Terms of Employment
This role is full-time on a short-term contract, renewable based on the availability of funds. The Laboratory Scientist will contribute to research activities and may also support hospital laboratory operations when required.Role Overview
This position blends research-focused laboratory work with disciplined operational execution. The Laboratory Scientist will optimize and evaluate preanalytical workflows for blood and saliva samples, focusing on accurate cell-free DNA (cDNA) recovery and reliable EBV DNA measurements. The role requires strong laboratory technique, excellent attention to contamination control, and consistent adherence to Good Clinical and Laboratory Practices (GCLP) and biosafety standards. The job also involves structured data management using REDCap, clear reporting, and active collaboration with local and international research teams. Candidates who enjoy process improvement, quality systems, and evidence-based practice will fit well in this environment.Main Duties and Responsibilities
1) Specimen Handling and Analysis
- Develop and optimize preanalytical procedures for blood and saliva specimens.
- Use cell-stabilizing tubes to minimize ex vivo cell lysis and protect analyte quality.
- Apply techniques that reduce contamination by viral DNA from latently infected cells or virions.
- Support enrichment for CpG methylated DNA to improve diagnostic specificity where applicable.
- Evaluate how specimen transport conditions such as temperature, time, and additives affect cDNA recovery and EBV DNA measurements.
- Perform plasma separation and analysis, including approaches that exclude PBMC-derived viral DNA.
- Conduct saliva specimen analysis while minimizing contamination from oral epithelial cells and lymphocytes.
- Support consenting processes and sample collection of blood, saliva, and other required specimens following approved procedures.
- Participate in field follow-ups with study participants when required, based on project needs.
- Carry out any other duties assigned by the Principal Investigator or immediate supervisor.
2) Laboratory Operations
- Maintain a well-organized, compliant laboratory environment aligned with GCLP and biosafety standards.
- Operate, calibrate, and maintain laboratory equipment used for processing cDNA and EBV DNA analysis.
- Collaborate with international and local research teams to standardize methodologies and protocols.
- Demonstrate flexibility by running hospital samples when required, while maintaining quality and documentation.
3) Data Management and Reporting
- Record, manage, enter, and analyse laboratory data using REDCap.
- Prepare comprehensive laboratory reports that reflect accurate methods, results, and quality checks.
- Contribute to manuscript preparation and support publication activities as required.
- Present findings to the research team and participate in project planning meetings.
4) Capacity Building and Training
- Train and mentor junior laboratory staff and research assistants in sample handling, laboratory techniques, and data documentation.
- Assist in developing training materials and workshops aimed at improving laboratory practices.
Basic Qualifications and Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences, Medical Laboratory Sciences, or equivalent.
- A master’s degree in Molecular Biology is an added advantage.
- Fully registered with the relevant professional body.
- Competence in processing peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs).
- Skills in histopathology techniques are beneficial.
- Up to date with GCP, PHRP, and GCLP.
- Passion for working with children is an added advantage.
- Conversant with the Luo language is an added advantage.
Key Competencies That Support Success
- Strong quality mindset with consistent use of SOPs, documentation, and traceability practices.
- Ability to prevent contamination and manage preanalytical variability in clinical specimens.
- Comfort with data systems, clean data entry, and structured reporting in REDCap.
- Good communication skills for cross-functional coordination and scientific updates.
- Ability to plan work, meet timelines, and maintain accuracy under routine pressure.