Job offer: Research Laboratory Coordinator at BCMCF Lesotho

Overview: 

Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation – Lesotho. The Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation – Lesotho (BCMCFL), is the result of a public-private partnership between Baylor College of Medicine International Pediatric AIDS Initiative and the Government of Lesotho, and is a legal, non-profit/tax exempt organization registered in Lesotho. BCMCFL provides free paediatric and family-centered HIV and tuberculosis prevention, care, treatment and support, serving thousands of children and families affected by HIV, TB, or other child health conditions.

Position Overview;

The Research Laboratory Coordinator under the supervision of the study PI and in close collaboration with the TB NRL lab manager, will be responsible for supporting study activities and liaising with the Lesotho National Reference Laboratory; supporting coordination of research laboratory activities; operate under compliance with national regulations to provide a safe operation; and complete related work as assigned. Working conditions include potential exposure to body fluids, disease organisms and hazardous materials.

Position

Research Laboratory Coordinator x1

Duties and Responsibilities

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Adhere to organizational and departmental specific safety standards and quidelines 
• Ensure implementation and monitoring of quality activities 
• Perform and oversee point of care testing and sample collection at Baylor COE.  This is inclusive but not limited to:
  • CRP, LF-LAM, COVID-19 Antigen and Antibody, HTS, urinalysis, random glucose
  • Nasal swab and phlebotomy
  • Sputum (expectorated, induced or nasal pharyngeal), stool, and gastric aspirate collection
• Coordinate with NRL team to appropriately document and record study laboratory results
• Train NRL staff on standard operating procedures (SOPs) specific to the study and ensure adherence
• Ensure organization, proper storage and tracking of research specimens
• Contribute to continual review of working methods and SOPs related to the study and COE POC tests
• Support organization of supplies, inventory, reagents and work alongside the NRL and COE teams to ensure there is adequate supply for study implementation as well as monitoring consumption and stock procurement
• Update the laboratory equipment inventory list as needed and review the list quarterly
• Perform point of care instrument maintenance procedures and document consistently
• Fills out ‘Occurrence Forms’ when accidents or incidents occur and submits report to supervisor
• Keep all research laboratory records up to date and comply with NRL documentation
• Participates in identifying training requirements, development and implementation of training plans and the provision of on-the-job training for the study
• Development of lab flow plans for research studies
• Be responsible for the laboratory checklists, specimen shipment logs (as indicated) and temperature logs 
• Participate in bi-weekly laboratory team meetings
• Reviews quality assurance reports with specific follow-up for results outside of predetermined norms
• Performs trainings prior to study activation and re-trainings during the enrolment period as needed
• Performs other duties as assigned

Educational Qualifications, Work Experience and Key Competencies

• Be in possession of a three-year Diploma in Medical Laboratory Sciences.
• Prior research experience related to laboratory would be added advantage
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite software applications (word and excel) and Internet.
• Fluency in English and Sesotho with strong report writing and oral presentation skills. 
• Sesotho speakers preferred. 
• Excellent laboratory technique with superb attention to detail
• Ability to work as a highly cooperative member of a team
• Ability to function with mature judgment, tact, and diplomacy, ensuring the NRL and Baylor Lesotho procedures are adhered to
• Maintenance of strict confidentiality and professional etiquette to sensitive client information

How to apply: Interested candidates who meet the criteria must email application letters including CVs, certified copies of identity documents, transcripts and certificates.

All applications must be emailed to [email protected] on or before Friday, 11th October, 2024 at 12:00 hours. Clearly indicate the name of the post applied for on the subject Line. Applications to be done through email provided only. No hard copies will be accepted. Late applications will not be considered. Failure to comply with the above directions will results in the application being disqualified. 
BCMCFL reserves the right to leave an advertised position unfilled if no suitable candidate is identified. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.