JOBS IN MWANZA , 22 OCT 2015

The Mwanza Intervention Trials Unit (MITU) based at the National Institute for Medical Research campus in Mwanza, Tanzania is a collaborative research unit of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and the National Institute for Medical Research. The mission of the Mwanza Intervention Trials Unit is to contribute to improving health through the development and evaluation of interventions against HIV and other health problems by conducting research, including clinical trials, to the highest international standards; to enhance the capacity to carry out such research in Tanzania and the East African region; and to contribute to the translation of research findings into health policy. MITU is currently collaborating with other international research partners and the World Health Organization to prepare and implement a one-year multicentre clinical trial to test the safety and immunogenicity of a promising vaccine candidate to prevent viral haemorrhagic fever. The study is being conducted in healthy volunteers. The Unit is now inviting applications from motivated and suitably qualified candidates to fill the following position:

1. Immunology Laboratory Technician
The successful candidate will be responsible for performing Immunology assays and contributing to the running of the research laboratory at National Institute of Medical Research archive (NIMR).

Specific responsibilities
• Performing tasks in accordance with the GCP and GCLP guidelines.
• Receipt and processing of human blood samples obtained from patients enrolled in clinical trials for recovery of peripheral blood mononuclear cells and subsequently performing cell counts with the use of both manual and automated techniques.
• Cryopreservation of blood components.
• Providing backup support to other laboratory areas including immunoassays such as ELISA.
• Performing quality control of all performance techniques.
• Accurate entry of sample information into the laboratory information management system and periodical maintenance of data spreadsheets.
• Maintaining an inventory of sample aliquots produced and their location and the preparation of samples for transfer to the NIMR Archive.
• Maintaining any documentation related to research assays and running the laboratory such as standard operating procedures.
• Maintenance of equipment including keeping daily logs of equipment and routine cleaning of laboratory work areas.
• Participation in organizing shipment of samples in accordance with the IATA guidelines.
• Weekly meeting attendance and participation.
• Following and ensuring strict safety procedures and safety checks.
• Perform any other duties as may be assigned by your supervisor and the Principle investigator

Essential qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Laboratory Technology or a related discipline.
• At least one year’s work experience as an immunology technician.
• Ability to draft and follow established Standard Operating Procedures.
• Ability to organize workflow efficiently.
• Proficiency using MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Work experience in a research laboratory setting especially using Immunological assays.

Desirable qualifications
• Post graduate/advanced training in immunology.
• Ability to multi-task since each clinical protocol may have unique processing requirements.
• Experience working with clinical trials or research studies.
• Familiarity with GCP and GCLP.

Mode of application:
• Letter of application with details of how you meet EACH of the above criteria and suitability for the post.
• A daytime mobile telephone number and e-mail contact details.
• Curriculum vitae (CV) including names and addresses of three referees (two must be from your most recent employers).
• Copies of all relevant certificates and memberships and qualifications.

Closing date for applications
• Applications received later than Monday 2nd November 2015 will not be considered
• Interviews will be held at the earliest available opportunity and you will be notified by email if you are selected for interview.

All documents to be sent by email to recruitment@mitu.or.tz

A competitive remuneration package will be offered.