Senior Laboratory Technologis

The Unit is an internationally recognised centre of excellence with dominant research themes in the areas of HIV and emerging infections, vaccines and immunity, and chronic diseases and cancer. Through a multidisciplinary approach, intersecting basic science, epidemiological research, social-behavioural research and the conduct of new intervention evaluation studies, the Unit contributes knowledge on changing epidemics and diseases, the evaluation of innovative health care options, treatment and prevention and the development of health policy and practice in Africa and worldwide. Following the signing of strategic transfer agreements between the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) and the Medical Research Council (MRC UK), the Unit formally joined LSHTM on 1st February 2018. The exciting new partnership will boost research capacity into current and emerging health issues in Africa and throughout the world. The Unit is based at the UVRI Entebbe campus with established outposts in Kalungu, Masaka, Wakiso and Kampala Districts. The Unit is now seeking enthusiastic and experienced individuals to fill the following position:

Position Code: NO-0726

Reports to: Study Coordinator

Health Foundations & Medical Research

Station: Masaka

Job Purpose:

The position holder will support the implementation of the ChAdOx1 Ebola BDBV (Recombinant) Vaccine Trial by sharing study information, obtaining informed consent, providing health education, conducting interviews, collecting high-quality study data and specimens, and supporting participant care in accordance with study protocols and regulatory requirements

Responsibilities or duties

1. Principal duties;

• Provide study information and obtain informed consent from participants prior to enrolment;

• Mobilise, screen and enrol eligible participants into the study;

• Contribute to participant retention through participant tracking and follow-up activities.

• Conduct interviews and collect high-quality study data;

• Perform quality control checks on collected data and synchronize study data to designated servers where required;

• Conduct study procedures in accordance with protocol requirement;

• Ensure accurate labelling and documentation of study samples;

• Provide counselling and health education services to study participants;

• Refer participants appropriately according to study guidelines and clinical protocols;

• Ensure timely transportation and transfer of specimens to designated laboratories;

• Conduct health promotion and community sensitisation activities;

• Provide medical care to study participants and promptly report adverse events to Study Clinicians and Coordinators;

• Participate in stock management and timely requisition of study supplies;

• Ensure compliance with study protocols, SOPs, GCP requirements and regulatory guidelines;

• Participate in Continuous Medical Education (CME) sessions and study meetings; and,

• Perform any other duties assigned by the Principal Investigator or Study Coordinator.

2. Financial Management

Public Health

• May be responsible for managing petty cash intended for reimbursement of study participants and ensuring proper accountability.

3. Line Management;

The successful candidate may supervise Study Nurses and Student Interns and will be expected to:

• Support staff in effectively performing assigned duties;

• Promote a supportive, inclusive and productive work environment;

• Participate in mentorship and staff development activities;

• Monitor performance and provide constructive feedback; and,

• Ensure compliance with Unit and LSHTM policies and procedures.

Qualifications or requirements (e.g., education, skills)

Person Specification

• Diploma in Nursing and Midwifery from a recognised institution;

• Registered Nursing Officer with a valid practising licence from the Uganda Nurses and Midwives Council;

• Training in Research Methods, Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and Counselling;

• Counselling and participant support experience;

• Good computer literacy and proficiency in common computer applications;

• Good communication and interpersonal skills;

• Demonstrated nursing and/or midwifery competencies;

• Ability to work independently and within multidisciplinary teams; and,

• High level of integrity, reliability and attention to detail.

Experience needed

Africans & Diaspora

• At least two (2) years of experience in a clinical and/or research setting;

• Previous experience working in clinical trials or  health research projects;

Any other provided details (e.g., benefits, work environment, team info, or additional notes)

The applications should be addressed to:

The Head of Human Resources,

MRC/ UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit,

P.O. Box, 49,

Entebbe, Uganda.

Consider your application unsuccessful if not contacted within eight (8) weeks after the closing date of the advert. Any form of lobbying at any stage will lead to automatic disqualification. By submitting your personal information, you consent to the MRC/ UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit holding and using it in accordance with its recruitment policy and procedure. The Unit reserves the right to verify documents attached with the relevant awarding institutions to authenticate their validity.