The Laboratory Scientist will support the Global Health Security department in its agenda to strengthen laboratory systems and enhance biosafety and biosecurity capacities. The role involves providing technical assistance, implementing laboratory quality management systems, promoting safe laboratory practices, and supporting national and regional initiatives, and building sustainable capacity for outbreak preparedness and response.
Key Responsibilities
Support to establish mobile testing and preparatory laboratories during outbreaks.
Work with the departmental lab teams to develop a laboratory technical assistance package for strengthening preparedness and response in Africa
Support the development of a roadmap for the regional and district laboratory accreditation attainment and or maintenance
Work with supported labs to implement laboratory quality management systems, including documentation, sample tracking, and internal audits.
Support the departmental laboratory capacity building initiatives, including development of relevant training materials, SOPs and guidelines as well as training laboratory staff to optimise capacity for outbreak preparedness and response
Help maintain inventories and monitor compliance with biosafety protocols in project-supported labs
Provide technical support to operate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory instruments and equipment according to manufacturer guidelines.
Contribute to research projects, including experimental design, data collection, and literature reviews.
Academic Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in laboratory technology, microbiology, biomedical sciences, or a related field.
Masters in microbiology is added advantage
• Recent graduate with a minimum GPA of 4.0 obtained from a chartered university.
• Additional training in public health, laboratory quality management, or biosafety is an added advantage
• Registered with a professional regulatory body (e.g., Allied Health Professionals Council)
Person Specification
Interest in public health systems, health security, and laboratory networks
Excellent attention to detail and willingness to follow protocols
Ability to work collaboratively and respectfully in multidisciplinary teams
