Location: Uganda Virus Research Institute
Position: Laboratory Technologist
CEPI's Centralised Laboratory Network (CLN) was launched in 2020 to provide standardised testing support to vaccine developers worldwide. The CLN is the world's largest consortium of laboratories that offers critical testing services to vaccine developers, ensuring consistency in data readouts, which streamlines the assessment of multiple vaccine candidates. The harmonised data generated by the CLN accelerates vaccine development against CEPI's priority pathogens and potential epidemics, including Disease X. The CEPI CLN has expanded to include UVRI in Uganda in partnership with MRC/UVRI and LSHTM (MUL), aiming to reduce sample transfer and testing times for vaccine developers in the region while bolstering outbreak preparedness infrastructure worldwide. Now, the CEPI CLN has expanded its geographical footprint to include UVRI in Uganda in partnership with (MUL). This expansion aims to reduce sample transfer and testing times for vaccine developers in the region while bolstering sustainable outbreak preparedness infrastructure worldwide. Our network provides standardised testing support to vaccine developers, ensuring the efficient evaluation and advancement of vaccine candidates against a range of priority pathogens and emerging threats. Our mission is clear: to propel the development of vaccines against priority pathogens such as Ebola, Marburg, and emerging threats, driving innovation, and safeguarding public health on a global scale.
Position Summary: The position holder will provide overall laboratory support to Immunology projects implemented through the CEPI platform.
Reports to: Lab manager and Senior lab technologists
Key Responsibilities:
1. Principal duties.
• Receiving, processing, and storing study samples according to SOPs to maximize their quality in subsequent testing.
• Performing SOP-guided laboratory experiments assigned by scientists or supervisors to produce reliable, reproduceable and precise data for scientific immunological investigations: including ELISpot, Flow cytometry, Virus Neutralization assays, Luminex, ELISA, PCR, sequencing and preliminar bioinformatics analysis, sterile tissue culture.
• Implementing GCLP practices: Cleaning and disinfecting equipment; Tracking equipment servicing requirements; Monitoring temperatures and liquid nitrogen levels; Data backup.
• Running equipment performance QCs.
• Ensuring that required reagents and supplies are in sufficient stock and are kept securely in recommended conditions.
• Performing IATA compliant shipment of samples to and from partner laboratories.
• Ensuring health and safety as per SOPs by conducting safety induction of new staff, refilling first Aid boxes, administering first aid, updating materials data safety sheets.
• Performing scientific duties by assisting in setting up and cleaning of databases, writing reports regarding experiments; using computers to perform mathematical calculations and for the preparation of graphs; presentation findings at local, national and international workshops/conferences.
• Assist in capacity building through demonstrating practical procedures to new staff.
• Writing and reviewing of operational and study specific SOPs.
• Supervising others, and troubleshooting of procedures and experiments; and, proactive problem solving and prevention to ensure GCLP practices: includingreviewing of QC and preventive maintenance logs.
2. Line Management Responsibilities.
• Will to train others in techniques they are familiar with. Occasionally 1-2 student attachments for two months a year. May supervise assistant lab technologist(s).
Qualifications.
• A bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory technology or a BSc in a relevant Biologicaloriented science, as the foundational trainingfoundation training.
• At least a credit and in Mathematics, Physics, Biology and Chemistry at O and A Level;
• Should possess work specific skills training and experience of at least 1 years;
• Biohazard-related safety training for handling highly infectious pathogens, GCLP training and poroficiency.
Desirable
• Teamwork and emotional intelligence.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office package; basic statistical knowledge is a plus.
• Demonstrated competencies in personal integrity, emotional resourcefulness, and forward thinking.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills, with a proactive and results-oriented mindset
Why Join UVRI-CEPI CLN:
At UVRI-CEPI CLN, you will be at the forefront of global efforts to combat emerging infectious diseases by contributing to the development of vaccines against priority pathogens like Ebola, Marburg, Mpox and potential future threats such as Disease X. You will work with a diverse and multidisciplinary team of scientists and public health experts, utilizing cutting-edge technologies and innovative methodologies to advance scientific discovery. Our supportive work environment values your contributions, fosters collaboration, and offers continuous professional development opportunities. By joining us, you will play a pivotal role in strengthening global health security and enhancing outbreak preparedness infrastructure worldwide.
Application Process:
To apply for this position, please submit your CV, copies of all your academic credentials, supporting documantation to support your suitability, copy of your national ID along with a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and why you believe you are suited for this role, and recommendation from two professional referees. Applications should be sent to vmirembe@uvri.go.ug
Deadline for Applications:
6th January 2025. UVRI-CEPI CLN is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage suitable applications from individuals of all backgrounds and relevant experiences.