Job Description

Job Description/Requirements

ICAP of Columbia University (registered in Kenya as Center for International Programs-Kenya) is working in partnership with the Ministry of Health to strengthen Public Health Initiatives in Kenya. Applications are invited for the following fixed term position.

Job Title:    Laboratory Technician
Location:    Kisumu with travel to Siaya County

Position Summary
Under the direction of the Study Coordinator, the Laboratory Technician will be responsible for supporting a prospective cohort study to evaluate the change in SARS Co-V-2 seroprevalence and the prevalence, incidence and impact of COVID-19 among people living with HIV in Western Kenya (I-COPE Study). They will be responsible for specimen collection, preparation, packaging, temporary storage and transportation to the central laboratory, and will support implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for laboratory components of the study, including adherence to infection prevention and control measures, Good Clinical Practice and protection of human subjects. They will provide routine progress updates to ICAP staff in New York and Kenya, CDC staff in Kenya and Atlanta, Ministry of Health (MOH) and other key stakeholders.

Responsibilities
•    Prepare site laboratory for I-COPE study activities, ensuring adequate space, supplies and documentation
•    Conduct venous blood draw for SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing from consenting study participants
•    Obtain nasopharyngeal swabs for SARS-CoV-2 real-time PCR testing from consenting study participants
•    Support high-quality sample collection, handling and documentation to ensure valid, reliable results
•    Ensure quality and timely transportation of samples to the central laboratory
•    Assist with management of laboratory supplies and equipment through proper storage, inventory, and timely requisition
•    Identify and report adverse events to the Study Coordinator
•    Ensure proper generation, segregation and disposal of laboratory waste
•    Maintain high level of confidentiality throughout study implementation
•    Develop routine progress reports summarizing activities implemented to date
•    Manage all non-conforming events (NCEs) emanating from the laboratory and making sure they are resolved in a timely manner.
•    Ensure compliance with study protocols and SOPs and identify issues arising during sample collection
•    Other relevant tasks as designated by supervisor(s)

Required Qualifications
•    Bachelors’ degree in health sciences such as Laboratory Science or Biomedical Science required
•    Master’s degree in public health, laboratory, biomedical sciences, medical sciences or related field preferred
•    Minimum four (4) years’ experience in laboratory specimen collection involving human subjects
•    Demonstrated experience organizing and participating in field-level data collection as part of a survey, assessment or program monitoring
•    Excellent interpersonal, communication and organizational skills
•    High proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint
•    Demonstrated experience leading and working with a team
•    Experience working with diverse, medically underserved populations
•    Strong understanding of the Kenyan health context and experience working with people living with HIV strongly preferred
•    High level of expertise in report writing in English

All applications including a current CV, telephone number and 3 referees (one who should be at least your current/previous supervisor) should be sent to the Country Director, jobs@icapkenya.org on or before 28th January 2022.

ICAP is an Equal Opportunity Employer
icap.columbia.edu

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