Laboratory Scientist (NIMR Mwanza Center) - PPT study

A) Background Information:

The National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) is the largest public health research

institution in Tanzania. It was established by the Parliamentary Act No. 23 of 1979 as a
parastatal organization under the Ministry of Health. The establishment of NIMR was in
recognition by the government of the need to generate scientific information required
in the development of better methods and techniques of enhancing disease
management, prevention and control in the country.

Our Mission:

To conduct, coordinate, regulate and promote scientifically and ethically sound,
high quality health research and deliver evidence-based information that is
responsive to the needs of human wellbeing.

Introduction

The Sauti Program is providing Biomedical, Structural and Behavioral Change
Interventions in 11 regions of Tanzania to reduce new HIV infections support Planned
Parenthood and reduce prevalence of sexually transmitted diseases. The program
focuses on sub-populations central to the reduction of HIV transmission such as Female
Sex Workers (FSW), Men Having Sex with Men (MSM), and vulnerable populations
including partners of female sex-workers and Vulnerable Adolescent Girls and Young
Women (VAGYW). As part of the large Sauti research portfolio, the CARE study is
integrated into the Sauti services. The study aims to evaluate the effect of cash transfer
on the reduction of HSV-2 incidence among vAGYW aged 15-23 years.

The National Institute for Medical Research - Mwanza Medical Research Center as
partner of the Sauti Program will oversee the implementation of CARE Study. The
NIMR led Research Portfolio of the Sauti program have the following vacant positions:

o        Cluster randomized controlled trials

o        Key and vulnerable populations

o        Practical experience in data management

o        Able to write-up and present research results. 

Title:Laboratory Scientist (NIMR Mwanza center)- PPT study 

Position reports to:Lead Investigator

Position supervises:Regional Laboratory Scientists (Shinyanga and Dar es Salaam) 

Location: NIMR Mwanza center (1 position) 

Duration:18 months

Responsibilities:

·        To ensure that the local laboratory staffs are trained and adhere to standard
operating procedures and good clinical laboratory practices during study conduct.

·         To ensure that the modified Thayer-Martin media has been prepared and in
adequate amount of petri dishes at the regional laboratory, for use during field
activities.

·        To ensure adequate supervision of laboratory processes in the field, local laboratory
and at NIMR laboratory.

·        To ensure received specimens are kept at required temperature in the respective
laboratories

·        To assess and document the quality of study specimen received from the local
laboratory and ensure that they are stored at appropriate temperature. 

·        Update on weekly basis the NIMR Mwanza Data manager on the data entry quality
and completion for specific data collection form.

·         Backup the database weekly and once entered, the data collection forms are stored
(archived) in the appropriate section of the locked cabinets as per paper storage
SOP.

·        Generate data queries that may inform data quality improvement.

·        Perform any other relevant duties assigned by Senior Data manager or the Lead
investigator on behalf of NIMR Mwanza Director

·         To provide feedback to the field teams on the quantity and quality of samples
received and suggest strategies for improvement, where necessary.

·        To perform PCR testing for Neisseria gonorrhoea and Chlamydia trachomatis.

·         To perform multiplex PCR testing for HSV-2, Treponema pallidum and Haemophilus
ducreyi.

·         To perform serum Treponema pallidum tests, including rapid plasma regain (RPR)
and Treponema pallidum particle agglutination tests (TPPA)

·         To make sure that all safety procedures are adhered to when collecting, labelling
and storing all laboratory specimens.

·         To ensure that laboratory data including laboratory findings are recorded as per
protocol and stored appropriate box files.

·         To ensure that participants' laboratory results for syphilis tests, multiplex PCR
samples as well as quality control for NG culture and sensitivity are communicated
to the study coordinator on timely manner for feedback to the field team and
partici pants.

·         Archive swab specimens at optimum temperature for HPV genotyping at later time-
point.

·         Archive blood samples at optimum temperature for HBV, HCV and HPV testing at
later time-point.

·         Archive all the study samples following laboratory information management system
for easy tracing.

·         Perform any other relevant duties assigned by the research Coordinator.

Qualifications / Experience:

·         Degree or higher diploma in Medical Laboratory Sciences

·         Experience in the following fields are an asset:

o        Microbiology

o        Molecular Biology

o        Serology

o        Good Clinical Laboratory Practices

·         Having worked in a clinical trial is an added advantage.

·         Evidence of ability to work co-operatively with others to meet tight deadlines

Duty station:

The successful candidate will work at NIMR Mwanza center and should be ready to
take-up the job soonest. 

Send the application via e-mail to:

The Director

NIMR Mwanza Center
Box 1462

Mwanza

Tanzania