Background

Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH), in collaboration with Jhpiego, an affiliate of Johns Hopkins University, is implementing the Scaling the Optimal Use of Multiple ACTs to Prevent Antimalarial Drug Resistance (STOP-AMDR) Project.

The project works closely with the Ministry of Health’s National Malaria Elimination Division and other stakeholders to generate evidence for introducing and scaling up multiple first-line therapies in Uganda. It will conduct a molecular surveillance study to determine the prevalence and distribution of molecular markers of antimalarial drug resistance.

MakSPH seeks four Laboratory Technicians to support malaria diagnosis, study documentation and sample management at participating health facilities. The project requires two Lusamia speakers and two Luganda speakers.

Responsibilities

Conduct malaria diagnostic procedures and manage the preparation, documentation, storage and transport of dried blood spot samples according to study and laboratory requirements.

Perform malaria diagnostic procedures and support participant confirmation according to study procedures and national guidelines.

Prepare, label, store and document dried blood spot samples while maintaining specimen integrity and chain of custody.

Coordinate the transport of study samples to the designated laboratory.

Maintain accurate laboratory records, specimen logs and study documentation.

Conduct quality-control procedures and comply with laboratory standard operating procedures and biosafety requirements.

Monitor laboratory supplies and equipment and report shortages or maintenance needs promptly.

Protect participant confidentiality and comply with ethical requirements and the approved study protocol.

Participate in study training, monitoring visits and quality-assurance activities.

Qualifications and Desirable Qualities

Minimum of a diploma in Laboratory Technology.

Full registration with the relevant professional council and a valid practising licence in Uganda.

At least one year of experience in a clinical or research laboratory, preferably involving malaria diagnostics or infectious disease studies.

Experience in specimen collection and handling, dried blood spot preparation, laboratory documentation and quality-control procedures.

Competence in malaria diagnostic techniques, biosafety practices and maintenance of accurate laboratory records.

Basic computer literacy, including Microsoft Office and electronic data-capture systems.

Good communication, organisational and teamwork skills, with strong attention to detail and accuracy.

Valid certification in Good Clinical Practice and Human Subjects Protection, or willingness to complete the required training before the study begins.

Ability to speak Lusamia or Luganda, according to the position selected.

Commitment to participant confidentiality, study protocols and flexible working arrangements.

• Conduct malaria diagnostic procedures and manage the preparation, documentation, storage and transport of dried blood spot samples according to study and laboratory requirements.
• Perform malaria diagnostic procedures and support participant confirmation according to study procedures and national guidelines.
• Prepare, label, store and document dried blood spot samples while maintaining specimen integrity and chain of custody.
• Coordinate the transport of study samples to the designated laboratory.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records, specimen logs and study documentation.
• Conduct quality-control procedures and comply with laboratory standard operating procedures and biosafety requirements.
• Monitor laboratory supplies and equipment and report shortages or maintenance needs promptly.
• Protect participant confidentiality and comply with ethical requirements and the approved study protocol.
• Participate in study training, monitoring visits and quality-assurance activities.

• Malaria diagnostic techniques
• Biosafety practices
• Maintenance of accurate laboratory records
• Basic computer literacy (Microsoft Office, electronic data-capture systems)
• Good communication skills
• Organisational skills
• Teamwork skills
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Ability to speak Lusamia or Luganda

• Minimum of a diploma in Laboratory Technology.
• Full registration with the relevant professional council and a valid practising licence in Uganda.
• Valid certification in Good Clinical Practice and Human Subjects Protection, or willingness to complete the required training before the study begins.