"The Walter Reed Project" is a Research Based Organization that is affiliated to the Kenya Medical Research Institute. Our mission is to develop and test improved means for predicting, detecting, preventing and treating infectious disease.
The organization seeks to fill the following position:
Laboratory Technologist
Closing Date: 21 November 2008
Number of positions: Three
Duty Station: Kericho
Job Summary: To work under the supervision of the Microbial Studies Coordinator of the Walter Reed Project in Kericho.
Major Duties and Responsibilities:
- Receive and process patient specimens including, but not limited to, stools, blood, urine, respiratory and wound swabs, or contaminated food/water for microbial identifications and molecular analyses.
- Separating, aliquoting and archiving of microbial cultures as well as patient serurn/piasma for long term frozen storage.
- Document and maintain sample processing records and enter the aliquoted and archived samples into the database for timely retrieval.
- Prepare solutions and reagents in accordance with Standard Laboratory formulas and procedures.
- Perform Gram stain, modified acid-fast, and Trichrome staining on stool specimens and conduct light compound, phase contrast, and darkfield microscopy examinations.
- Perform standard immunological assays involving antigen-antibody interactions.
- Perform Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis and multiplex PCR.
- Maintain and archive research data and notebooks in accordance with professional standards.
- Operate basic laboratory equipments such as floor model centrifuge and microcentrifuges, Class II biological safety cabinet, analytical balance, pH Meter, -80°C freezers, and autoclave.
- Maintain and make minor adjustments to equipments e.g. calibrations and alignments.
- May be called upon to collect stool, blood, and other samples from patients.
- Record and compile daily readings on all temperature controlled laboratory equipments and areas and maintain the laboratory freezers and fridges.
- Comply with all relevant safety and infection control policies and procedures and ensures tidiness of laboratory rooms, benches, and proper housekeeping.
- Train staff members, students and or scientists where applicable.
- BSC with a concentration and/or experience on clinical microbiology (to be determined by transcripts and an examination during interview) OR
- Higher Diploma in Medical Laboratory Sciences or equivalent with a concentration in diagnostic bacteriology and/or parasitology.
- Registered with the Kenya Medical Laboratory Technicians and Technologists Board.
- The applicant must have good knowledge of laboratory operations and procedures and should be able to execute duties and responsibilities with minimum supervision.
- Competent communication skills (writing, reading, and presenting) in English.
- Computer skills in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access.
Contract for one year, renewable as per KEMRI Scheme of Service. Probation period for the first three months upon initiation of employment.
Remuneration: Compensation is negotiable within a relevant grade, based on educational levels, relevant experience and demonstrated competency. The salary scheme is based on KEMRI scale plus supplemental amounts.
NB: Employees currently hired in other programs under the Walter Reed Project will not be eligible for this position.
Applications should include a Cover letter, Curriculum Vitae, 3 signed original reference letters and relevant testimonials and forward to:
Max T. Wu, MS, PhD,
Microbial Studies Coordinator
KEMRI/Walter Reed Project,
P.O. Box 1357. Kericho
Only short listed candidates will be contacted.
