSP laboratories
• Ensures delivery against QA department goals and objectives i.e. Meeting commitment and Coordinating overall quality assurance schedules.
• Tie breaker- performs test; implementing statistics and process control tools; maintaining effective compliance and corrective actions procedures.
• Responsible and accountable of flagging the timing of interdepartmental deliverables and quality of their output i.e. time schedules and time plans or layout
• Implement improvements to laboratory testing procedures to improve efficiency, resource utilization, decrease turnaround time, etc., utilizing new and established laboratory policies and procedures.
• Work with project managers to develop project schedules and resource allocation models for QA related projects and other activities such as software deployment, customer integration, and professional services validation.
• In consultation with laboratory management, stop further processing of any work until the quality problem has been corrected
• Develop, perform, and manage an audit program that encompasses all phases of laboratory practices and field sample collection and provide assurance that, documentation, and record-keeping requirements are met.
• Perform scheduled and unscheduled checks on bench scientists.
• Administer the proficiency testing and EQA.
• Maintain current and accurate records of all relevant communications, audits, corrective action plans, and effectiveness monitoring.
• Maintain current and accurate records of all personnel qualifications, certifications and contact information.
• Review, track and communicate information regarding process variations and quality control samples as required by laboratory quality assurance procedures.
• Check validation systems for all pieces of equipment to ensure maximal function (service schedules, daily panel runs, etc)
• Train/supervise training of laboratory staff and document such trainings.
• Review and maintain all laboratory SOPs
• Review test results and reports for accuracy, completeness and compliance to requirements to ensure that quality assurance standards and regulatory requirements are met.
• Maintain familiarity with laboratory procedures in order to effectively perform laboratory quality assurance functions.
• Liaise with the KEMRI QA group in developing and implementing CDC/KEMRI QA GCP/GLP objectives
• Train staff on quality control/assurance issues.
• Plan and work towards ensuring DLSP Nairobi laboratory maintains ISO 15139 accreditation status.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the laboratory Director, laboratory manager or Principal Investigator.

Requirement Type

• At least two (2) years’ relevant work experience    
• Bachelor of Science degree in any of the following disciplines: Medical Laboratory Science, Medical Microbiology, Biomedical Science, Molecular Biology, Virology, Biochemistry or any other equivalent qualification from a recognized institution.    
• Registration Certificate issued by the Kenya Medical Laboratory Technicians and Technologists Board (KMLTTB) Where applicable    
• Valid practicing license from Kenya Medical Laboratory Technicians and Technologists Board where applicable;    
• Proficiency in Computer Application;    
• Good knowledge of GLP/GCLP    Skills & Competencies
• Trained in ISO 15189 implementation    Skills & Competencies
• Fulfil the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution.    Ethics & Integrity
• Fluency in both written and spoken English and Swahili    Skills & Competencies
• Ability to work and make decisions independently.

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Key Responsibilities:

• Design and manage databases and data entry procedures
• Interpreting data and analyzing results using statistical techniques
• Develop and implement data analyses, data collection systems and other strategies to optimize statistical efficiency and quality
• Acquire data from primary or secondary data sources and maintain databases/data systems
• Identify, analyze and interpret trends or patterns in complex data sets
• Filter and clean data, and locate and correct code problems
• Programming for data manipulation/report writing
• Improve data collection procedures
• Perform data cleaning, processing and validating the integrity of data
• Deal with routine problems arising in the course of data handling
• Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all data management related procedures
• Verify data input and correct errors
• Train staff on data analysis and manipulation skills
• Provide timely reports and feedback to the laboratory management/study investigators regarding the status of data, detected deficiencies and corrective action needed in databases
• Perform other duties as assigned by the laboratory leadership

Requirement Type

• Bachelor’s degree in Statistics, Mathematics, Information/Computer sciences or equivalent from a recognized university    
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience as a data analyst or similar duties    
• Demonstrable skills in at least one statistical package for data manipulation, preferably R, STATA, SPSS, SAS or related software    
• Strong analytical skills with ability to collect, organize, analyze and disseminate significant amounts of information with attention to details and accuracy    
• Adept at queries, report writing and presenting findings    
• Experience in cleaning data and performing quality assurance procedures    
• Experience in cleaning data and performing quality assurance procedures    
• Should be able to program in Microsoft Visual Studio    
• Be familiar with SQL databases    
• Ability to supervise and work as a team, with good interpersonal skills;

