JOB DETAILS:

Overview

Job Title Laboratory Technologist

Location: Kampala

Experience: 1 Years

Vacancies 2

Close Date 2026-06-12

Infectious Diseases Research Collaboration

Nakasero Hill Road

Nakasero. Kampala

JOB OPENING

Job Requirements/Responsibilities:

Receive, accession, and verify biological specimens from study participants against study request forms and enrolment trackers.

Process specimens according to study SOPs and assay-specific requirements, including centrifugation, aliquoting, labelling, and storage at the appropriate temperatures.

Maintain specimen logs and ensure full chain-of-custody traceability from receipt through testing, storage, and shipment.

Coordinate specimen shipment to reference or partner laboratories, preparing shipping manifests and relevant documentation, and managing cold chain requirements.

Dispose of biological waste appropriately in accordance with IDRC/KDxL biosafety protocols and applicable national guidelines.

Perform both novel and reference HIV viral load and CD4 tests on study specimens in accordance with study SOPs and manufacturer instructions, following any training provided by product developers.

Carry out additional assays as required by the study protocol, which may include haematology, biochemistry, sputum smear microscopy, molecular diagnostic assays, and other relevant tests.

Operate, calibrate, and maintain laboratory instruments and point-of-care platforms, performing troubleshooting and preventive maintenance per manufacturer and IDRC protocols.

Review and validate test results prior to release; investigate and escalate discrepant, invalid, or out-of-range results to the Laboratory Manager.

Implement blinding procedures as specified in the study protocol to minimise interpretation bias.

Set up testing environments for healthcare worker and laboratory personnel participants during study usability assessment sessions.

Provide standardised test training to usability assessment participants and assist with structured observation checklists during sessions.

Document task performance metrics during usability assessments as directed.

Record all test results accurately in paper worksheets and enter data into the REDCap electronic data capture platform using participant study numbers.

Maintain up-to-date laboratory worksheets, instrument printouts, QC logs, reagent inventory records, and temperature logs.

Review data for completeness and accuracy; resolve data queries in coordination with the Study Coordinator and data management team.

Prepare and disseminate bi-weekly laboratory monitoring reports to relevant stakeholders, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and timely submission.

Implement and maintain the laboratory Quality Management System in accordance with ISO 15189:2022 requirements and GCLP standards.

Perform daily, weekly, and monthly equipment quality control, calibration, and preventive maintenance procedures, documenting all findings.

Participate in internal and external quality assurance and proficiency testing programmes, including enrolment, testing, and documentation of results.

Develop, implement, and periodically review laboratory standard operating procedures (SOPs) in consultation with the Laboratory Manager.

Identify non-conformances, investigate root causes, and implement corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) in coordination with the Laboratory Manager.

Adhere to biosafety and biosecurity protocols for all laboratory activities in accordance with ISO 15190 and applicable national and institutional safety regulations; always use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

Maintain accurate inventory of reagents, consumables, and laboratory supplies; proactively raise requisitions to prevent stock-outs, verifying expiry dates, batch numbers, and storage conditions upon receipt.

Coordinate scheduled maintenance and equipment repairs with the Laboratory Manager to ensure continuity of workflow.

Liaise with the clinical study team regarding specimen schedules, critical results, and participant safety-related laboratory findings.

Communicate with locally and internationally based study investigators as required, including participation in regular conference calls.

Conduct orientation, training, and mentorship of new laboratory personnel on workflows, SOPs, and best practices.

Support preparation for sponsor monitoring visits, audits, and IRB/regulatory inspections; maintain organised, current laboratory documentation.

Perform any other duties as assigned by your supervisor. Duties may be revised to reflect the evolving needs of the study; you will always be consulted in advance of such changes.

Qualifications:

BACHELORS : Bachelor's in Medical Laboratory Science or Biomedical Laboratory Technology or equivalent qualification from a recognized institution - Mandatory

DIPLOMA : Diploma in Medical Laboratory Science or Biomedical Laboratory Technology or equivalent qualification from a recognised institution may be considered for candidates with substantial research laboratory experience. - Optional

Certifications:

Valid practicing licence from the Allied Health Professionals Council (AHPC). - Mandatory

Valid GCP and/or Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP) - Mandatory

Skill & Experience:

Demonstrated competency in sample collection, processing, analysis, and result reporting in the context of HIV and/or TB diagnostics - Mandatory

Knowledge of ISO 15189:2022 requirements, laboratory quality management systems, and laboratory biosafety standards (ISO 15190). - Mandatory

Experience or knowledge of molecular and immunology diagnostic techniques e.g., PCR-based assays and related laboratory procedures. - Added Advantage

Experience with Laboratory Information Systems (LIS) and electronic data capture platforms (e.g., REDCap) is an added advantage. - Mandatory

Ability to work flexibly and collaboratively within multidisciplinary and multi-site research teams. - Mandatory

Proficiency in basic computer applications (Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook). - Added Advantage

Experience in a clinical or research laboratory setting - Mandatory

Ability to design and implement analytical experiments - Added Advantage

Languages:

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