Laboratory Scientist (1 Post) - Dar

The position of Laboratory Scientist reports to the Principal Investigator of the MSMT2 project and is based in Dar es Salaam.

Position Summary 

The Ifakara Health Institute (IHI) in collaboration with the Ministry of Health through the National Malaria Control Programme, the President’s Office, Regional Administration, and Local Government, and the National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) are jointly implementing the second phase of the project on molecular surveillance of malaria in Mainland Tanzania (MSMT2). IHI is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Laboratory Scientist to perform laboratory activities for the project.

Duties and Responsibilities

Laboratory Scientist is expected to perform the following duties:

• Plan and supervise the collection of samples from participating health facilities and perform analysis of samples collected by the project.
• Ensure all specimens delivered to the laboratory are properly and appropriately registered, and processed and all test results are recorded according to standard operating procedures (SOPs) of the MSMT2 project.
• Ensure storage and location of records of specimens are conducted in accordance with SOPs.
• Plan and perform routine and specialized technical procedures required by the project including troubleshooting during work.
• Assist in maintaining standards and cleanliness of laboratory equipment in accordance with the engineer’s advice, guidelines and equipment manual.
• Perform the experimental processes according to the laboratory analysis plan of the project and ensure results are generated timely and are of high quality 
• Participate in Quality Control programs as required by Good Clinical Laboratory Practices
• (GCLP) to ensure the reliability of testing procedures, proper functioning of laboratory equipment and compliance with relevant regulations. 
• Endeavour to refine and upgrade laboratory processes in order to save experimental costs and improve performance of the laboratory.
• Review the laboratory results to improve the experimental protocol and to increase the success rate.
• Prepare and update SOPs, and engage in other administrative work as directed by senior project leaders.
• To perform molecular, genetic, genomic, and serological laboratory and data analytics to support malaria molecular surveillance (MMS) and other requirements based on the project requirement.
• Generating genomic data in of all three genomes involved in malaria (parasites, vectors and human) and any other data as may be assigned by senior project leaders. 
• Assist and ensure that preventive maintenance of laboratory equipment is carried out as planned.
• Be able to work on-call duties when required to do so.
• Performing any other duties as may be assigned by the Project Principal Investigator and other senior leaders of the project and IHI.

Qualification and Experience

• Bachelors’ degree in Life Sciences (Molecular Biology, Biotechnology and Laboratory sciences, Medical Laboratory Science or other relevant fields). 
• Applicants should have experience in genomics and practical skills in different molecular biology techniques; with at least three (3) years of proven working experience in a similar field. This is essential and critical for this post.
• Prior research experience in genomics, bioinformatics, or a related field, hands-on next-generation sequencing (NGS) laboratory skills such as library preparation and sequencing on Illumina MiSeq or similar NGS platforms is highly advantageous.
• Prior experience with bioinformatics tools and databases, such as BLAST, NCBI, Ensembl, or UCSC Genome Browser, etc. will be an added advantage.

 Skills and Competencies

• Basic analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex genomic data and draw meaningful conclusions.
• Applicants should be excellent in written and verbal communication skills with adequate proficiency in English language communication.
• Flexible and adoptive to new environments.
• Good clinical laboratory practices.

Remuneration 

An attractive and competitive remuneration package will be offered to successful candidates as per IHI salary scales.

Equal Opportunity

IHI is an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit intentional biases or discrimination and harassment of any kind at the work place and during recruitment. All employment decisions are based solely on job requirements and individual qualifications, and our recruitment process is governed by the labour laws of Tanzania.

Mode of Application

All candidates who meet the above job requirements should send their application letters together with their detailed curriculum vitae (CVs) showing contact addresses including email, telephone/cell phone numbers and copies of academic and professional certificates to the email address below. 

The deadline for this application is 17:00 hrs on Thursday, 15 November 2024. All e-mail application subject lines should include: [LABORATORY SCIENTIST – MSMT2]. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interview. 

Human Resources Manager 

IFAKARA HEALTH INSTITUTE

Plot 463 Mikocheni  

P.O. Box 78,373 

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Email: recruitment@ihi.or.tz