Laboratory Scientists x2 Uganda Virus Research Institute

The EPI Laboratory at Uganda Virus Research Institute is a WHO inter- country polio laboratory supporting five countries in the region: Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, and South Sudan. The laboratory carries out analysis of stool and Environmental samples for polio from all the countries served. In addition, the laboratory carries out research that informs the policies for control of wild poliovirus.

Wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) viruses were isolated from cases of Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) in Malawi, and Mozambique at the end of 2021 running through 2022. In addition, outbreaks of circulating vaccine derived polio viruses (cVDPVs) remain a challenge in the region. This has led to the expansion of disease surveillance activities in the African region, thus leading to increased workload for the EPI Laboratory.

The EPI laboratory activities have been expanded to include sequencing of polioviruses to decrease the turnaround around time for test results due to shipping of isolates for sequencing out of the country.
The Institute therefore wishes to recruit laboratory scientists to undertake the activities of this laboratory. Below are the duties and responsibilities of the candidates who will be engaged for the specified professional position.

Job Title: Laboratory Scientist (2 positions)
Reports to: Laboratory Director/Head
Location: Entebbe, Uganda

Job Purpose: To support the Global Polio Laboratory Network by carrying out laboratory investigations for poliovirus.

Duties and Responsibilities
• Support the development and execute laboratory work plans.
• Ensure the laboratory’s inventory of supplies, equipment and reagent is optimally managed and maintained.
• Perform intra-typic differentiation and sequencing of polioviruses to support disease surveillance and outbreak investigations.
• Participate in development and implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPS)
• Support the implementation and management of laboratory information to keep the laboratory data base system harmonised with national surveillance data base.
• Keep a weekly back up copy of all electronic data related to molecular laboratory operations covering isolates received, test results and reporting.
• Participate in laboratory accreditation activities and proficiency testing. Perform maintenance of laboratory equipment including, trouble shooting and calibrations.
• Comply with all biosafety and containment procedures in the polio laboratory.
• Participate in quality assurance for laboratories.
• Participate in public health research activities.
• Publish relevant papers to increase visibility and add knowledge. Adhere to the relevant Codes of Conduct and Ethics. Perform any other duties as may be assigned from time to time.

Qualifications
• Honors bachelor’s degree in microbiology, biochemistry, medical technology, or any other related field from a recognized University/ Institution
• A Master of Science Degree in a relevant field is an added advantage.
• Experience
• A minimum of four (4) years of professional experience in a polio laboratory or diagnosis of infectious diseases (bacterial, viral, etc.) Have experience of at least two years in a molecular laboratory including sequencing.
• Have experience in the management of a laboratory for the diagnosis of vaccine preventable diseases (VPDs).
• Evidence of country assistance missions for laboratory capacity building.
• Experience of working in an international organization in the field of strengthening health structures.
• Documented experience in planning, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating quality assurance in a laboratory.

Competencies
• Planning, organizing, and coordinating. Coaching and mentoring. Time management.
• Managing employee performance. Concern for quality and standards. Ethics and integrity.
• Results orientation.

Additional Information
UVRI is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We welcome applications from all sections of the Community. UVRI does not ask for money at any stage of recruitment.