Laboratory Technologist NGO Jobs – Medical Research Council (MRC UK) /UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit

About the Organization

The MRC/UVRI & LSHTM Uganda Research Unit is an internationally recognized centre of excellence for research and training. The Unit was established in 1988 to improve the understanding and control of the HIV epidemic in Uganda and globally, following a request from the Uganda Government to the United Kingdom (UK) Government. After wide consultations, and in response to the changing public health landscape, Unit work has broadened beyond HIV to include other infections, neglected, endemic, emerging and re-emerging infections and non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

Job Description

The Medical Research Council (MRC UK) is an internationally recognised centre of excellence with dominant research themes in the areas of HIV and emerging infections, vaccines and immunity, and chronic diseases and cancer. Through a multidisciplinary approach, intersecting basic science, epidemiological research, social-behavioural research and the conduct of new intervention evaluation studies, the Unit contributes knowledge on changing epidemics and diseases, the evaluation of innovative health care options, treatment and prevention and the development of health policy and practice in Africa and worldwide. Following the signing of strategic transfer agreements between the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) and the Medical Research Council (MRC UK), the Unit formally joined LSHTM on 1st February 2018. The exciting new partnership will boost research capacity into current and emerging health issues in Africa and throughout the world. The Unit is based at the UVRI Entebbe campus with established outposts in Kalungu, Masaka, Wakiso and Kampala Districts.

Duties and Responsibilities

Participate in current running studies as agreed by Scientists, supervisor or the lab manager in which studies he/she will be responsible for;

Collecting, receiving, processing, transporting and storing of study samples according to SOPS and study protocols;

Performing SOP-guided lab techniques including
Kato Katz (stool analysis for helminths);
Blood smear preparation and examination for malaria parasites;
HIV testing according to the National Health Guidelines (Algorithm); o Haemoglobin estimation;
Urinalysis and urine hCG; o Full blood Counts;
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays; and,
Peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) isolation from whole blood, and subsequent storage.
Earning new techniques as required for studies;
Entering laboratory results on CRFs, batching and send them for data entry;
Entering laboratory results on computer, check, back up and archive results;
Implementing GCLP practices; Equipment maintenance and safety like cleaning and disinfecting them, tracking equipment servicing requirements, Room/fridge/freezer temperature monitoring, Data backup, Performing QCs on different lab procedures and others;

Ensuring health and safety by following institutional health and safety guidelines, conducting lab procedures as per SOPS and carrying out safety induction for new staff interns and other trainees;
Ensuring that required reagents and consumables are in stock and are kept securely in recommended conditions;
Assisting in lab training through demonstration of lab procedures/techniques to new staff and trainees;
Writing and reviewing of operational and study specific SOPS;
Participating in community surveys and treatment activities specific for helminths infections;
Participating in the cross-cutting laboratory activities agreed with their supervisor and the laboratory manager including attending laboratory meetings and ensuring safe, well maintained and serviced equipment; and,
Performing any other general I-Vac activities as may be assigned by Lab Manager, Project leader or Head of Programme.

Qualification, Experiences and Competencies

Bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory Techniques or closely aligned field;
Master’s degree in a relevant field is desirable;
Should possess at least two years of experience working in a laboratory technologist (or related) role in busy research setting;
Experience in an immunology research laboratory;

Direct experience of specific laboratory tasks required;
Ability to learn and conduct assays/procedures required, according to study protocols;
Automated lab assays like DNA Extraction, PCR, ELISA, Flow cytometry, ELISPOT, Luminex;
Should possess personal integrity and Emotional resourcefulness;
Ability to learn and thoroughness;
Reliability; and, Openness to others.