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Laboratory Scientists Full Time

Application ProcedureTo apply email Cover Letter and CV to zimrecruiting@pedaids.org
In the subject line, please state the title of the position you are applying for.
Applications received outside the stated channels will be disqualified.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Closing date is 25 September 2016.
EGPAF IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Laboratory Scientists x 2

Position Details

Job title: Laboratory Scientist

Location: Selected Districts

Primary Manager: Laboratory Coordinator

Job Summary

The Laboratory Scientist will be responsible for receiving and processing of whole blood samples including plasma separation, aliquoting, performing EQA HIV Rapid testing, DBS preparation, storage of specimens and shipping of plasma aliquots and DBS using cold chain system to central reference laboratory during the implementation of the Young Adult Survey of Zimbabwe. Ensure that all procedures are performed as defined in standard operation procedures and that all issues pertaining to safety are in place.

Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesAttend all technical trainings as outlined by survey SOP’s
Receive samples from the field survey teams and log them into the system
Ensure that samples are processed within the specified turnaround time as outlined in the survey SOP
Prepare DBS samples from the whole blood samples and store them in designated freezers using the LIS in readiness for shipping
Run Rapid HIV test on 5-10% of all the samples as part of QA
Conduct confirmatory tests on all HIV positive samples
Spin and separate plasma from the whole blood samples
Produce report on the number of whole blood samples received, DBS prepared, plasma aliquots prepared, and Rapid HIV tests done for QA
Process whole blood sample and make plasma aliquots and store them in the designated freezers using LMIS in readiness for shipping
Ship specimens to National Microbiology Reference Laboratory (NMRL) using packing instruction guidelines provided in the survey field SOPs.
Adhere to laboratory health safety practices that strengthen the safety and efficiency of the laboratory equipment
Ensure that all relevant IQC for YAZ survey samples are performed accordingly and well recorded as per survey SOP’s
Manage supplies following FIFO rules of Stock management to avoid service interruption
Liaise and work in close collaboration with the project coordination team, laboratory coordinator, community mobilization coordinator, procurement and logistics officer, satellite laboratory health facility staffs and the field survey teams
Prepare, review, and submit the quantitative progress reports as scheduled
Perform any other duties as assigned by supervisor.
Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:Minimum Diploma in medical laboratory sciences
Registered with Medical Laboratory and clinical scientists council of Zimbabwe
Laboratory based experience (at least 2 years) on HIV testing in a recognized health facilities
Those with recent national HIV survey experience and managing practical laboratory information systems will have an added advantage.
AttributesStrong organizational and good analytical laboratory skills
Strong interpersonal and communication skills
Ability to meet tight deadlines and successfully manage multiple assignments concurrently
Problem solving ability
Strong team player
Proficiency in relevant computer applications: MS Word, Excel, Internet, Email, etc.
Ability to function independently or with minimal supervision, trustworthy and results-oriented
Ability to adhere to medical research ethics as provided.

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