JOB DETAILS:
The Mwanza Intervention Trials Unit (MITU) is a collaborative research Unit based at the National Institute for Medical Research campus in Mwanza, Tanzania. The mission of MITU is to contribute to improving health through the development and evaluation of interventions against HIV and other health problems by conducting research, including clinical trials, to the highest international standards; to enhance the capacity to carry out such research in Tanzania and the East African region; and to contribute to the translation of research findings into health policy. MITU is currently collaborating with other international research partners to conduct a cohort study of 500 HIV-infected adults and 500 HIV-negative adults. This five-year program of research aims to understand the relationship between sleep, autonomic nervous system activity and 24-hour blood pressure variability in the cohort. The Unit is now inviting applications from motivated and suitably qualified candidates to fill the following position:

PART-TIME LABORATORY TECHNICIAN (50% FTE)
The successful applicant will have a bachelors degree in the laboratory sciences, and at least 2 years’ post- qualification clinical or laboratory experience in research project management.

Specific Responsibilities
• Available to work from 12PM to 5PM every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
• Willing to be on call to work at other times if needed

• To assist the PIs and study coordinators in planning, management and supervision of laboratory operations, ensuring that the program is carried out to the highest international standards
• To collaborate with study staff, PIs, and NIMR laboratory personnel on a daily basis to ensure that sample collection and sample processing is conducted according to the study protocol
• To maintain records of study reagents and supplies needed and available both for field work and at
NIMR and to organize study supplies needed for weekly field work
• To develop research tools, oversee data entry and management and participate in the analysis
• To develop and regularly update standard operating procedures in accordance with the study protocol

• To train the research assistants and CTC staff on the collection of study samples in accordance with
Good Clinical Practice (GCP) in the study protocol
• To support optimal documentation and prepare monthly reports of sample collection, processing and storage in accordance with Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP) in the study protocol
• To oversee all sample processing and to conduct PBMC separation
• To participate in developing the capacity of junior project staff regarding laboratory procedures
• To undertake such other tasks as may reasonably be expected by the PIs and Study Coordinator

Essential Qualifications
• A bachelor’s degree in science with a focus on laboratory sciences
• At least 2 years’ post-qualification experience in laboratory research work
• Experience processing peripheral blood mononuclear cells
• Conversance with LIMS and Microsoft Excel for laboratory sample tracking
• Managerial skills including organizing supplies and preparing reports
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and Swahili

• Commitment to working as part of a multidisciplinary research team in a multicultural environment
• Certified in GCLP for laboratory work

Desirable qualifications
• Experience in HIV research
• Experience working in health facilities in Tanzania
• Experience working in research institution
• Certified in GCP for the conduct of human research

Interested applicants should submit their applications together with a letter of application, CV and copies of all relevant certificates, memberships and qualifications recruitment@mitu.or.tz