Job Description
Vacancy number CGHR/209/09/21
The Tuberculosis Laboratory of the KEMRI CGHR Tuberculosis Division performs clinical, drug and vaccine trials (studies) and operational research in collaboration with the US CDC and other partners. The laboratory also supports the DR-TB Surveillance MoH program, funded by US-PEPFAR in Western Kenya, , and serves as a referral laboratory for core mycobacteriology services, including mycobacterial cultures, drug susceptibility testing, and molecular diagnostic capacity. The laboratory serves as the backup laboratory for National Tuberculosis referral laboratory - NTRL. The TB Laboratory is seeking applications from energetic, motivated and innovative individuals trained in laboratory sciences to fill vacancies in the department.
Position: Laboratory Analyst –J/G KMR 6 (2 positions)
Reports to: Laboratory Director
LOCATION : Kisumu
Job Specifications
The duties and responsibilities at this level will entail:
• Performing mycobacterial culture, phenotypic and molecular 1st and 2nd line drug susceptibility tests, and molecular assays (including Xpert Mtb/RIF, line probe assays, conventional and qPCR, among others).
• Preparing Standard Operating Procedures related to mycobacteriology, quality management
systems, biosafety, media and reagent preparation, among others; and ensures implementation of these procedures for efficient laboratory operations
• Observing the general laboratory biosafety and biosecurity requirements, determining safe
procedures, controls and implementing standard safety procedures
• Supporting programmatically relevant implementation science protocols, evaluation of novel
diagnostic methods for the MoH and managing data
• Managing inventory and ensuring laboratory supplies align with the appropriate projects. Ability to create and maintain inventory spreadsheets to ensure accountability
• Maintaining laboratory registers, recording analyzed samples, archiving specimens of medical
importance for reference
• Ability to generate, present monthly and timely laboratory reports as required as well as participating in budget and procurement plan preparation
• Preparing work plans and periodical reports, preparing requisitions for procuring laboratory
equipment, chemicals, stains and reagents
• Work with MoH and liaise with respective staff on MoH DR TB surveillance activities including
meetings, visits, mentorships etc
• Verifying, approving and recording laboratory findings and able to present laboratory results ,
analysis and make necessary presentations in trainings, meetings, workshops etc
• Identifying training gaps for laboratory staff and recommending appropriate interventions.
b)Person Specification
For appointment to this grade, a candidate must have:-
• At least one (1) year relevant work experience;
• Bachelor’s Degree in any of the following fields; Medical Laboratory Sciences Laboratory
Sciences .i.e. Biomedical Sciences, Biochemistry, or Microbiology from a recognized institution;
• MUST be registered by the Kenya Medical Laboratory Technicians and
Technologists Board (KMLTTB) if applicable, with a valid current practicing license
• Proficiency in computer application;
• Trained in ISO 15189 implementation, and working in an ISO laboratory is an added advantage
• Previous experience in working in a tuberculosis laboratory is an added advantage.
• Fulfil the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution.
• Analytical Skills
• Communication skills and reporting skills
• Mentorship Skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Team player
Terms of Employment: A one-year renewable contract as per KEMRI scheme of service and a probation period for the first 3 months.
Remuneration: Salary is as per the stated KEMRI pay grade
Applications MUST include the following:
• Letter of Application (INDICATE VACANCY NUMBER)
• Current Curriculum Vitae with telephone number and e-mail address
• Three letters of reference with contact telephone numbers and e-mail addresses of the referees
• Copies of Certificates, Diplomas or Transcripts
Apply to Deputy Director, CGHR, P.O. Box 1578-40100, Kisumu not later than October 27, 2021 and send by Email to: cghr@kemri.org
KEMRI IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER; WOMEN AND DISABLED PERSONS
ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY. KEMRI DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF
ITS SELECTION PROCESS INCLUDING APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING AND
PROCESSING OF OFFER LETTER. IF ASKED FOR A FEE, REPORT SUCH REQUEST
IMMEDIATELY TO RELEVANT AUTHORITY
Only short listed candidates will be contacted.