Institute Overview

Ifakara Health Institute (IHI) is a leading research organization in Africa with a strong track record in developing, testing and validating innovations for health. Driven by a core strategic mandate for research, training and services, the Institute's work now spans a wide spectrum, covering biomedical and ecological sciences, intervention studies, health-systems research, service delivery and policy translation.

IHI, in collaboration with the Tanzania Food and Nutrition Centre (TFNC), Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences (MUHAS), and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), is implementing the National Micronutrient Biomarker Surveillance (NMBiS) initiative. As part of this initiative, a nationwide mapping study is being conducted to assess the availability, quality, and suitability of remnant biological samples stored in health facilities, research laboratories, and biobanks for future micronutrient surveillance.

Position Summary

Ifakara Health Institute is seeking a qualified Laboratory Scientist who will be under the NMBiS Project to support the implementation of the Remnant Sample Mapping Study across selected regions in Tanzania Mainland. The successful candidate will report to the Project Coordinator, the candidate will be responsible for conducting facility assessments, evaluating biological sample storage conditions, documenting sample inventories, assessing specimen quality indicators, supporting data collection activities, and contributing to study reporting.The position requires an individual with strong laboratory and research experience, knowledge of specimen management systems, and familiarity with biological sample storage and quality assurance procedures.

• Participate in planning and implementation of remnant sample mapping activities across study sites.
• Support in supervising the team in conducting laboratory, health facilities and biobank assessments using standardized study tools and SOPs.
• Assess availability, types, volumes, and storage conditions of remnant biological samples.
• Verify sample inventories and evaluate sample quality indicators, including storage temperatures, freeze-thaw history, and metadata completeness.
• Conduct interviews with laboratory managers, biobank coordinators, and facility staff.
• Support digital data collection using Open Data Kit (ODK) and other study platforms.
• Ensure compliance with study protocols, SOPs, ethical requirements, and quality assurance procedures.
• Prepare field reports and contribute to data cleaning and validation processes.
• Support stakeholder engagement meetings, training workshops, and dissemination activities.
• Assist in developing technical study reports and presentations related to study findings.
• Perform any other project-related duties as assigned by the Project coordinator.

• Strong understanding of laboratory quality management systems and specimen handling procedures.
• Knowledge of biological sample storage requirements and cold chain management.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and documentation skills.
• Ability to work independently and within multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability and willingness to travel extensively within Tanzania.
• Commitment to IHI core values Integrity, Initiative, Equity, Excellence, and Accountability.

• Bachelor degree in laboratory sciences, Medical Laboratory Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Public Health Laboratory Sciences, or related field from a recognized institution.