UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON GAP, KENYA

PWANI RESEARCH CENTRE, MOMBASA

RESEARCH LABORATORY TECHNOLOGIST (1 POST)

Research Centre Description:

The Pwani Research Centre, based in Mombasa was established in 1993, and is a collaborative effort of the University of Nairobi (UoN), the University of Washington (UW), the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Mombasa County, the Ministry of Health, the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (FHCRC), and the US President’s Emergency Program for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).

Objectives of the organization:

• To provide high quality care to at-risk and HIV-positive women participating in the high-risk women’s cohort (Mombasa Cohort).
• To conduct innovative HIV and STI prevention and treatment research that will contribute substantially to local as well as global knowledge and implementation of effective interventions.
• To support HIV and STI prevention, care, and research efforts in Mombasa by training Kenyan researchers and practitioners, implementing technology transfer, and contributing to infrastructure development.
• To conduct clinical trials according to ICH-GCP and deliver quality services, products and devices.

Objectives of this position:

Reporting to the Laboratory Section Head, the Research Laboratory Technologist work exists to provide general laboratory services in the research laboratory and perform other duties as may be assigned by the Laboratory Section Head.

To apply principles of good clinical laboratory practice in handling, analysis of samples and preparation of laboratory results and data with integrity.

Be in a position to handle and maintain laboratory equipment and ensure all laboratory procedures and activities conforms to study protocols, analytical plans and standard operating procedures.

Key Responsibilities and Tasks:

• Be familiar with the study protocols and laboratory standard operative procedures
• Perform laboratory work according to Protocol, Standard Operative Procedures and best practices recommendations
• Participate in carrying out analysis of study specimens as described in the protocol, including ensuring appropriate documentation
• Participate in carrying out study specimen’s storage, including ensuring appropriate documentation
• Report activities, problems and needs regularly to the Lab Manager
• Provide input to the Lab Manager on ways to improve the running of the studies
• Respect Quality Assurance and Quality Control plans
• Need to problem-solve on site and know who and when to consult for assistance
• Work in a professional and ethical manner with competence, accountability and integrity
• Ensure participant privacy and confidentiality are maintained
• Must be able to work well as a team member and to interact well with counterparts
• Record accurately, appropriately and in timely manner test results and other relevant information in relevant registers and other documentation system
• Assist in ensuring that the laboratory equipment is operating efficiently
• Assist in ensuring safe storage of the laboratory supplies; monitor their usage
• Assist in ensuring adequate stocks of reagents and other consumables are available; notify the supervisor when new supplies are needed
• Ensure safety precautions in the laboratory are followed at all time
• Carry out all other duties assigned by the Lab Manager and Principal Investigators
• Be prepared to take on other laboratory related duties and responsibilities

Required Qualifications, Skills and Experiences:

• Formal Education in Medical Laboratory Sciences or Basic Sciences with a minimum University Degree.
• Good ICT skills
• Ability to work for long hours within a flexible schedule and accomplish tight schedules under minimal or no supervision.
• At least one-year experience in research or clinical setting
• Experience working in an ethnically, culturally, and racially diverse environment

Desired:

• Have certification in good clinical laboratory practices and human subjects training
• Familiarity working in Molecular biology techniques specifically nucleic acid extraction and PCR
• Experience in running STIs diagnosis

How to Apply:

Applicants who meet the specified requirements should send the following documents to pwaniresearchcentre@uw.edu

• Application letter.
• Detailed CV with 3 referees.
• Copies of academic and professional certificates.
• Current practicing license if applicable
• Pay slip and/or current/last remuneration.
• Subject should read “Research Laboratory Technologist”.

Closing date for applications is 5.00PM on Friday 26th April 2024.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.