Medical Laboratory Scientist at Health Initiatives for Safety and Stability in Africa (HIFASS)

Basic Functions

• Under the direct supervision of Molecular Laboratory Supervisor, Defence Reference Laboratory (DRL), Abuja.
• The incumbent will support the molecular testing activities of Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV) viral load, Dry Blood Spot (DBS) for HIV, Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) testing, Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) testing, Sexual Transmitted Infections (STIs) testing and other pathogens of public health priority and importance.
• Additional duties may include posting to various sections of the Laboratory such as Hematology, Chemical Pathology, Medical Microbiology, Serology Laboratory, and sample processing unit of the laboratory to support research and routine clinical process and procedures while working on the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) program and other related program's activities.
• S/he must be flexible to work schedule including accommodating day and night shift duties, including weekends laboratory operations when necessary.

Essential Job Functions, Duties & Responsibilities

• The incumbent will be performing RNA and DNA extraction of; HIV, HCV, HBV, STI pathogens, and other organisms of program/research interest using nucleic acid based-PCR, for detection and quantification tests.
• Support other section of the Laboratories such as Haematology/Chemical Pathology/Serology and Sample Processing Laboratory (SPL) and Bacteriology analysis.
• Responsible for efficient Internal quality control system of the molecular and non-molecular based assays and monitoring of the quantitative assays daily performance outcome using Westgard rules. Handles panels for internal Proficiency and EQA/Proficiency Testing scheme and track performance.
• Carries out troubleshooting of failed assays with complete and consistent documentation of Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) of laboratory errors and occurrence.
• Performs validation and or verification of equipment and assays methods.
• Conducts the performance of root cause analysis, remedial action, and corrective action and ancillary equipment maintenance according to schedule.
• Develop, review and revise all job-related SOPs and job aids and actively involved in the laboratory Quality Management System (QMS) implementation and Laboratory accreditation activities in line with ISO 15189:2022 standards.
• Adherence to Good Laboratory Clinical Practice (GCLP), QA/QC/QMS and Bio risk (Biosafety and Biosecurity).
• Participate actively in the laboratory committees such as the laboratory safety, training, QA and others.
• Maintain stocks of HIV PEPFAR inventory of laboratory reagents/ consumables and ensure timely submission of bi-monthly Combined Report and Requisition Form (CRRF) to the National Health Logistics Management Information System (NHLMIS).
• Responsible for the reception/verification of samples from supported facilities, processing for assay, and documentation of rejection based on DRL sample acceptance and rejection criteria including tracking of testing Turnaround Time (TAT) of molecular assays.
• Handles work load analysis of data/results and report weekly and monthly testing outputs in form of number and proportion of samples analysed in comparison with program assigned targets. Reports are expected to be disaggregated by age, sex, and level of viral suppression for HIV viral load for PEPFAR and research protocol as well as other important laboratory testing process variables.
• Ability to coordinate the activities of junior staff such as Medical Laboratory Technicians and other laboratory staff members.
• Any other duties assigned by the DRL management.

Job Specifications
Minimum Education / Training Requirement / Work Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in Medical Laboratory Science (BMLS) and/or Associate Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (AMLSCN) is required.
• Additional relevant post graduate qualification is a plus. Completion of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) or Exception certificate is required.
• Training on Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP) and research ethics.
• Experience in ISO 15189: 2012 and/or ISO 15189:2022 standards requirements and/or CLIS requirements, practical experience in QMS implementation and laboratory accreditation is required.

Prior Work Experience:

• A minimum of 2 - 3 years post-NYSC working experience in a standard or molecular laboratory setting.

Certification or Registration:

• Certification and Licensure as a Medical Laboratory Scientist by the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN) with current practicing license is Mandatory.

Knowledge and skills:

• An excellent understanding of Good Clinical Laboratory Practice SOPs/ guidelines and Quality Management System (QMS) practical implementation in-line with ISO 15189 standard requirements.
• Practical knowledge of and adherence to laboratory quality assurance and quality control. System.
• Knowledge of the use of laboratory equipment, including but not limited to haematology, Chemical Pathology, Bacteriology and PCR diagnostics technology.
• Incumbent must have a good understanding of laboratory networking and integration of services.
• Excellent knowledge of bio risk concept in the prevention and control of Infectious agents is mandatory. Good understanding of scientific data collection, data cleaning, data processing and data utilization for an informed decision-making is an added advantage.