Clinical Laboratory Scientist needed at The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine

• HJFMRI Nigeria is seeking a Clinical Laboratory Scientist to support daily sample laboratory processing including Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMC) isolation and bio-repository services at Defence Reference Laboratory including samples shipment within and outside Nigeria in line with International Air Transportation Association (IATA) requirements which shall be in alignment with the research protocol.
• S/He will support daily smooth running and activities of the sample processing unit and research assays in various Laboratory sections such as immunology, serology, heamatology, chemical pathology etc.
• The Incumbent will be timely in sample reception, documentation, processing, distribution, testing, storage, disposal (if necessary) and specimen management are within the specified research protocol requirements.
• The incumbent will be responsible for data collection and reporting of research activities by protocol.
• S/HE will report weekly test statistics including SPL samples rejection, track turnaround time of all assays, track staff accountability metrics, gauge DRL services performance through customers’ satisfaction survey across all sections.

Responsibilities

• Analyzes PBMC, serology, immunology, hematology and chemical pathology assays and other assays for research testing as may be required by study protocol using appropriate laboratory tools methods, materials, equipment and processing local and international sample shipment following IATA regulations.
• Support efforts to improve the laboratory services efficiency for Emerging Infectious Disease diagnosis using ELISA, immunology, serology and or PCR, etc. Ensure implementation of Biosafety and Biosecurity protocol and the implementation of infectious prevention control policy, process and procedures are implementation for laboratory environment and staff biosafety, environment safety including safety disposal.
• Document laboratory data-capturing systems such as Freezerworks and DRL Labware LIMS etc. Monitors the sample processing Laboratory commodities/ supplies and inventory. Develops SOPs and Job aids, manual and guideline that align with Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP) and ISO15189:2022 standard requirements.
• Support daily samples reception, samples collection, samples for labeling, processing, analysis, and storage at the Biorepository as appropriate. Manage sample reception, sample mapping, sample aliquoting and sample shipment out of the DRL for further analysis and sample storage as appropriate and report test statistics in line with DRL quality policy, objectives and quality indicators etc.
• Support essential laboratory operations and activities of the organization-supported sites as appropriate. Ensures daily, weekly and monthly tracking of laboratory test statistics to generate complete, correct and consistent data evidence to guide informed decisions making. Supports the DRL, national, program or regional disease surveillance and survey activities.
• Monitors equipment and ancillary equipment use, care and maintenance to meet expectations and monitor QA/QC for the reagents, equipment calibration and services and procedures of the sample processing laboratory. Track and monitor daily equipment and ancillary equipment to ensure the functionality of all equipment at the sample processing laboratory and serology unit to present commodity stock out and equipment down time to zero service interruption.
• May perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned or directed by the supervisor. This may include attendance of and participation in required training for role.

Required Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Proficient in phlebotomy and clinical sample collections, biorepository, performance of laboratory procedures and data capture relevant to clinical research implementation. Knowledge of and adherence to quality assurance and quality control. Good understanding of laboratory networking. ISO 15189:2022 standards requirements hands-on, International Air Transportation Association (IATA) certification and biosafety and biosecurity experience
• Good computer skills (including Laboratory Information Management System (LMIS) or LIS such as freezer works, DHIS, BLIS, LABWARE etc.) is Plus. Proficient in the use of Microsoft excel and Microsoft Power Point packages is mandatory. A good understanding of basic and clinical trial research methods and research ethics guidelines and policies.
• A good understanding of Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP) guidelines and standard operating procedures. Practical knowledge of and adherence to laboratory quality assurance and quality control. Knowledge of the use and operation of laboratory equipment, including but not limited to immunology, serology, hematology, clinical chemistry, microscopy, serology, and molecular diagnostics. Excellent computer skills (including laboratory information system). Good understanding of laboratory networking.

Physical Capabilities

• Lifting: May require lifting materials up to 10 lbs.

Qualifications

Work Environment

• This position will take place primarily in a laboratory setting.

Education And Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required (preferrably Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science or/and Associate Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria), Master’s degree (in Public Health, Infectious Disease, Epidemiology or related area) preferred
• Other professional licensures, certifications, or designations required: Registered with the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria with a valid practicing license. Additional specialist laboratory certification relevant to clinical research implementation will be an advantage.
• Minimum of 3-5 years experience required