Research Assistant-Laboratory Technologist , Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology – (210000RI)
Research Assistant – Lab Technologist
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Entity: Medical College
Location: Kenya
Introduction
Chartered in 1983, Aga Khan University (AKU, www.aku.edu) is a private, autonomous and self-governing international university, with 13 teaching sites in 6 countries over three continents.
An integral part of the Aga Khan Development Network (www.akdn.org), AKU provides higher education in multiple health science and social science disciplines, carries out research pertinent primarily to low- and middle-income countries and operates 7 hospitals (soon 8) and over 325 outreach clinics, all at international standards. It has almost 2,500 students and 14,000 staff. The University is both a model of academic excellence and an agent of social change. As a leading international institution dedicated to excellence and change, AKU operates on the core principles of quality, relevance, impact and access.The University is both a
model of academic excellence and an agent of social change. As an international
institution, AKU operates on the core principles of quality, relevance, impact
and access. The Medical College has 4-year Master of Medicine degrees in
anaesthesia, family medicine, medicine, obstetrics & gynaecology,
paediatrics, pathology, radiology, and surgery.
Currently the University
offers fellowship programmes in the following specialties: Cardiology,
Infectious Diseases, Neonatology and Paediatric Neurology.
Job Summary
This
position is required to contribute to collection, handling and processing of
biological samples for the research study, “Pregnancy Care Integrating
Translational Science Everywhere (PRECISE)” and related studies.
The
Research Assistant – Laboratory Technologist will be required to support the
study’s activities at the health facility. Roles will include sample
collection, sample transport, sample analysis, sample processing and sample
storage and related documentation for these processes.
He
/ She will report to the Study Laboratory Specialist and to the Study
Coordinator.
He
/ She will be required to comply with stipulated guidelines on all study
activities. He/She will be required to be sensitive and considerate throughout
the encounter with participants, their families and other health facility
staff. He / She will be the face of the study to the community and the larger
health facility team and will be required to communicate to families and
community members as appropriate and at all times to display a professional
attitude.
The
position is based at public health facilities in Kaloleni and Rabai subcounties
in Kilifi county. The role will include some local travel within the study area
– between health facilities and to communities. The role will require shift
work including nights, weekends and public holidays.
The
Lab Technologists should have and maintain an active laboratory practice
licenses in Kenya and will be required to contribute to routine laboratory work
at the respective health care facilities.
Responsibilities
- Responsible for Collection, transport, processing,
analysis of biological samples for research participants for PRECISE study
and related studies
- Under guidance from the laboratory specialist,
contribute to quality assurance, quality control and quality improvement
in the study laboratory and other clinical areas relevant to sample
handling
- Responsible for Data entry for all activities
related to sample handling into relevant study database and health
facility registers
- Create daily and monthly summary reports for
activities as guided by the study coordinator.
- Communicate
to families and community members about the study, as appropriate and as
guided by the lab specialist and study coordinator
- Attend training sessions as required and obtain
relevant competency in data collection and informed consent and other
skills essential for delivery of his/her role.
- Regularly report any relevant events that affect
the study to the lab specialist
- Conduct all study activities in adherence to
provided guidelines and protocols and with utmost confidentiality and
ethical practice
- Handle study equipment and consumables with care
and ensure safe storage
- Alongside health facility staff and as guided by
the study laboratory specialist, contribute to routine sample handling
processes at the health facility
- Any other responsibility as allocated by the
study lab specialist and study coordinator. This may include activities in
the community and activities in other studies within the Centre of
Excellence Women and Child Health.
- This role is based primarily at the health
facilities but may include roles in the community. The role includes shift
work including nights, weekends and public holidays.
Qualifications
- Diploma in Medical Laboratory Sciences or
equivalent qualification from an institution recognized by Kenya Medical
Laboratory Technicians and Technologists Board (KMLTTB)
- Registration certificate and Valid practicing
license from KMLTTB
- Computer literacy with competence in Microsoft
Office applications
- At least 1year experience at a busy laboratory
- Experience in public health facility settings
- Experience in data entry and reporting using HMIS
systems or study specific research databases or other electronic data
collection systems within laboratory settings
- Attentive to detail and quality
- Ability to work independently/ with minimum
supervision and within stipulated deadlines and schedules
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- A team player and able to work in a multicultural
environment
- Willing to work long hours. This may include
nights, weekends and/or public holidays.
- Able to maintain confidentiality
- Courteous and respectful
How to Apply