Summary
Date Posted: Friday, August 18 2023, Base Salary: Not Disclosed

JOB DETAILS:
Position Summary:
• TROPGAN is recruiting a laboratory scientist to support hepatitis projects. Hepatitis laboratory work includes blood, saliva, liver samples, and tests for chemistry, serology, immunology, and virology. While the candidate will be primarily based within UTH Department of Medicine, s/he will be expected to interact frequently with other sites (such as other hospitals and other laboratories) and diverse staff including doctors, nurses, and community health workers. Therefore, demonstrated team spirit and the ability to work in different contexts are valued in addition to excellent laboratory skills. The projects offer substantial training opportunities and mentorship will be provided; therefore, extensive laboratory skills and experience are not required.

Background On Hepatitis Projects:
• There are ~500,000 Zambians living with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and the infection results in a substantial number of deaths related to liver disease. HBV is also a common HIV coinfection and people with HBV-HIV coinfection experienced accelerated disease. Our projects focus on a number of questions including (a) what are the immunological factors that lead to host control of HBV infection including functional and complete cure, (b) what are the effects of different HBV genotypes, (c) what are the liver outcomes of HBV in Zambia, with and without treatment, (d) how does HIV alter HBV natural history, (e ) what immune and viral biomarkers can be used to predict the need for treatment and treatment outcomes, (f) what is the nature of the HBV reservoir in the liver. To answer these studies, we are conducting prospective cross-sectional studies and longitudinal cohorts.

Main duties & responsibilities:
Specimen processing
• Use bar coding and labeling systems to accurate track samples
• Process blood samples for creation of serum and plasma aliquots
• Process blood samples for isolation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells
• Perform microscopy for cell counting and cell assessment
• Process liver fine needle aspirates and core tissue biopsies. Create and maintain specimen repositories/archives
• Prepare and ship samples to international laboratories

Biospecimen repository management
• Maintain an accurate and current inventory of all data-related equipment and supplies.
• Ensure proper and safe storage of all general and data supplies/equipment.
• Ensure proper use and maintenance of all general and data supplies/equipment.

Assay implementation
• Conduct various ELISA assays
• Conduct rapid assays on blood, serum, or plasma
• When necessary deliver specimens to outside laboratories for testing and obtain results
• Perform PCR tests
• Release results to the clinics

Laboratory equipment & supply management
• Maintain inventory of supplies and track consumption
• Obtain accurate quotations for necessary supplies and materials
• Monitor and maintain project equipment

Other
• Attend hepatitis team meetings
• Present data to local and international collaborators and stakeholders
Qualifications
• Grade 12 certificate
• Bachelor degree or Diploma in a laboratory-related field
• Experience working in a biomedical laboratory
• Proficiency with microsoft office, including excel and powerpoint
• Excellent communication and organizational skills

Education Requirement: No Requirements

Job Experience: No Requirements

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months:

Level of Education:

Job application procedure
• To apply or get more information:
• admin@tropgan.net 
• Application closing date: September 4, 2023

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