Laboratory Technician job at Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI)

The mission of the Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) is to strengthen health systems in Africa with emphasis on infectious diseases through research, and capacity development. IDI has five operational areas through which it works to achieve its mission: Prevention, Care and Treatment; Training, Research; and Laboratory and Outreach programs.

Project Background:

The meningitis research team aims to improve the diagnosis and treatment of various forms of meningitis in adults. Currently there are 4 studies currently running in Kampala:

1. COAST – an observational cohort study investigating etiologies and outcomes amongst adults presenting with meningitis..
2. PLATFORM-CM - open-label randomized trial with single or potentially multiple interventional arms to compare the efficacy and safety of novel antifungal or adjunctive therapies to standard of care (SOC) controls of WHO first-line therapy.

In order to strengthen support to these core areas of operation, IDI-Meningitis team seeks to recruit a locum laboratory technician with the key responsibilities and duties listed below:

Job Title: Laboratory Technician

Classification: Locum

Duration: 4 months

Duty Station: Kampala

Reporting: Study Coordinator

Key Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities and Duties:

• Collect and deliver samples from wards/clinics to the designated laboratory with fully completed request forms and checklists in a timely and safe manner.
• Perform laboratory analyses, including cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examinations, microbial cultures, and molecular diagnostics such as CSF and urine GeneXpert Ultra.
• Prepare and store CSF samples according to the Meningitis Diagnostic Laboratory's Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Ensure compliance with established laboratory quality standards and protocols, supporting timely result reporting to clinicians for optimal patient care.
• Assist in laboratory audits and inspections, and take part in the maintenance and calibration of laboratory equipment.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date sample storage records; coordinate the retrieval, packaging, and shipment of samples when required.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the supervisor to support the overall team.

Documentation

• Shall be responsible for providing point-of-care results and CSF analysis, and culture results promptly.
• Complete sample request forms and laboratory checklists as required by the protocol.
• Complete and maintain current training and certification in Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP).

Team Work/Collaboration

• Will attend all study meetings to discuss patient care and other team-related activities

Academic Qualifications

• Diploma in medical Laboratory

Person Specification

Qualification, Skills, and Abilities:

• Licensed laboratory technician with current practicing license. Experience working in a clinical trial is an added advantage
• Ability to conduct CSF microbiology assays
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• An ability to work independently and with minimal supervision while functioning as a good team player.