Laboratory Technician

Ref. KEMRI-THGP 01

Reporting to: Principal Investigators

Job Description:

The Laboratory Technician will provide assistance to the overall project and will work with the existing THGP team. The candidate will be in charge of processing bio specimens during field clinics using established protocols. Specifically, the candidate will work to isolate peripheral blood mononuclear cells from whole blood, manage and organize samples, and run point of care devices to collect health measurements from blood. When not in the field, the candidate will assist with sample and data management as well as DNA extractions or other desired sample processing.

Essential Requirements:

•  Minimum Diploma in any of the following fields: Biomedical Sciences, Medical Laboratory Sciences, Applied Sciences or any other equivalent qualification from a recognized institution
•  Registration Certificate issued by the Kenya Medical Laboratory Technicians and Technologists Board (KMLTTB) where applicable, or any other recognized regulatory body will be an advantage but not mandatory
•  Valid practicing license from Kenya Medical Laboratory Technicians and Technologists where applicable, but not mandatory
•  Experience in basic molecular biology and aseptic techniques
•  Experience working in a molecular biology or genetics research
•  Good English and Swahili, both spoken and written (Turkana language skills are an added benefit, but not required)
•  Experience with DNA and RNA extractions is desired
•  Must be computer literate
•  Must be a team player
•  Must be comfortable in remote field work conditions

Specific Tasks and Responsibilities.

•  Participate in field work and support field data collection;
•  During field work, use established protocols to isolate peripheral blood mononuclear cells and perform any other biospecimen processing;
•  During field work, carefully handle, label, and track biospecimens;
•  Assist with supply and sample management;
•  Assist with equipment management including verifying equipment function;
•  Assist with sample and data management, for example organizing samples in freezers;
•  Assist with DNA/RNA extractions and other sample processing as directed;
•  Perform any other duties assigned or delegated by the project leadership.