Job Description

Africa University is a private, Pan- African, United Methodist-related institution located in Mutare, Zimbabwe. The University is also a member of the Association of African Universities and is inviting suitably qualified and experienced persons to fill the following strategic positions

Laboratory Scientist - TB Reference Laboratories: ZIMBABWE 2ND ANTI-TUBERCULOSIS DRUG RESISTANCE SURVEY X 4 Posts

Background

The Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) of Zimbabwe, through the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Program (NTLP) in collaboration with Africa University (AU) under a grant sponsored by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through the Tuberculosis Implementation Framework Agreement (TIFA) project managed by John Snow Inc. (JSI), is implementing Zimbabwe’s second anti-Tuberculosis Drug Resistance Survey (DRS-2).

The last drug resistance survey (DRS) was conducted over seven years ago in 2016, and a lack of more recent DR-TB estimates is hampering the planning, and accurate monitoring of performance in the DR-TB program. Therefore, there is a need for a repeat DRS to provide an accurate estimate of DR-TB burden and enable the program to accurately monitor its performance. The DRS will result in an increase in number of specimens going to the national TB reference laboratories. Given that the survey duration is at least a year, there is need to match the anticipated workload over a long period with increasing human resource. In this regard, the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme (Ministry of Health and Child Care) seeks the services of a suitable person to fill in the position of a Laboratory Scientist who will process TB specimens at reference laboratories for the DRS-2 Project.

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of responsibilities:

• Handle sputum samples received at NMRL-TB/NTBRL
• Design and execute laboratory testing (TB culture, drug susceptibility testing and Xpert MTB/XDR testing) according to SOPs.
• Maintain records of all quality activities as documented in SOPs and test methods
• Record all data and results in specified forms (paper and electronic) accurately.
• A authorize results for the particular department and release results and documentation of any amendments needed.
• Compile direct reports on daily records of preventative maintenance done in the department including monitoring of equipment performance, daily records on sample test/assay results as well as documentation of all NCs
• Maintain and calibrate laboratory equipment.
• Report deficiencies or malfunction and assist in ordering laboratory supplies
• Implement quality management systems (QMS) and safety as defined by the quality and safety manuals.
• Store all TB isolates in a manner that ensures easy retrieval.

Qualifications and Experience

DESIRED ATTRIBUTES
• Honors Degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences, Diploma in Medical laboratory Sciences or equivalent and.
• Current registration and valid practicing certificate with the Medical Laboratory & Clinical Scientists Council of Zimbabwe (MLCSCZ)
• Training and experience in drug resistance TB diagnosis at is an advantage.
• Knowledge of laboratory information systems.
• Good communication skills
• Experience in operating electrical and nonelectrical laboratory equipment and potentially infectious substances
• In depth knowledge of Laboratory Quality Control procedures, preventative measures and laboratory best practices
• Working knowledge of MS Office (especially Excel) and database systems
• Ability to work autonomously and under pressure
Period of engagement
The laboratory scientist shall be engaged for a period of 11 months.

Reporting
The Laboratory Scientist shall report to the Survey Laboratory Coordinator or another senior DRS team member.

Recruitment of the Laboratory Scientist

The Laboratory Scientist will be engaged by Africa University and seconded to the Zimbabwe Ministry of Health and Child Care, NTLP.

How to Apply

TO APPLY
Interested candidates must submit an application letter, certified copies of certificates, transcripts, national identification (ID & birth certificate) and a detailed curriculum vitae giving full personal particulars including full name, place and date of birth, qualifications, date of availability, contact details, names and addresses of three referees.
The application pack should be send as a single pdf file to e-mail address [email protected] clearly stating Laboratory Scientist - TB Reference Laboratories: ZIMBABWE DRS-2 in the subject of the email by no later than 1400 hours on Friday, 19 August 2024. Applicants should clearly indicate the post being applied for on the application letter, and only shortlisted candidates will be communicated to.