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Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement standard operating procedures
• Prepare chemicals and reagents and ensure consumables are properly stored in the laboratory
• Carrying out fieldwork and laboratory experimental procedures according to the specified SOP
• Extract and analyze specimens and/or isolates using molecular methods
• Work as part of the molecular testing team
• Carry out whole/partial genome sequencing on illumina platform
• Carry out initial analysis of data collected by the laboratory and liaise with laboratory leadership on further analysis
• Organizing biological samples for appropriate storage and shipment
• Monitor operational supplies and requirements and make timely requests through the laboratory supervisor
• Comply with all policies and regulations related to safety, cleanliness and infection control in the Laboratory
• Participate in Quality Assurance (QA) procedures and ensure that these procedures are followed, with respect to samples, reagents and equipment.
• .Maintaining good clinical laboratory practice when discharging assigned responsibility
• Perform any other duties that may be assigned by the Laboratory investigator

Requirement Type

• Bachelor’s Degree in any of the following fields; Medical Laboratory Sciences Laboratory Sciences .i.e. Biomedical Sciences, Biochemistry, or Microbiology from a recognized institution;    MUST be registered by the Kenya Medical Laboratory Technicians and Technologists Board (KMLTTB) if applicable, with a valid current practicing license    Proficiency in computer application;    
• At least one (1) year relevant work experience;    

Skills & Competencies

• Planning kills    
• Communication and reporting skills    
• Interpersonal skills    
• Team player

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Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct social and behavioural research that can guide community outreach and build strong, trusting, ongoing relationships with the community
• Document the key methods/procedures associated with the collaborative participation of local residents
• Transcribe collected data
• Interpret collected data and document in English language
• Conduct and take notes for focus groups, in-depth and key informant interviews and field observations
• Plan and conduct community engagement activities across all FHU studies
• Disseminate results within communities and contribute to Publications and presentations
• Write summary reports based on the work conducted
• Perform any other duties as may be assigned by the immediate supervisor

Requirement Type

• Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology, Sociology, Community Health, Social work, Community development or related Social Science discipline from a recognized institution    
• At least one-year experience working with communities and government agencies addressing social and/or health issues especially in Maternal and Child Health    
• Experience working with qualitative studies in Western Kenya will be added advantage    
• Experience in use of Dedoose, Nvivo or similar qualitative analysis software for thematic coding    
• Fluent in spoken and written English, Kiswahili and Dholuo    
   

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Key Responsibilities:

• Develop an in-depth understanding of the study protocol and procedures
• Consent study participants for sample collection and ensure that participants are aware of the samples to be collected from them, reason for collection and when results would be ready.
• Collect samples from participants which includes blood, nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs, serum, urine and stool specimens according to the study protocol
• Process, label and package specimens for transportation to the labs according to the standard operating procedures.
• Systematic data entry of all collected samples and their details into the Patient Care System.
• Participate in routine laboratory data cleaning as and when required.
• Assist in making calls to participants expected back into the clinic for follow-up
• Monitor the utility levels of medical supplies in the facility and alert clinician in charge for requisitions.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and participant’s privacy.
• Perform any other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Requirement Type

• Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology/Science from a recognized institution.    
• Registered with Kenya Medical Laboratory Technicians and Technologists Board (KMLTTB).    
• Valid practicing license from Kenya Medical Laboratory Technicians and Technologists Board (KMLTTB).    
• Proficiency in computer applications    
• Experience and skill in phlebotomy    
• Two years’ working experience in both field and laboratory work in a research setting is an added advantage.    
   

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Key Responsibilities:

• Transcribe and translate (if necessary) audio files and submit typed transcripts including interview summary notes to the study Social Scientist in a timely manner
• Reviewing transcripts for any spelling, grammar or formatting errors, as well as other inconsistencies
• Debrief with social science team on a regular basis
• Adhering to confidentiality guidelines and respecting sensitive information
• Ensure that data quality assurance procedures are strictly adhered to
• Participate in planning meetings and scheduled conference calls with Social Scientist and study partners
• Perform any other related duties that may be assigned from time to time

Requirement Type

• Bachelor’s degree in social sciences (preferably Anthropology or Sociology) from a recognized university    
• Fluency in both oral and written Ateso language    
• Strong written and oral communication skills in English    
• High proficiency with Microsoft Word    
• Willingness to reside in field study sites    
• Ability to work independently, in a timely manner and under minimum supervision    
• Ability to maintain project schedules and work extra hours as may be required    
• Previous experience working with a public health research organization    
• Possession of a valid certificate in human subject’s research protection