Senior Laboratory Technologist (Full Time Government Job) – Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI)

Job Listing

Senior Laboratory Technologist

Organization: Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI)
Industry: Health Research
Location: Kampala, Uganda
Job Type: Contract (2 years, Renewable based on funding and performance)
Application Deadline: 05/08/2024

Overview: At Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI), we aim to conduct health research of national importance with a regional and global reach. Through government-funded projects and international collaborations such as WORMVACS2.0, a Horizon Europe-funded project, we are dedicated to advancing research in helminth vaccine development. We seek an enthusiastic and experienced individual to fill the position of Senior Laboratory Technologist, contributing to the WORMVACS2.0 project by performing laboratory assays, analyzing biological data, and reporting findings.

Job Title: Senior Laboratory Technologist
Grade: Senior Laboratory Technologist
Reports To: Senior Research Officer

Key Roles and Responsibilities:

• Designing and Optimizing Assays: Design, optimize, and validate flow cytometry panels.
• Sample Processing: Process, stain, and acquire stained samples using flow cytometry following SOPs.
• Data Analysis: Analyze data from flow cytometry and other immunological techniques using tools like FlowJo, GraphPad Prism, R, Bioconductor, and dimensional reduction algorithms including tSNE, FLOWSOM, SPADE, and UMAP.
• Handling and Storage: Receive, process, and store study samples per SOPs, monitor sample storage conditions, and implement GCLP practices.
• Equipment Management: Clean and disinfect equipment, track servicing requirements, monitor temperatures and liquid nitrogen levels, and perform equipment performance QCs.
• Reagents and Supplies: Ensure sufficient stocks of reagents and supplies are securely stored.
• Sample Shipment: Perform IATA-compliant shipment of samples to and from partner laboratories.
• Health and Safety: Conduct safety inductions, refill first aid boxes, administer first aid, and update safety materials.
• Scientific Reporting: Assist in database setup, write reports, perform calculations, prepare graphs, and present findings at workshops/conferences.
• SOP Development: Write and review operational and study-specific SOPs.

People Management Responsibilities:

• Supervise project laboratory technologists and students undertaking project attachment/placement in the laboratory.

Education / Qualifications / Training Required:

Essential:

• Master’s degree in immunology and clinical microbiology (with bioinformatics experience), systems immunology, computational biology, bioinformatics (with substantial immunology research experience), or Data Science (majoring in Biomedical Science).
• Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Laboratory Technology, Medical Laboratory Science, Biomedical Science, Biotechnology, Biochemistry (or equivalent).

Desirable:

• Programming skills (R or Python), GCLP, GCP, and PHRP training.

Previous Work Experience Required:

Essential:

• 1-2 years of practical experience with flow cytometry, Luminex, or microarrays, and analyzing immunology or biological data within a laboratory environment, and experience with programming R.

Desirable:

• Experience working with a biomedical data scientist/researcher.

Technical Knowledge or Skills:

Essential:

• Ability to learn and conduct assays/procedures (Flow cytometry, Microarray, Luminex) as per study protocols.
• Ability to analyze big data using data science and computational tools.
• Provide high-quality training and supervision to staff and students.
• Independent assay development and troubleshooting of new procedures.
• Technical expertise and leadership.

Desirable:

• Knowledge of database management software including R and Python.
• Familiarity with relevant laboratory research techniques like DNA Extraction, PCR, ELISA, ELISPOT, among others.
• Strong communication skills.

How to Apply: Candidates are encouraged to send a single PDF file with their application letters, CV including names, email addresses, and telephone contact details of two (2) professional referees, and copies of academic certificates named as follows: Surname_Senior Laboratory Technologist or Surname_Laboratory Technologist. Send applications via email to: megesa@uvri.go.ug and copy to mkatusabe@uvri.go.ug.

Failure to meet these guidelines will result in automatic elimination. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Deadline for receiving applications is 5th August 2024 at 11:59 PM.

About Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI): The Uganda Virus Research Institute is a medical research institute owned by the Uganda government, focusing on research related to communicable diseases in humans and animals, with an emphasis on viral transmitted infections.