The Malaria Alert Centre (MAC) is a research unit under the Kamuzu University of Health Sciences that works with Ministry of health, local and international health agencies to address priority health problems in Malawi and the SADC region through operational and evidence synthesis research, capacity building and training, health care systems strengthening, disease surveillance, and monitoring and impact evaluation in communicable diseases including malaria, HIV, vaccine preventable diseases and Neglected tropical diseases.

MAC has received funding from the National Institute of Health, USA, to understand the epidemiology of coronavirus infections and how adaptive immunity to COVID-19 develops in Malawi (COVID TMM Project). To do this, MAC will assemble two cohorts in Blantyre district: one of people diagnosed with Covid-19 and their household contacts and the other of newly COVID-19 vaccinated adults. The two cohorts will be followed up for a period of 18 months to understand how malaria, helminth infection and nutritional deficiencies affect the development of immunity for COVID-19.

MAC is therefore inviting applications from suitably qualified and enthusiastic individuals to fill the position of Laboratory Technician.

Position summary

We are looking for a self-motivated person who is highly skilled in microscopy, molecular and immunology techniques, and is interested in broadening their knowledge in COVID-19, helminths and malaria transmission. The Laboratory Technician is expected to assist in laboratory based research activities at the Kamuzu University of Health Sciences in Blantyre.

Duration of Contract: The initial contract will be for one year with possibility of further extension based on performance and availability of funding.

Reports to: Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Duties and responsibilities:

• Perform laboratory duties including laboratory safety, equipment maintenance, specimen archive, sample analytical processes and skills training
• Assisting with sample organization, storage, and tracking
• Extract nucleic acid from biological samples using study specific protocols
• Perform real time PCR analyses on the extracted nucleic acid as specified by study specific protocols
• Perform Kato-Katz microscopy on stool samples.
• Isolate PBMCs, plasma and serum from whole blood and ensure appropriate storage
• Perform flow cytometry, ELISA and antibody neutralization analyses according to the study specific protocol
• Assist in performing BC repertoire analysis
• Perform data entry in hard copy and electronic format
• Regular report writing
• Assist with any other related duties as seen fit by the principal investigator and team leader.

Required Qualifications, Skills and Experience

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science or any related field.
• Willingness to learn, be mentored, and improve
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office (MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint), Internet and e-mail applications
• Demonstrated ability to work with minimal supervision and meet strict deadlines
• Must be prepared to have a flexible schedule when required
• Demonstrated ability to work as a member of a team
• Ability to follow written instructions on experimental Standard Operating Procedures
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills

Remuneration

The position will attract a salary with benefits commensurate with experience and qualifications as applicable to contract staff in the Kamuzu University of Health Sciences. KUHES is an equal opportunity employer.

Application procedure

Suitably qualified candidates should submit their applications together with copies of relevant certificates and detailed CVs with names, contact numbers and emails of three traceable referees to:

The Registrar
Kamuzu University of Health Sciences
P/Bag 360
Chichiri
Blantyre 3
Email: recruitment@kuhes.ac.mw and vacancies@mac.medcol.mw

Applications should be submitted not later than Friday, 29th September 2023.

Those submitting via email should indicate the project name and title of the post in the subject line of the email. Only short-listed candidates will be acknowledged.