Government Jobs - Laboratory Scientists Careers in Kenya

Republic of Kenya

Ministry of Public Health and Sanitation

East Africa Public Health Laboratory Networking Project

Applications are invited from qualified candidates for the positions shown below.

Background:

Kenya is among the four countries participating in the East Africa Public Health Laboratory Networking Project (EAPHLN) funded by the World Bank (IDA). This five year project aims to support a network of efficient, high quality, accessible public health laboratories for the diagnosis and surveillance of TB and other communicable diseases.


The project seeks to recruit TWO (2) scientists to be based at the National Public Health Laboratory Services (NPHLS) in Nairobi to provide technical inputs to the laboratory services in the country in the areas of microbiology and virology.

Position: Two (2) Laboratory Scientists

Scope of Work:

The overarching objective of the assignment is to provide technical support to the Head of National Public Health Laboratory Services and the respective affiliated laboratories to ensure efficient planning and timely implementation of project laboratory activities.

Specific responsibilities of the Scientist will include:

  1. Contributes towards quality assurance performance within the department including taking part in all relevant external quality assurance programmes. The main priority of which will be facilitating the laboratories in achieving full accreditation with international recognized standards.
  2. Establish and maintain systems and procedures for smooth implementation and operationalization of the project laboratory activities including strategic planning, assessment and introduction of new diagnostic methods and forward planning for laboratory equipment and consumables requirements.
  3. Undertake regular visits to project laboratories and other agencies supporting implementation (infrastructure unit, procurement and disposal units) to identify implementation bottlenecks and bring them to the attention of the Project Manager for prompt resolution.
  4. Participate in Laboratory stakeholder’s meetings and focal person for Kenya in the regional laboratory networking technical working group
  5. Ensure adequate quality assurance procedures are maintained with respect to samples processing, reagent preparations and equipment use.
  6. Participate in the development, review and implementation of laboratory Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s).
  7. Supervise the performance of the complex microbiological, biological and chemical tests in addition to supervising specific units in the laboratories.
  8. Participate in regular mentorship to laboratory technologist based at the satellite laboratory sites laboratory supported under the project. In addition regular trainings facilitation such as good clinical and laboratory practice (GCLP), laboratory safety, quality control and other relevant training to maintain acceptable standards of laboratory operations
  9. Conducting continuous laboratory education to existing staff at national and district level on new technologies including current trends in microbiology and virology techniques.
Qualifications and Experience:

Desired Education: Master’s Degree in Medical Microbiology and/or Medical Virology from a recognized institution.

Desired Experience: Minimum of five years of work experience in a busy public health laboratory, preferably with supervision and management exposure.

Desired Skills:
  • Strong quantitative skills and demonstrated capacity to perform outstanding original work.
  • Demonstrated ability to handle working relationships with senior officials and technical experts in Government and NGO’s.
  • Familiarity with implementation of quality laboratory management systems and laboratory accreditation and/or ISO certification processes.
  • Familiarity with conventional and molecular biology diagnostic and Drug Susceptibility Testing (DST) techniques for the Microbiologist.
  • Familiarity with conventional and molecular biology diagnostic and virology techniques for the Virologist
  • Outstanding communication skills, verbal and written, in English.
  • Proficient in computer applications and database management
  • Demonstrate strong leadership skills and team player.
  • Ability to design studies, analyze data and presentation of manuscripts on laboratory activities conducted at the National Public Health Laboratory Services.
Reporting:
  • The scientist will report and work under the overall supervision of the Project Manager (Head, Department of Disease Prevention and Control) and the Head of National Public Health Laboratories.
Deliverables:
  • Monthly and Quarterly progress reports summarizing key activities undertaken during the month, problems and remedial actions.
  • Steering the National and district satellite laboratories to full accreditation and two star accreditation status respectively during the project life.
  • Satellite laboratories compliant with regionally and national quality assurance processes (internal and external) including laboratory standard operating procedures.
  • Strengthened linkages between laboratory and disease surveillance activities.
Duration of Contract:
  • Initial 2-year contract extendable depending on performance.
  • At the end of contract period, the scientist will be absorbed in the civil service.
Duty Station:
  • The scientist will be based in Nairobi and there will be frequent travel in Kenya to satellite laboratory sites as per request by the Project Manager.
Compensation:
  • A competitive salary will be offered as per Government of Kenya norms for public officers
  • Salary Scale: Job Group P
  • Other benefits (medical and house allowance).
Interested and suitably qualified candidates should forward their applications indicating the advertisement and position on the subject line of letter and envelope, together with a detailed Curriculum vitae indicating work experience, current remuneration and copies of their testimonials, a daytime telephone contact and names and telephone contacts of three referees to reach the undersigned not later than 11th April 2011 to:

The Permanent Secretary
Ministry of Public Health & Sanitation
Afya House, Cathedral road
Address: P.O. Box 30016-00100
Nairobi, Kenya

Tel: +254-20-2717077

Only Shortlisted and successful candidates will be contacted.

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