Job Summary

Ifakara Health Institute is seeking a Laboratory Scientist Intern who will receive training and become part of the team that is involved in performing routine and specialized tasks related to the execution of laboratory procedures for the MSMT2project. The positions entail dedication and commitment to follow the training program of the MSMT2 project. The training will cover areas such as sample collection, processing, analysis, and storage, as well as acquiring skills and experience in Good Clinical Practices, Good Clinical Laboratory Practices, Standard Operating Procedures, and professional and project standards and/or guidelines.

Responsibilities

Desired Skills

• The position requires some practical and technical abilities as an important potential for training to enable the candidate to acquire key skills of high relevance to the MSMT2 project.
• The applicant should have complex problem-solving skills, decision-making, independence, critical thinking, time management, and teamwork skills.
• The applicant must have the ability to work well with minimal supervision.
• Good communication and writting skills in both English and Swahili.

Essential Qualification

Bachelor’s degree in either medical laboratory science or molecular biology and biotechnology received within the past 24 months.

Pass in the first degree with a minimum GPA of 3.8 and with exceptional ability for science leadership development.

Required Experience

Applicants must have an experience in genomics and practical skills in different molecular biology techniques (laboratory scientists), mathematical/statistical modelling and at least one (1) year of experience in a similar field.

Experience with data visualization tools (R) is highly preferred.

Prefered Language

The applicant must have the ability to communicate in both Kiswahili and English.

• Taking part in sample collection, processing, and analysis according to the projects needs and SOPs.
• Work with the MSMT2 team to ensure preventive maintenance of Laboratory equipment is carried out as planned.
• Processing of samples and recording all test results according to SOPs for all specimens delivered to the laboratory.
• Taking part in ensuring storage and location of specimen records are conducted according to the SOPs of the MSMT2 project.
• Participating in planning and performing routine and specialized technical procedures required by the project including troubleshooting during work.
• Working together with the MSMT2 team to maintain laboratory equipment standards and cleanliness according to the engineer’s advice, guidelines, and equipment manual.
• Under the supervision of the senior project scientists, take part in effective communication with other members of the project, hospital staff, and field teams for effective implementation of the MSMT2 project.
• Participate in quality control programs of MSMT2 as required by GCP and GCLP to ensure the reliability of testing procedures, proper functioning of laboratory equipment, and compliance with relevant regulations.
• Work with the MSMT2 project team and other partners to implement internal and external regulatory authorities responsible for Quality Controls, health and safety, and inspection control practices.
• Attending and contributing to research meetings, discussions, and journal clubs organized by the MSMT2 project.
• Participate in the MSMT2 project training courses for developing their skills in manuscript preparation for scientific publications.
• Take part in and perform any other activities or duties as may be determined by the Project Principal Investigator and other superiors.

• Complex problem-solving skills
• Decision-making
• Independence
• Critical thinking
• Time management
• Teamwork skills
• Ability to work well with minimal supervision
• Good communication and writing skills in both English and Swahili
• Genomics experience
• Practical skills in different molecular biology techniques
• Mathematical/statistical modelling
• Experience with data visualization tools (R)

• Bachelor’s degree in either medical laboratory science or molecular biology and biotechnology received within the past 24 months.
• Pass in the first degree with a minimum GPA of 3.8 and with exceptional ability for science leadership development.