Job Title: Laboratory Technologist (2 Job Vacancies)

The Makerere University Walter Reed Project (MUWRP) is a non-profit HIV research program that was established in 2002 as a result of a memorandum of understanding between Makerere University and The Henry M. Jackson foundation for Advancement of Military Medicine Inc. of USA (HJF). The primary purpose of MUWRP is to develop, evaluate and provide interventions to mitigate disease threats of public health importance to Uganda. Activities include; vaccine development and building of vaccine testing capability in Uganda, conducting of epidemiological and basic research and provision of HIV Treatment, care and support and surveillance of influenza and other emerging infections.

Job Summary: The Laboratory Technologist will support  these laboratories to gain capacity and competency to process ART specimens.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support the successful implementation of a fully function testing HUB that has attained at least a 3 star SLMTA Status at Mukono and Buvuma Health Centre IVs.
• Work closely with the PEPFAR Field lab coordinator, institute a strong system of  documentation at the supported laboratories to serve as strong foundation for a laboratory  quality management system to support laboratory accreditation efforts.
• Maintain a system of SOPs for the laboratories and make certain laboratory personnel maintain management of SOPs. This will include maintenance and enforcement of all laboratory SOPs, annual reviews, archiving, maintaining up to date lists and schedules of review and ensuring that all appropriate personnel have read and signed off.
• Ensure that daily internal QA/QC is performed and internal QC results are reviewed as established by SOPs and QA/QC guidelines.
• Work closely with the Field lab coordinator, schedule the periodic maintenance of laboratory equipment and ensure that all maintenance records are properly kept.
• Proficiently conduct, and offer technical support in techniques such as, Automated haematology, CD4, and Chemistry, as established by the SOPs. Syphilis RPR and TPPA as per the SOPs, TB diagnosis using the Genexpert system, ZN smear microscopy and Fluorescence microscopy as per established SOPs and HIV testing using rapid diagnostic tests.
• Work with the field lab coordinator to ensure training and supervision of staff as they perform QA/QC, maintenance of laboratory equipment, including but not limited to service and repair as established by SOPs and QA/QC guidelines.
• Actively coordinate the performance of monthly comparability sample testing between the relevant laboratory, other MUWRP laboratories, and any other laboratories as may be deemed necessary, in order to ensure continuous proficiency
• Work closely with the Field laboratory coordinator to schedule and the internal calibration of necessary equipment located in MUWRP supported laboratories such as thermometers, timers, and pipettes e.t.c.
• Maintain all laboratory equipment validation, calibration, quality control documentation and necessary routine/ periodic preventive maintenance.
• Work in consultation with the Field laboratory coordinator to ensure that competency assessment for all laboratory staff is routinely scheduled and performed, and documentation of the individual’s performance is done and forwarded to FLC for review. l. Ensure that external quality assurance activities correctly performed by making sure that all EQA panels from known EQA providers are promptly analyzed and, together with the Field coordinator, act on the EQA results for continued quality improvement of laboratory testing.
• Liaise with the Field lab coordinator to monitor and track logistical requirements so that all laboratory supplies are on hand at all times.
• Liaise with the Field laboratory coordinator in order to establish reliable and consistent reagent supply lines. 

Qualifications, Skills and Experience: 

• The candidate should hold a Bachelor’s degree in biomedical Laboratory technology, Bachelors in medical laboratory sciences or any related science laboratory field from a  recognised institution
• A minimum of  two years working experience in busy Diagnostic/research laboratory environment.

How to Apply for the job:

All suitable candidates should download application forms from http://www.muwrp.org/wp-content/files/FORM.pdf  and attach them on their Applications letters, Photocopies of academic qualifications and Resume with three referees quoting the Position Number to: The Human Resource Administrator Makerere University Walter Reed Project Plot 42 Nakasero Road. P.O. Box 16524, Kampala, Uganda

NB: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Deadline: 29th September 2014

  JOBS, Makerere university, Walter Reed Project