The Ugandan Jobline

 

Job Title:    Laboratory Technologist

Organisation: Medical
Research Council (MRC UK) /UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit

Duty Station:  Entebbe
and Kyamulibwa, Uganda

Reports to: Post-doctoral
scientist

Position Code: LTENDKU-1220

 

About US:

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.

 

Job Summary:  The Laboratory Technologist will perform
immunology and molecular assays related to Kaposi’s sarcoma associated
herpesvirus (KSHV). The specimen (blood and saliva) will be collected from the
Environmental Determinants of KSHV transmission in rural Uganda (ENDKU) study
as well as other KSHV studies within the Unit. The ENDKU cohort study will
recruit children from the General Population Cohort and follow them for three
years to investigate the impact of malaria infection on KSHV acquisition.

 

Key Duties and Responsibilities:  

·       
Performing
immunological and molecular assays on stored samples. These include Enzyme
Linked Immunosorbent Assays, multiplex bead assay, ELISPOT and PCR;

·       
Performing
external proficiency testing;

·       
Participating
in study participant samples processing and storage (including PBMC isolation
and cryopreservation) following standard operating procedures;

·       
Participating
in archiving of samples using the freezer works system;

·       
Developing
and reviewing standard operating procedures;

·       
Data
analysis and presentation of data in laboratory meetings, national and
international conferences or meetings;

·       
Writing
manuscripts for peer reviewed journals publication when required;

·       
Training
new staff, students, interns and visiting scientists in laboratory safety and
assay procedures;

·       
Entry of
laboratory specimen data in computer based programmes;

·       
Adhering
to and implementing Good Clinical Laboratory Practices in the laboratory. These
include regular cleaning and disinfecting equipment, tracking equipment
servicing requirements, monitoring temperatures and liquid nitrogen levels,
backing up data, running equipment performance quality controls and proper
documentation;

·       
Tracking
procurement and delivery of laboratory supplies;

·       
Ensuring
there are adequate reagents and study materials in the laboratory;

·       
Participating
in laboratory meetings and journal clubs, and in the organisation of these
activities;

·       
Attending
scientific meetings and seminars on compass and elsewhere if required; and,

·       
Performing
any other general activities as may be assigned by the supervisor.

 

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

·       
The
ideal candidate must hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences;

·       
Experience
working in a laboratory setting;

·       
At least
6 months’ experience working in a research laboratory;

·       
Knowledge
of at least two immunological laboratory techniques such as PBMC isolation and
cryopreservation, Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assays, ELISPOT and molecular
assays such as PCR;

·       
Equipment
troubleshooting skills / GCLP/ documentation skills;

·       
Computer
skills with proficiency in Word, Excel, Access & Power point;

·       
Great
writing and communication skills; and,

·       
Good
interpersonal skills.

 

How to Apply:

All candidates
should follow the link below to fill a form and submit your application
documentation:

 

Click Here

 

Filling the form
more than once will lead to automatic disqualification. High level of integrity
while filling the form is required and will be considered during shortlisting.

 

Combine all your
application documentation i.e. cover letter, CV & academic documents into
one PDF document. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interview.
This position is open to Ugandan nationals only. Strictly follow the
application procedure as failure to do so will lead to automatic
disqualification. Only online applications will be accepted.

 

The applications
should be addressed to:

The Head of Human
Resources,

MRC/ UVRI and LSHTM
Uganda Research Unit,

P.O. Box, 49,

Entebbe, Uganda.

 

Consider your
application unsuccessful if not contacted within eight (8) weeks after the
closing date of the advert. Any form of lobbying at any stage will lead to
automatic disqualification. By submitting your personal information, you
consent to the MRC/ UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit holding and using it in
accordance with its recruitment policy and procedure. The Unit reserves the
right to verify documents attached with the relevant awarding institutions to
authenticate their validity.

 

Deadline: 29^th December 2020 by 5:00pm.

 

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