At Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI), we aim to conduct health research of national importance with a regional and global reach. We do this through government-funded projects and collaborative projects with international funding such as WORMVACS2.0. WORMVACS2.0 is a Horizon Europe-funded international collaborative project to develop pipelines for helminth vaccine development. The project now seeks an enthusiastic and experienced individual to fill the position of Laboratory Technologist. The job holder will contribute to the WORMVACS2.0 project at UVRI by primarily performing laboratory tests according to SOPs and reporting the results.
Job Title: Laboratory Technologist
Grade: Laboratory Technologist
Reports to: Senior Research Officer
Location: Uganda Virus Research Institute, Entebbe Campus
Key Roles and Responsibilities:
- Writing and reviewing standard operating procedures (SOPs) in accordance with the manufacturer guide.
- Receiving, processing, and analyzing samples timely in accordance with the SOPs and quality control/assurance requirements.
- Preparing reagents, chemicals, and culture media where applicable for laboratory use.
- Performing Internal Quality Control and External Quality Assurance as per schedule.
- Cleaning and disinfecting equipment and documenting on the equipment cleaning log.
- Tracking equipment servicing requirements and notifying the laboratory manager.
- Monitoring temperatures and recording on the temperature log.
- Assisting in capacity building through demonstrating practical procedures to new staff and student attachments.
- Ensuring proper waste segregation management and autoclaving before incineration for disposal.
- Maintaining reagent stock records to avoid stock-outs/overstocking, both of which can lead to financial loss.
- Monitoring equipment functioning, and servicing, and reporting malfunctioning equipment.
- No financial signatory responsibility.
Education / Qualifications / Training Required:
Essential:
- BSc in Biomedical Laboratory Technology, Medical Laboratory Science, Biomedical Science, Biotechnology, Biochemistry (or equivalent).
Desirable:
- Master’s in immunology and clinical microbiology (with bioinformatics experience); or systems immunology or computational biology or bioinformatics (with substantial immunology research experience); or Data Science (majoring in Biomedical science).
- GCLP, GCP, and PHRP training.
Previous Work Experience Required:
Essential:
- Experience in biomedical laboratory research working to GCLP standards.
- Previous experience in working in a laboratory clinical trials environment.
- Extensive practical experience across the major medical laboratory disciplines.
- Experience of GCLP & IATA.
- Interacting with different departments.
- Analyzing a wide range of samples for and on behalf of the Unit.
- Managing and supporting different teams.
Desirable:
- Linkage with external regulatory agencies.
- Working in a research environment.
- Demonstrable experience in administration and resource management.
Technical Knowledge or Skills:
Essential:
- Knowledge of GCP/GCLP or other regulatory environments in the workplace.
- Knowledge of safety regulations.
- Ability to show initiative, problem-solve, and make independent decisions.
Desirable:
- Automated laboratory assays like DNA Extraction, PCR, ELISA, Flow cytometry, ELISPOT, Luminex.
- Communication skills.
- Lead quality assurance programs.
How to Apply:
All candidates are encouraged to send in a single PDF file, their application letters, curriculum vitae with names, email addresses, and telephone contact details of two (2) professional referees, and copies of academic certificates named as: Surname_Senior Laboratory Technologist or Surname_Laboratory Technologist, via email to: megesa@uvri.go.ug and copy to mkatusabe@uvri.go.ug.
Failure to meet these guidelines will result in automatic elimination. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Deadline for receiving applications is 5th August 2024 at 11:59 PM.
