Senior Laboratory Technologist job at Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI),
About the Organization
The UVRI engages in health research pertaining to human infections and disease processes associated with or linked to viral aetiology and provides expert advice, enables partnerships and communication and serves as a center for training and education.
Job Description
At Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI), we aim to conduct health research of national importance with a regional and global reach. We do this through government funded projects and collaborative projects with international funding such as WORMVACS2.0. WORMVACS2.0 is a Horizon Europe funded international collaborative project to develop pipelines for helminth vaccine development. The project now seeks an enthusiastic and experienced individual to fill the position of Senior Laboratory Technologist. The job holder will contribute to the WORMVACS2.0 project at UVRI by primarily performing laboratory assays, analysing resulting biological data (data from other sources), and reporting the findings.
Duties and Responsibilities
Ensuring that required reagents and supplies are in sufficient stocks and are kept securely in recommended conditions.
Performing IATA compliant shipment of samples to Essential: and from partner laboratories.
Ensuring health and safety as per SOPs by conducting safety induction of new staft/students, refilling first aid boxes, administering first aid, updating materials data safety sheets.
Performing scientific duties by assisting in setting up and cleaning of databases, writing reports regarding assays and experiments; using computers to perform mathematical calculations and for the preparation of graphs; presentation of findings at local, national and international workshops/conferences.
Ability to learn and conduct assays/procedures required (Flow cytometry. Microarray. Luminex). according to study protocols procedures (SOP) in accordance to the manufacturer guide
Receiving, processing and analysing samples timely in accordance with the SOPs and quality control' assurance requirements.
Preparing reagents, chemicals and culture media where applicable for laboratory use
Ability to analyse big data using data science and 4. Performing of the Internal Quality Control and External computational tools
Cleaning and disinfecting equipment and document on equipment cleaning log Quality assurance as per schedule
Provision of high-quality training and supervision to staff and students
Independent assay development & troubleshooting of new procedures
Technical expertise and leadership
Writing and reviewing of operational and study Desirable: specific SOPs.
People Management Responsibilities:
Supervision of project laboratory technologists and students undertaking projects attachment/placement in the laboratory
Qualification, Experiences and Competencies
(with bioinformatics experience): or systems immunology or computational biology or bioinformatics (with substantial immunology research experience); or Data Science (majoring in Biomedical science)
BSc Biomedical Laboratory Technology. Medical Laboratory Sceince. Biomedical Science. Biotechnology, Biochemistry (or equivalent) Desirable: Programming (R or Python), GCLP, GCP and PHRP training cytometry or Luminex or microarrays, and analysing immunology or biological data within a laboratory environment, and experience with programming
Essential:
Designing, optimizing and validating flow cytometry 1. A master's in immunology and clinical microbiology panels
Processing, staining and acquiring stained samples through the flow cytometer following standard operating procedures.
Analysing data from flow cytometry using FlowJo GraphPad Prism, R. Bioconductor and other dimensional reduction algorithms including SNE. FIOWSOM, SPADE, UMAP
Conducting and analysing outputs of microarrays. Luminex assays and other immunological techniques
Receiving, processing and storing study samples according to SOPs to maximise their quality in subsequent testing.
Monitoring study sample storage conditions including 1. One to two years' practical experience utilizing flow temperature.
Implementing GCLP practices: Cleaning and disinfecting equipment; Tracking equipment servicing requirements: Monitoring temperatures and liquid nitrogen levels; Data backup: Running equipment performance OCs.
Previous work experience required: Essential:
Experienced biomedical data scientist/researcher
2 years (Renewable based on the availability of funding and satisfactory performance)
Desirable:
Database management software including R and python
Relevant laboratory research techniques like DNA Extraction, PCR, ELISA, ELISPOT, among others
Communication skill
How to Apply
APPLICATION FOR THIS POSITION MUST BE DONE ONLINE:
All candidates are encouraged to send in a single PDF file. their application letters, curriculum vitae with names, email addresses and telephone contact details of two (2) professional referees, and copies of academic certificates named as: Surname Senior Laboratory Technologist or Surname Laboratory Technologist), via E-mail to: megesa@uvri.go.ug and copy to mkatusabe@uvri.go.ug Failure to meet these guidelines will result in automatic elimination