Senior Laboratory Technologist

Job Title: Senior Laboratory Technologist
Grade: Senior Laboratory Technologist
Reports to: Senior Research Officer
Contract: 2 years (Renewable based on the availability of funding and satisfactory performance)

Key Roles and Responsibilities:

1. Designing, optimizing, and validating flow cytometry panels.
2. Processing, staining, and acquiring stained samples through the flow cytometer following standard operating procedures.
3. Analyzing data from flow cytometry using FlowJo, GraphPad Prism, R, Bioconductor, and other dimensional reduction algorithms including tSNE, FLOWSOM, SPADE, and UMAP.
4. Conducting and analyzing outputs of microarrays, Luminex assays, and other immunological techniques.
5. Receiving, processing, and storing study samples according to SOPs to maximize their quality in subsequent testing.
6. Monitoring study sample storage conditions including temperature.
7. Implementing GCLP practices: Cleaning and disinfecting equipment; Tracking equipment servicing requirements; Monitoring temperatures and liquid nitrogen levels; Data backup; Running equipment performance QCs.
8. Ensuring that required reagents and supplies are in sufficient stocks and are kept securely in recommended conditions.
9. Performing IATA-compliant shipment of samples to and from partner laboratories.
10. Ensuring health and safety as per SOPs by conducting safety induction of new staff/students, refilling first aid boxes, administering first aid, and updating materials data safety sheets.
11. Performing scientific duties by assisting in setting up and cleaning of databases, writing reports regarding assays and experiments; using computers to perform mathematical calculations and for the preparation of graphs; presentation of findings at local, national, and international workshops/conferences.
12. Writing and reviewing of operational and study-specific SOPs.

People Management Responsibilities:

• Supervision of project laboratory technologists and students undertaking project attachment/placement in the laboratory.

Education / Qualifications / Training Required:

Essential:

• 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).
• BSc in Biomedical Laboratory Technology, Medical Laboratory Science, Biomedical Science, Biotechnology, Biochemistry (or equivalent).

Desirable:

• Programming (R or Python), GCLP, GCP, and PHRP training.

Previous Work Experience Required:

Essential:

• One to two years of practical experience utilizing flow cytometry or Luminex or microarrays, and analyzing immunology or biological data within a laboratory environment, and experience with programming R.

Desirable:

• Previous graduate project experience working with an experienced biomedical data scientist/researcher.

Technical Knowledge or Skills:

Essential:

• Ability to learn and conduct assays/procedures required (Flow cytometry, Microarray, Luminex), according to study protocols.
• Ability to analyze big data using data science and computational tools.
• Provision of high-quality training and supervision to staff and students.
• Independent assay development & troubleshooting of new procedures.
• Technical expertise and leadership.

Desirable:

• Database management software including R and Python.
• Relevant laboratory research techniques like DNA Extraction, PCR, ELISA, ELISPOT, among others.
• Communication skills.

How to Apply:

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: [email protected] and copy to [email protected].

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