Onchocerciasis [OV]Molecular Laboratory Technical Advisor

Job Title: Technical Advisor 2/OV Molecular Laboratory Technical Advisor  

Job Classification:  Professional 2

Job Grade: L               

Reports to:  Referral and Diagnostic Service Process Owner 

No. Required: Three (3)

Location: Adama Public Health Research and Referral Laboratory Center (APHRRLC), Adama Town, Oromia, Ethiopia. 

Job Code: LN003235

Job Summary: 

RTI in collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MOH) and Oromia Regional Health Bureau (RHB) of Ethiopia has established Onchocerciasis Molecular Laboratory at the premises of Adama Public Health Research and Referral Laboratory Center (APHRRLC) in Adama Town, Oromia, Ethiopia. The purpose of the Laboratory is required to support the national onchocerciasis elimination program.

The Technical Advisors are responsible for providing a wide range of support to the Adama Public Health Research and Referral Laboratory Center (APHRRLC). This will include survey protocol development, coordination of surveys, forecast laboratory supplies, and provide molecular laboratory tests using serological, parasitological and entomological samples which will be collected from various areas of Ethiopia. The Technical Advisors are expected to generate the required laboratory results based on ELISA and PCR techniques to support programmatic, research, diagnosis, and monitoring efforts related to onchocerciasis.

The Technical Advisors will work closely with the MOH, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, RHBs and other implementing partners in need of collaboration and support.

This position will be based in Adama Public Health Research and Referral Laboratory Center (APHRRLC), Adama Town, Oromia, Ethiopia.

Essential Duties: 

• Analyze dried blood spot (DBS) and blackfly samples using standard operating procedure (SOP) of the techniques of enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect Onchocerca volvulus DNA.
• Evaluate and interpret laboratory test results to determine the prevalence of infection in blackflies and human populations.
• Store DBS and black fly samples at the specified conditions (temperature and space) needed to maintain the samples. 
• Keep track of records of comprehensive documentation of samples, laboratory results and other activities.
• Implement and perform each laboratory test according to the laboratory’s SOP to ensure quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC).
• Make timely reports on monthly, bi-monthly, and annually as deemed required by the project’s supervisors both to RTI International and APHRRLC.
• Make inventory of laboratory supplies and reagents on quarterly basis and make prompt report before shortage of supplies and reagents. 
• Perform laboratory tests in/on a clean working environment based on the workflow and implement SOP in the laboratory with proficiency to ensure quality standards.
• Record data regularly to monitor temperatures of the working environment and equipment.
• Adhere laboratory policies and procedures including use of protectives, safety and reporting. 
• Ensure adherence and monitor safe handling and biosafety compliance for all lab staff in the collection, preparation, processing and disposal of infectious biological samples and other infectious agents and diagnostic testing.
• Prepare entomological and epidemiological surveys proposals and lead/coordinate field surveys related to onchocerciasis monitoring and evaluation activities.
• Work closely with the staffs of MOH, Ethiopian Public Health Institute, APHRRLC and other partners in need of collaboration and support. 
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Minimum Required Education & Experience 

Academic qualification: Medical Laboratory Technology, Biomedical Science, Medical Parasitology or related biological sciences.

Desirable Experience: Master’s degree and 1 year of molecular laboratory experience, or bachelor’s degree in related fields with 3 years of molecular laboratory experience, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Previous laboratory experience on onchocerciasis and other vector-borne infectious diseases is more desirable.

Skills & Abilities

• Excellent knowledge of MS Office (Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel etc.),
• Ability to multi-tasks,
• Ability to work well with others,
• Ability to listen and communicate well both verbally and in writing,
• Ability to work independently,
• Attention to details and accuracy,
• Ability to obtain proper security clearances as noted by contracts.

Physical/Mental Demands

Physical and mental demands of this role include those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of molecular laboratory works, as outlined above.  Examples include:  remaining in a laboratory work for day-long as needed; operating a computer and other laboratory machinery; thinking, learning, and concentrating effectively and frequently communicating with other people, both within RTI and outside of RTI; regularly conducting laboratory reagents inspections (if applicable), ability to handle in achieving multiple and tight deadlines, ability to work in excess of 40 hours per week as workload and deadlines may require, ability to have regular, reliable and predictable attendance. Also, the job requires:

• High teamwork abilities, 
• commitment to ethical standards, and
• laboratory safety measures/protocols.
• 30-35% travel to field works out of the duty station.

Disclaimer

The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.