The position holder will conduct snail laboratory aspects of the CHI-S work under the Vaccines Research Theme and contribute where required to other works within the Immunomodulation Focus Area.

Roles & Responsibilities
Principal duties;
• Contributing to developing and review of protocols and other documentation for CHI-S;
• Collecting, receiving, processing, transporting, and storing of study samples according to SOPS and study protocols;
• Performing SOP-guided laboratory techniques in the clinic, field and Entebbe station not limited to Kato Katz (stool analysis for helminths), Miracidia hatching for schistosome cercariae, dredging to collect snails and shed them, Modified Knott’s technique for microfilaria, Blood smear preparation and examination for malaria parasites, HIV testing according to the National Health Guidelines (Algorithm), Haemoglobin estimation, and Urinalysis and urine hCG;
• Learning new techniques as required, particularly in the snail facility in collaboration with colleagues from LUMC and VCD-MOH;
• Undertaking preparation of manuscripts for publication as lead author and as participating author (as may be required); in particular ensure timely analysis;
• Preparing presentations of project findings for conferences and workshops and present work at relevant meeting(s);
• Planning and conducting laboratory assays/techniques;
• Entering laboratory results on CRFs, batching and send them for data entry;
• Entering laboratory results on computer, check, back up and archive results;
• Adhering to and implementing GCLP practices; Equipment maintenance and safety like cleaning and disinfecting them, tracking equipment servicing requirements, room/fridge/freezer temperature monitoring, Data backup, Performing QCs on different lab procedures and others;
• Ensuring health and safety by following institutional health and safety guidelines, conducting lab procedures as per SOPS and carrying out safety induction for new staff interns and other trainees;
• Ensuring that required reagents and consumables are in stock and are kept securely in recommended conditions;
• Ensuring safe, well maintained and serviced equipment;
• Track procurement and delivery of laboratory supplies;
• Contribute to staff development, including, demonstration of lab procedures/techniques to new staff and trainees, supervising students and junior staff, and conducting or supporting training courses as appropriate;
• Writing and reviewing of operational and study specific SOPS;
• Participating in community surveys and treatment activities specific for helminths infections;
• Participating in the cross-cutting laboratory activities agreed with her supervisor and the laboratory manager including;
• Attending laboratory meetings;
• Ensuring, and from time to time participating in, the dissemination of results at the local and national level, including to peers;
• Representing the line manager at national and international meetings, including presenting papers and posters at conferences and meetings;
• Working in close collaboration with staff from other programmes and external researchers (LUMC, VCD, and others), as may be appropriate;
• Deputise and assist the laboratory manager in any duties assigned; and,
• Performing any other general Vaccine Research Theme activities as may be assigned by Laboratory Manager, Project leader and/or Head of Theme.

Person Specification
• Bachelor’s degree/Diploma in Medical Laboratory Techniques or Medical Entomology;
• ICH, GCP and GCLP certification;
• Training in malacology;
• Extensive experience in a busy research laboratory and of vector and parasitological work;
• Experience and training in the management of the S. mansoni laboratory life cycle;
• Knowledge of laboratory techniques such as Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assays and molecular assays such as DNA extraction and PCR;
• Good writing skills;
• Willingness to work out of office hours when need arises;
• Ability to set goals and work independently;
• Excellent communication skills (oral, written and presentation); competent in a broad range of S. mansoni laboratory life cycle techniques; competent in the use of Word, Excel, Power point and in laboratory data analysis;
• Should possess skills in basic data analysis;
• Personal integrity;
• Emotional resourcefulness;
• Ability to learn;
• Forward thinking;
• Reliability;
• Openness to others;
• Analytical thinking;
• Conceptual thinking;
• Proactivity;
• Results orientation;
• Thoroughness;
• Concern for Excellence;
• Flexibility;
• Service orientation; and,
• Development orientation.

Follow the link below to fill a form and submit your application documentation:
https://redcap.link/Laboratory_Technologist_CHI

Filling the form more than once will lead to automatic disqualification. High level of integrity while filling the form is required and will be considered during shortlisting.
Combine all your application documentation i.e. cover letter, CV & certified copies of academic documents into one PDF document. Deadline for application is 23rd February 2024, 5:00pm. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interview. This position is open to Ugandan nationals only. Strictly follow the application procedure as failure to do so will lead to automatic disqualification. Only online applications through the link provided will be accepted. You will receive a notification in your email if your application and documentation have been successfully received.

N.B: You will be required to present certified copies of your academic documentation before employment.

The applications should be addressed to:
The Head of Human Resources,
MRC/ UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit,
P.O. Box, 49, Entebbe, Uganda.