KENPHIA II Field Medical Laboratory Technologist at The Center for International Health, Education and Biosecurity (CIHEB)

Overall Job Function

This position primary entails working with KENPHIA field teams to implement laboratory component for KENPHIA II Survey designed to provide technical testing of bio markers of interest at household level. Perform various duties including but not limited to; collect, test, issue results and manage blood samples at household and transportation to Satellite testing Laboratory within specified timelines, while maintaining high levels of professionalism and confidentiality.

 Duties and responsibilities

The Field Medical Laboratory Technologist will perform various duties as needed to successfully fulfill the functions of this position including but not limited to the following technical activities: 

• Attend the full survey training to understand the purpose and intent of the survey, as well as the plan for implementation.
• Work in a team with main role of implementing bio marker testing in accordance with KENPHIA II Protocol and detailed SOPs in the household and issue results for linkage to prevention, care and treatment.
• Organize testing supplies every morning using an approved KENPHIA II Field supplies management SOP to ensure uninterrupted testing services in coordination satellite logistician.
• Verify eligible consented or assented respondents for the blood draw and testing in accordance with KENPHIA II Protocol.
• Perform phlebotomy as detailed in KENPHIA SOPs and obtain sufficient sample volume to be used for testing and aliquoting as detailed in KENPHIA II protocol and applicable sample collection SOPs.
• Properly labelling samples and ensuring they are transported to the satellite laboratories within the defined time as per guiding SOPs.
• Test controls at least every two weeks as detailed in the KENPHIA II Laboratory SOPs.
• Perform competency every six months as provided KENPHIA II Laboratory SOPs.
• Test eligible survey respondents for HIV infection using the three (3) test algorithm as well as Syphilis and Hepatitis B in accordance with KENPHIA II SOPs.
• Screen children below 18 months as per KENPHIA II SOPs and ensure packaging and referral for DNA PCR testing (EID) at Satellite Laboratory using GeneXpert POC.
• Test Eligible survey respondent for syphilis and issue results for subsequent linkage to prevention and treatment services in facilities of their choice.
• Manage waste generated at household level in line with KENPHIA II Biosafety Waste management SOPs.
• Report on any accident/ incident occurrence during testing processes of KENPHIA II Biomarkers as per the Events management SOPs.
• Effectively communicate to their respective KENPHIA II Regional Laboratory supervisor regarding any challenges encountered for any necessary support.
• Documentation of all laboratory activities in forms, tools and electronically in tablets.
• Carry out any other duties as assigned by field team leads.

Requirements

Minimum and Preferred Qualifications

• Degree or Diploma in Medical laboratory Sciences or Biomedical Sciences.
• Trained in Phlebotomy with at least 2 years’ experience in Phlebotomy practice or training and experience attachment in an ISO 15189 Accredited Laboratory.
• Must be registered with the Kenya Medical Laboratory Technologist and Technician Board (KMLTTB) and have a valid Practicing License and experience attachment in an ISO 15189 Accredited Laboratory.
• Proficiency in use of Point of Care (POC) systems is an advantage
• Good communication skills and fluency in spoken and written English, Kiswahili and relevant local languages as per the location of fieldwork.

Experience

• Experience in working on the laboratory bench for at least three (3) years.
• Experience performing Quality Assurance measures in all phases of biomedical testing
• Knowledge of and practical experience in HIV community-based research and ethical requirements.
• Experience with population survey (IBBS, KDHS, KAIS, KENPHIA) will be an added advantage

 Competencies

• Ability to work with your hands and will need dexterity to work with small vials, test tubes, and delicate laboratory equipment
• Comfortable using electronic gadgets such as smart phones and tablets
• Ability to write clear and concise summaries of reports for internal and external audiences.
• Must be fully available for survey period.
• Must have a good disciplinary record

Attributes:

The Field Laboratory Technologist must have the following general skills and attributes:

• Friendly and patient.
• Detail orientated and highly organized as well as have ability to multi-task.
• Flexible and proactive.
• Able to maintain high levels of confidentiality.
• Should have strong interpersonal skills (active listening, empathy, social awareness, emotional awareness).