Data and Sample Management Officer (x10)

University of Zimbabwe - Clinical Trials Research Centre (UZ-CTRC) is seeking suitably trained, competent, talented, multi-task and qualified Data and Sample Management Officer (DSMO). Positions are based at Hauna, Maphisa, Guruve, Mt Darwin, Murambinda, Inyathi, Filabusi, Chipinge, Tsholotsho and Plumtree District Hospitals.

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

• Diploma/ Certificate in Medical Laboratory Sciences. (MLT/SCMLT).
• Registered with the Medical Laboratory & Clinical Scientists Council of Zimbabwe MLCSCZ).
• Knowledge of Laboratory Quality Improvement Initiatives 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.
• Experience with Laboratory diagnostics and processes is required.
• Work experience in MoHCC Medical Laboratories is an added advantage.
• Computer literacy is required.

Responsibilities

• Receive clinical specimens from the facilities and check for adequacy and conformity to acceptance and rejection criteria.
• To sort specimens, accession, select specimens that meet POC testing, and register specimens in LIMS or manual registers. This will include prioritization of PPG specimens, recording and communication of rejected specimens and ensuring no specimens are unaccounted for at the laboratory.
• To Communicate and document rejections as per procedure.
• To ensure proper monitoring of specimen transport conditions, temperature monitoring, use triple packaging of samples and maintain cold chain
• Maintain and monitor specimen chain of custody records
• Monitoring Rider’s schedules to ensure all supported clinics in the catchment are being reached.
• To properly centrifuge, separate and store specimens prior to testing.
• To perform POC/near POC supported tests: VL/EID/TB tests including relevant EQA activities.
• To refer specimens to testing laboratories, maintain appropriate referral documentation and sample packaging
• Receive clinical specimens from the facilities and check for adequacy and conformity to acceptance and rejection criteria.
• To sort specimens, accession, select specimens that meet POC testing, and register specimens in LIMS or manual registers. This will include prioritization of PPG specimens, recording and communication of rejected specimens and ensuring no specimens are unaccounted for at the laboratory.
• To Communicate and document rejections as per procedure.
• To ensure proper monitoring of specimen transport conditions, temperature monitoring, use triple packaging of samples and maintain cold chain
• Maintain and monitor specimen chain of custody records
• Monitoring Rider’s schedules to ensure all supported clinics in the catchment are being reached.
• To properly centrifuge, separate and store specimens prior to testing.
• To perform POC/near POC supported tests: VL/EID/TB tests including relevant EQA activities.
• To refer specimens to testing laboratories, maintain appropriate referral documentation and sample packaging
• To print referral results, dispatch date stamp and get them authorised before release.
• To enter POC results into LIMS, print, dispatch date stamp and get them authorised before release.
• To manage results, maintain traceable records of all tests done, ensuring patient results are being dispatched and picked up by riders.
• To track missing results and maintain tracking records and records of recovered results.
• Resolve data submission errors, data discrepancies and data error issues in collaboration with laboratory scientists or laboratory mentors.
• Performance of data quality checks to ensure all data that is used by the laboratory to prepare reports is valid.
• Ensure maintenance of a reliable backup system for all data including testing data. Ensuring routine back-up of digital data and paper-based data
• Performance of data quality checks to ensure all data that is used by the laboratory to prepare reports is valid.
• Assisting the laboratory scientists and mentors to collate data for periodic reports and for quality indicator dashboards.
• To Monitor and record room and fridge temperatures and maintaining reviewed records for auditable trail
• General housekeeping and equipment maintenance with documented records
• To read, attest and work in accordance with the laboratory’s QMS.
• To compile reports in collaboration with other laboratory personnel including Weekly, monthly and quarterly reports and other reports as needed.