Job Title:  Laboratory Technologists (2 Job Vacancies)

The Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) signed an MOU with the U.S Centres for Disease Control (CDC) to strengthen capacity through the management and coordination of laboratory surveillance, epidemiology, public health evaluations and training in Uganda under PEPFAR.

Job Summary: The Laboratory Technologists will support the CDC/UVRI Zoonotics Program, Special Pathogens Unit and should be experienced microbiologists with competencies in laboratory diagnostic procedures. They will support the CDC/UVRI Laboratory Team and program director in managing the Viral Hemorrhagic Fever (VHF) laboratory and carrying out program activities. The lab specialist will have direct responsibility for laboratory sample reception, registration, and diagnostic testing in the UVRI/VSPB/ VHF laboratory.

Key Duties and Responsibilities: 

1. Laboratory Management (40%)

• Conducts sample reception of suspect VHF clinical samples, registers samples, and assists in processing sample for testing
• Supports the Laboratory Team Lead and other Laboratory Specialists in clinical and laboratory specimen processing, packaging, and shipment both within country and internationally.
• Keeps updated records on all lab processes and regularly reports problems being faced or anticipated; provides suggestions to management on possible solutions.
• Maintains accurate inventory of archived specimens in freezer storage, records of supplies, equipment, and reagents and reports on the procurement needs of new and additional laboratory supplies.
• Responsible to the Laboratory Team Lead for monitoring laboratory equipment and reagents and will report any issues as soon as they are detected.
• Assures a safe work environment for all laboratory-based; practices; ensuring that all technical installations for this purpose are properly maintained and in good working condition.
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• Ensure adequate controls, monitors and orders for supplies for the Laboratory
• Actively monitors all VHF laboratory equipment performance and maintains their repair/service schedules; assures laboratories, including utilities, are clean and safe and provides training to all personnel where appropriate.
• Actively communicates and provides technical assistance to partners, including how to properly perform laboratory-based procedure related to the surveillance of VHFs.
• Offer technical guidance and training for field sites conducting VHF surveillance.

2. Laboratory Diagnostics (40%):

• Conducts laboratory diagnostic testing (molecular and serology) on VHF specimens and ensures testing results are provided in a timely manner.
• Uses databases for all laboratory testing results and regularly reports on problems faced and solutions to management.
• Follow GCLP and assists laboratory staff to gain accreditation from an international accreditation body
• Maintains regular communications with VHF Laboratory Team lead and program director on use, reliability, and accuracy of VHF diagnostic reagents and tests and reports problems and issues.
• Evaluates and Monitors the QA and QC procedures in the VHF laboratory and ensures that validated SOPs are in place for all assays performed in the laboratory.

3. Laboratory Field Activities (15%):

• Conducts field work for VHF outbreaks as needed and serves as a laboratory focal point for the collection, processing storage, and shipment of specimens from the outbreak epicenter to the UVRI VHF laboratory
• Supports the Program Director and epidemiologists to conduct VHF surveillance site visits and provides technical assistance to District or health facility laboratory focal person.
• Offers timely laboratory field support during VHF ecology studies and research projects

4. Other duties as assigned: (5%):

Qualifications, Skills and Experience: 

• The applicant should preferably hold a Bachelor of Science degree is biomedical laboratory technology, or equivalent degree and experience.
• At least five to eight years’ experience in laboratory diagnostics and research is required.
• Previous work experience with VHF outbreaks is highly desirable
• Possess a high level of integrity; a good team player, and the ability to collaborate and work well with other team members and partners;
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills
• Self driven, motivated, flexible and willing to work beyond working- hours including weekends and public holidays;
• Possess the ability to work in a demanding environment and under minimum supervision;
• Previous participation in health research and public health programs is an added advantage;
• Team spirit and networking skills are desirable.
• Keen interest to work with VHF-related activities is highly desirable

How to Apply for the job:

All suitably qualified candidates are encouraged to send their applications with updated CVs, including names of two work-related referees indicating their contacts with e-mail and phone numbers and forwarded them to:

The Director,

Uganda Virus Research Institute,

P.O. Box 49 Entebbe. Uganda.

NB: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Deadline: 17^th April 2015 by 5PM