Research Assistant - Laboratory Technologist

Chartered in 1983, Aga Khan University (AKU) is a private, autonomous and self-governing international university, with 13 teaching sites in 6 countries over three continents (www.aku.edu). An integral part of the Aga Khan Development Network (www.akdn.org), AKU provides higher education in several disciplines, carries out research pertinent to the countries and operates 7 hospitals (soon 8) and over 325 outreach clinics, all at international standards. It has almost 2,500 students and over 14,000 staff. 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 Aga Khan University-East Africa (AKU-EA) through its Research Office in Mombasa is conducting a study: Pregnancy Care Integrating Translational Science Everywhere (PRECISE) in Kaloleni and Rabai Sub-counties in Kilifi County, Kenya. The study will involve following up pregnant women from early pregnancy through delivery to the post-delivery and it will include local travel within the study area- between health facilities and to communities. Applications are invited from appropriately qualified candidates for the position of Research Assistant - Laboratory Technologist in the study. Staff will be based at the research sites in Kilifi County.

Position Summary:

The research assistant will provide administrative support in data collection, data entry and other aspects of research to the study principal investigator and project team. 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.

Responsibilities

• Sampling, 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 control and quality improvement in the study laboratory and other clinical areas relevant to sample handling
• Sample logging, data collection, 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
• Regularly report any relevant events that affect the study to the laboratory specialist
• Conduct all study activities in adherence to provided guidelines and protocols and with utmost confidentiality and ethical practice
• Alongside health facility staff and as guided by the study laboratory specialist, contribute to routine sample handling processes at the health facility
• Ensuring timely submission of all the required progress reports

Requirements

• Diploma in Medical Laboratory Sciences or equivalent qualification from an institution recognized by Kenya Medical Laboratory Technicians and Technologist Board (KMLTTB)
• Registration certificate and valid practicing license from KMLTTB
• Basic Computer literacy and training in Microsoft Office.
• Strong organizational and communication skills

Essential experience -

• Good written and verbal skills in English and Kiswahili
• Relevant experience working at a laboratory associated with a clinical or research facility

Additional Experience -

• One (1) year experience in 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