Provincial - Lab Scientist (x3)

University of Zimbabwe - Clinical Trials Research Centre (UZ-CTRC) is seeking suitably trained, competent, talented, multi-task and qualified Laboratory Scientist. Position are based in Masvingo, Chinhoyi and Victoria Falls.

UZ-CTRC was established in 1994 and has conducted high impact observational studies, implementation studies and Phase I-IV clinical trials in HIV, TB, COVID -19 and associated comorbidities funded by National Institute of Allery and Infectious Diseases, AIDS Malignancy Consortium, Bill, and Melinda Gates Foundation among others. UZ-CTRC has served as a center of excellence in the prevention and control of HIV and AIDS and have contributed to global understanding of HIV epidemiology and pathogenesis, global and Zimbabwean health policy, by providing scientific evidence through our highly equipped and resourced network of laboratories that operate in strict compliance with International best practices guided by GCLP and ISO 15189 standard.

UZ-CTRC is implementing a US Center for Disease Control and Prevention-US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (CDC-PEPFAR) funded Laboratory Systems Strengthening (LSS) program in Zimbabwe from 2023 to 2026 supporting the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MOHCC). The LSS program will enhance access to high quality testing towards achievement of the UNAIDS 95-95-95 goals.

Qualifications and Experience

• A degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences or equivalent is required.

• Work experience in HIV Viral Load scale-up, EID and TB testing, Laboratory Systems Strengthening, Laboratory QMS and CLI implementation in related/similar setting is an added advantage.

• Registered with the Medical Laboratory & Clinical Scientists Council of Zimbabwe.

• Experience with Laboratory diagnostics and processes is required.

• Work experience in MoHCC Medical Laboratories is an added advantage.

• Computer literacy is required.

Responsibilities

• To manage specimens for supported tests (e.g. VL/EID) including ensuring proper receiving, sorting, accessioning, registration in LIMS and proper storage prior to testing.

• Maintenance and monitoring of specimen chain of custody records to ensure the referral network and testing process is closely monitored.

• To Manage rejected samples based on a documented rejection and acceptance criteria including immediate communication of rejections with the ordering health facility.

• To ensure proper monitoring of specimen transport conditions including temperature monitoring to ensure high quality samples are delivered to the laboratory.

• To observe proper handling of tested specimens and safe disposal of biohazard waste.

• Routinely perform laboratory testing for supported tests e.g., Viral Load, EID testing, and release results within TAT.

• Development and documenting optimal and innovative laboratory testing processes for supported tests including Viral Load and EID to ensure high quality testing processes and results.

• Carrying out and documenting routine user equipment maintenance to control equipment downtime.

• Performance and ongoing evaluation of IQC for supported tests to ensure ongoing test validity.

• Participation in proficiency testing schemes for different tests.

• Implementing a compliant and safe laboratory environment in line with good practice and applicable requirements, including environmental temperature monitoring and ensuring implementation of the 5S of housekeeping.

• Addressing any complaint and request from users of laboratory services

• To participate in method verification activities

• To Manage Results including appropriate maintenance of traceable records of all tests done, ensuring patient results are being dispatched and picked up by riders.

• To track pending/outstanding results for supported tests, ensuring adequate documentation.

• Immediate communication of critical/significant results with ordering health facilities including unsuppressed Viral Load results or positive EID results and ensuring consistent documentation of such communication.

• To Monitor and record room and fridge temperatures and maintain reviewed records for auditable trail.

• To do general housekeeping and equipment maintenance with documented records

• To Monitor reagent and consumable stock status, placing orders and following up with NATPHARM to ensure uninterrupted testing due to stock outs.

• To collaborate with stock manager to ensure consistent availability of stock items for supported tests.

• To perform lot to lot verification as per requirements

• To Ensure implementation of ISO-15189 Quality Management Systems for supported test processes including Viral Load, EID and TB.

• To Participate in laboratory activities including meetings.

• To Ensure good clinical laboratory practice as well as provide technical assistance to other laboratory personnel.

• To Participate in proficiency testing schemes for different tests and return results within acceptable TAT.

• To address any complaint/s and request/s from users of laboratory services

• Shadowing laboratory LSIS/mentors at the supported labs to ensure sustaining documented QMS

• To compile and submit periodic reports in collaboration with other laboratory personnel, including weekly, monthly, quarterly reports and other reports as needed.

• To timely submit reports of good quality.