Locally known as the Walter Reed Southern Highlands AIDS Program, the Henry Jackson
Foundation Medical Research International (HJFMRI) is an international nongovernmental organization working in several countries conducting research studies and
providing care and treatment to people affected by HIV/AIDS. HJFMRI is funded by the
Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief PEPFAR.
In collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHSW), HJFMRI has been leading a comprehensive HIV/AIDS care
and treatment program in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania since 2004 with support from the President’s Emergency Plans
for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). The program is based within the Mbeya Referral Hospital and has since extended to more than 100
health facilities in Mbeya, Rukwa and Ruvuma regions, which collectively represent a catchment area of about 6 million people.
Mbeya region is one of high prevalence regions in Tanzania and expansion of HIV care and treatment programs is critical.
Walter Reed Program is seeking qualified candidate to fill the position below. Cover letters and resumes should be sent to the
Human Resources Manager, P.O. Box 6396, Mbeya or e-mailed to; jobswrpmbeya@gmail.com. NOTE: to be considered,
applicants must put the TITLE OF THE JOB in the SUBJECT LINE. Deadline for submission of the application is Friday August 9th,
2013. Those who do not meet the minimum requirements as detailed below should not submit applications.
JOB TITLE: Laboratory Research Liaison Person for AFRICOS supporting the
implementation of AFRICOS Study at the Mbeya Referral Hospital (MRH).
GENERAL:
The Walter Reed HIV Program of the Southern Highlands together with the NIMRMbeya Medical Research Center (MMRC) the University of Munich and the Mbeya
Referral Hospital (MRH), aim to improve treatment and care of HIV infected patients
through clinical research tightly integrated into the routine implementation of the national
ART Program. Projects conducted in the collaborative setting focus on treatment
experienced HIV infected patients, the management of HIV associated diseases such
as Cervical Carcinoma and Tuberculosis and program evaluation of the PEPFAR
funded ART program in the southern highlands of Tanzania, integrating research
activities into the routine patient care, capacity building and infrastructure development.
In this context, the collaboration aims to implement the AFRICOS Study, a cohort study
following up to 500 HIV positive patients on Care at MRH and 100 HIV negative
participants over a long period of time.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
The candidate will be responsible for ensuring that laboratory tests are carried out
according to principals of Good Clinical and Laboratory Practice (GCLP), as stipulated
in the AFRICOS research study protocol. He/She will be responsible for the day to day
logistics of the planning and implementation of AFRICOS laboratory procedures as a
liaison person Walter Reed Program, Mbeya Referral Hospital (MRH) and Mbeya
Medical Research Centre (MMRC). He/She will be required to work closely with the
Laboratory in charges of WRP, MRH and MMRC to ensure smooth flow of patient
samples and results between the different collaborating laboratories. The candidate is
expected to ensure that there is harmony between AFRICOS and other research
studies that are conducted at the study site, as much as the routine laboratory tests of
MRH and MMRC, ensuring integration of AFRICOS into the laboratory setting at MRH.
Job Description for Walter Reed Program Laboratory Research Liaison Person for
AFRICOS
1. Ensuring the Laboratory Tests are carried out on time and according to the
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) of the specific assays.
2. Assist in Development and Compilation of onsite Laboratory Manual of Operation
(MOP).
3. Assist in development of SOPs for new Laboratory assays for AFRICOS.
4. Work with the labs involved in AFRICOS to ensure that reagents for assays are
purchased on time and that reagent inventories are developed and are up to
date.
5. Work with the Laboratory Managers to ensure that laboratory data generated is
validated before use.
6. Assist in generating and compiling laboratory assay data as required.
7. Assist in Reagents Quantification for AFRICOS assays.
8. Assist in carrying out Laboratory assays for AFRICOS study at the MRH
Laboratory.
QUALIFICATIONS:
The suitable candidate should have:
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A Bachelor of Science Degree in Laboratory Science related field.
Able to carry out Laboratory assays like CD4 tests, Hematology tests and
Chemistry tests, among others.
Good understanding of Mbeya Referral Hospital Laboratory set up and Practices
Demonstrate a good understating of Laboratory Standard Operating Procedures
Development and Utilization.
Be conversant with Principles of Good Clinical and Laboratory Practice.
Be able to comprehend Research Practices and Procedures, and ready to learn.
Knowledge of English required
PERSONAL SKILLS
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Excellent organizational skills
Good coordination skills and ability to work in a team.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Fluency in English
High degree of commitment
Willing to work independently in a multidisciplinary team.