Laboratory Specialist (Full-time Lab Job) – Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI)

Job Title: Laboratory Specialist
Employment Type: Full-time
Application Deadline: 11th November 2024
Location: Karamoja sub-region, Uganda
Organization: Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI)

Position Overview

The Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI) seeks a Laboratory Specialist to provide technical support for laboratory services as part of the USAID Local Partner Health Services-TB (LPHS-TB) Activity. This role will focus on supporting TB laboratory activities in collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MoH), district health leadership, and facility teams in Kotido and Moroto. The aim is to strengthen TB lab services, achieving quality standards for TB testing and treatment coverage across health facilities in the Karamoja sub-region.

Key Responsibilities

• Quality and Compliance:
  • Design and implement strategies to meet MoH quality requirements following the SLMTA program.
  • Establish facility-specific Laboratory Quality Management Systems (LQMS) for non-SLMTA labs.
  • Conduct audits, prepare action plans, and develop innovative solutions to ensure quality lab services.
• Training and Mentorship:
  • Plan, coordinate, and conduct training sessions for district and facility teams to build capacity in TB lab services.
  • Provide mentorship and joint support supervision to ensure effective LQMS implementation.
• Reporting and Data Management:
  • Ensure high-quality, timely submission of HMIS and activity reports.
  • Guide facilities in reporting lab activities in line with MoH, donor, and project timelines.
• Operational Support:
  • Oversee lab infrastructure management and coordinate refurbishments at supported sites.
  • Manage and supervise project-supported hub riders as needed for specimen transport.
  • Ensure availability of laboratory supplies by supporting accurate forecasting, ordering, and inventory management.
• Quality Assurance and Biosafety:
  • Strengthen quality assurance processes, ensuring labs and point-of-care (POC) testers participate in internal and external quality control.
  • Implement biosafety practices and good equipment management practices, including calibration and equipment maintenance.
• Collaboration and Coordination:
  • Coordinate with clinical teams to support patient sputum monitoring and ensure efficient specimen processing (e.g., GeneXpert testing).
  • Organize hub review meetings to optimize lab operations, including TB and HIV-related lab services.

Academic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Laboratory Technology.
• Active registration with the Allied Medical Practitioner’s Council.
• Training in laboratory quality management systems and biosafety.

Person Specifications

• At least 2 years’ experience in laboratory management.
• Knowledge of National HIV/AIDS and TB management protocols.
• Strong communication, organizational, and management skills.
• Ethical conduct and understanding of client confidentiality.
• Proficient in computer skills, presentation, and report writing.
• Team management skills and familiarity with public health systems and local government policies.

Experience: No prior work experience required.

Work Hours: 8 hours per day

How to Apply:
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply by clicking on the application link provided. Click Here to Apply

About The Infectious Diseases Institute (IDI):
IDI is a Ugandan non-profit organization, affiliated with Makerere University, focused on strengthening African health systems, with an emphasis on infectious diseases through research, training, and capacity development.