The Satellite Laboratory Technologists will be responsible for receiving, verifying and processing whole blood samples including plasma separation, aliquoting, performing external quality assurance (EQA) of HIV rapid testing, Dried Blood Spot (DBS) preparation, storage of specimens using Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) specimen management software, and shipping of plasma and DBS aliquots to the central laboratories based at the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) and at Uganda National Health Laboratory and Diagnostic Services (UNHLDS).
Reports to: Laboratory Advisor
Work Station: Regional/District Hospitals
Duties and Responsibilities:
• Attend all required technical trainings as outlined by UPHIA Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Receive and accession samples from field survey teams into LIMS specimen management software.
• Ensure samples are processed within specified arm to freezer time as outlined in the survey SOP.
• Conduct CD4+ T cell counts using approved survey test methodologies and as per respective SOP
• Repeat HIV rapid tests on the first 50 samples performed by each HIV field-based tester as part of survey EQA.
• Prepare DBS aliquots from whole blood samples to be stored in designated freezer locations using LIMS.
• Centrifuge whole blood samples and prepare plasma aliquots to be stored in designated freezer locations using LIMS.
• Produce reports on the number of: whole blood samples received, DBS prepared, plasma aliquots prepared, and EQA Rapid HIV tests done.
• Pack and ship specimens to UNHLDS /UVRI using packing instruction 650 of ICAO/IATA guidelines.
• Adhere to laboratory health safety practices.
• Properly dispose of survey biohazard waste following all national regulations and guidance.
• Ensure that all relevant internal quality control for UPHIA survey samples are performed and documented according to SOPs.
• Verify and replenish field team supplies as per their requisition following FEFO rules of stock management to avoid survey interruption
• Ensure sufficient stock of required supplies and consumables and that they are securely kept under recommended conditions
• Liaise and work in close collaboration with the Lab Advisor, community mobilization coordinator, Procurement and Logistics Manager (or Warehouse Officer), satellite laboratory health facility staff and field survey teams
• Identify and document survey non-conforming events and implement recommended corrective action.
• Any other duties as assigned.
Qualifications and Experience
• Bachelor’s Degree or above in medical laboratory technology/biomedical sciences
• Registered with Allied Health Professional Council and with valid practicing license.
• At least a minimum of 2 years Laboratory experience in HIV testing and Quality Control and Quality Assurances procedures in a recognized health facility
• Those with practical experience in use of Lab Management Information Systems (LMIS) and experience with Logistics and Procurement Management will have an added advantage.
• Experience working in large population surveys such as UPHIA and DHS in the last 7 years.
• Valid certificate in GCP, GCLP and protection of human research participants
Competences
• Strong organizational and good analytical laboratory skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication (written and spoken) skills in English as well as any of the relevant local languages.
• Ability to meet tight deadlines and to successfully manage multiple assignments concurrently.
• Ability to work non-standard working hours in order to ensure 24-hour operation cycle.
• Ability to solve problems and work as a team member.
• Proficiency in relevant computer applications: MS Word, Excel, Internet, Email, etc.
• Ability to function independently or with minimal supervision.
• Ability to adhere to medical research health ethics, as provided.
Work Hours: 8
Experience in Months: 24
Level of Education: Postgraduate Degree
