Field Lab Technician/Technologist Job, Latest Kenyan Laboratory Technologist Job Vacancies,

PRO-WASH Project

POSITION:                 Field Laboratory Technician/Technologist (2 positions) REPORTING TO:           Senior Research Associate

START DATE:             15th November 2021

LOCATION:                   Samburu and Turkana Counties

DURATION:                   2 Months

DEADLINE:                   21st October 2021

ELIGIBILITY:                 Position open to local Kenyan hires only

About Innovations for Poverty Action: Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to discovering and promoting effective solutions to global poverty problems. In close partnership with decision makers — the policymakers, practitioners, investors, and donors working with the poor around the world — IPA designs and evaluates potential solutions to poverty problems using randomized evaluations, the most rigorous evaluation method available. We also mobilize and support these decision makers to use these solutions to build better programs and policies at scale.

About the Project: PRO-WASH study is part of the ongoing Nutrition in ASALS Within Integrated Resilient Institutions (NAWIRI, ASALS: arid and semi-arid lands). The goal of NAWIRI is to understand and address causes of persistent acute malnutrition among children in Turkana and Samburu Counties, Kenya. This project is conducted by a consortium, including IPA, APHRC, RTI, Mercy Corps, Save the Children, BOMA, and CARITAS. This part of the study is being led by IPA and will contribute to filling knowledge gaps regarding transmission of pathogens to children under two years in the pastoralist communities in Turkana South and Samburu North. It will provide evidence regarding potential interventions to reduce pathogen transmission in these communities.

About the Position: The Field Laboratory Technician/Technologist under the general supervision of the Senior Research Associate and within the limits of Innovations for Poverty Action-Kenya policies and procedures coordinates the facilitation of field activities and functions within IPAK. Below is a list of some of the general duties and responsibilities of the Field Laboratory Technician/Technologist, to be carried out as needed according to the determination of the Senior Research Associate.

Duties and Responsibilities

Laboratory Specific Duties

• Process and analyze water and stool samples using IDEXX Colilert culture-based method


• Aliquot, barcoding, and package samples in preparation for shipment to KEMRI Nairobi


• Observe sterile and aseptic technique in the lab and when performing analyses


• Assist with set-up / maintenance of lab space and respect the shared lab space


• Keep track of supplies and prompting the supervisors on those that need to be replenished


• Keep daily logs of samples received, processed and results from assays


• Regularly assist with preparations of supplies for field teams (e.g., packing and cleaning field coolers and field supplies)


• Clean equipment and apparatus used after sample analysis


• Ensure proper storage and handling of laboratory equipment


• Clearly and regularly communicate issues to the Research Associate and Senior Research Associate


• Observe laboratory biosafety procedures during waste disposal

General Qualities

• Completion of scheduled activities each day in a timely manner


• Maintaining high standard of professional integrity in all activities


• Observe quality control and quality assurance measures during sample processing


• Successfully complete all tasks assigned by the project management team


• Knowledge of assigned tasks and delivery according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)


• Ability to work with minimal supervision and promptly communicate issues to supervisors


• Team player – interacts well with colleagues, works collaboratively as a team member and offers support in the field and in the office to achieve project goals


• Maintain professional relationships with hospital staff


• Responsible – takes up responsibilities, shows initiative in solving issues and reports challenges to supervisor

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

 Previous experience with bacteriology culture-based assays to assess microbials in water and stool samples required

• At least 2 years’ experience working in a laboratory setting


• At least a diploma in medical laboratory technology/sciences


• Valid Certification with the KMLTTB


• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word


• Excellent oral and written communication skills in both English and


• Flexible and willing to work in Samburu and Turkana

How to Apply

Please click here to apply. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.

DISCLAIMER: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by the Field Laboratory Technician/Technologist. The statements are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all possible duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Management reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet organizational needs as necessary. Please note that IPA will never request any form of payment from an applicant. Applicants are encouraged to confirm the information listed above with IPA.