Laboratory Technologist

Vacancy: Laboratory Technologist

Location: Nairobi, Alupe Busia & Kisian

Proposed Start Date: May 2016

Introduction

Maryland Global Initiatives Corporation (MGIC) is an affiliate of University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB). UMB has a Global Health Program which is delivered through the Maryland Global Initiatives Corporation (MGIC) and housed by various institutes among them the Institute of Human Virology (IHV). Since 2004, IHV has partnered with the governments of Kenya, Guyana, Haiti, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia to address each country’s growing HIV and AIDS epidemics. The Institute has led efforts to build National Health Systems in each country via strategic international, national, and local collaborations through the design and implementation of unique education, training, and treatment programs addressing each country’s complex HIV/AIDS epidemics. In Kenya, UMB through the Institute of Human Virology started operations in 2004 under the AIDS Relief Project consortium funded by Presidential Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) through HRSA/CDC. This was the beginning of UMB’s work in Kenya which has seen implementation of 11 grants to-date. MGIC is seeking a suitably qualified person able to fill the position of Laboratory Technologist, under the Boresha Maabara Grant.

Boresha Maabara Grant

“BORESHA MAABARA” (improve laboratory services) is a five (5) year project funded through the US Government Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) under the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). The project seeks to enhance diagnostic testing for the prevention, surveillance and treatment of infectious diseases such as HIV and tuberculosis, and other HIV-related opportunistic infections. The project is implemented jointly by the Ministry of Health, National Public Health Laboratory Services, National Blood Transfusion Service and the respective County Governments.

Position Summary

Under the supervision of Laboratory Manager/Supervisor, the Laboratory Technologists will support the molecular and immunology work related to HIV including routine laboratory maintenance duties.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Perform all aspects of HIV viral load/EID laboratory testing work necessary to support diagnosis and Patient monitoring on Roche CAP/CTM; Abbott M2000 and Roche C8800 platforms
2. Perform all aspects of CD4 T-Lymphocyte cell count of HIV infected individuals blood using the BD FACS Calibur platform
3. Ensure adequate stock of reagents and other consumables are available and track usage
4. Maintain laboratory QC/QA in the performance of assigned duties
5. Record test results obtained in an organized and timely manner and write summary reports
6. Document all problems encountered with samples/equipment and forward them for action
7. Observe at all times GCP/GCLP to ensure quality work is attained
8. Facilitate PT testing and other EQA schemes as recommended by the quality assurance officer
9. Support validation of new HIV testing protocols or platforms
10. Contributing to program monitoring and evaluation
11. Support the laboratory in achieving and maintaining ISO 15189:2012 accreditation for medical laboratories
12. Ensure proper operational procedures and laboratory safety precautions are maintained and adhered to in the laboratory

Required Qualifications

1. First Class Honors or an Upper Second Class Honors Bachelor’s degree in biological sciences or related courses.
2. Experience in carrying out basic PCR testing for HIV Diagnosis or Viral Load Testing, and CD4 enumeration technology.
3. Minimum laboratory experience of two (2) years in a busy laboratory dealing with molecular and immunology work related to HIV.
4. Understanding of molecular testing in relation to key HIV/TB tests.
5. Pleasant personality, flexibility, team player, ability to solve problems, work with minimal supervision.

Desired Skills

1. Ability to work independently, under pressure while at the same time adhering to strict deadlines.
2. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (oral and written).
3. Excellent analytical skills, presentation and problem solving skills.
4. Innovative with a high degree of initiative
5. Excellent organizational skills.
6. Excellent communication skills.

HOW TO APPLY:

If you meet the above qualifications, you are requested to send your application and CV tohr@mgickenya.org by April 15, 2016. Candidates are required to quote the title of the position being applied on the subject line of the email. Only shortlisted candidate will be contacted.