Laboratory Assistant

About Rakai Health Sciences Program

Rakai Health Sciences Program (RHSP) - Improved Health Through High Impact Research - was established in 1988 in response to the "Slim disease" HIV epidemic in Rakai District. Founded through collaboration between Makerere University, Uganda Virus Research Institute, Columbia University and Johns Hopkins University, RHSP has grown into one of Africa's leading health research institutions with over 30 years of high-impact research. Its landmark discoveries on voluntary medical male circumcision and antiretroviral therapy for HIV prevention have informed WHO and national policies worldwide. For applicants, RHSP offers a unique laboratory environment: cutting-edge laboratories equipped with advanced technologies supporting the Rakai Community Cohort Study (RCCS) and related field studies, the ART mini-laboratory and the main station laboratory in Kalisizo. Working here provides hands-on exposure to community-centered research, GCLP/GCP standards, and direct community impact through research and healthcare delivery. RHSP's mission is to improve population health through generating and translating knowledge to inform policy and service delivery, with core values of Teamwork, Innovation, People-centeredness, Integrity and Equitable Collaboration.

Job Details

RHSP is seeking 2 qualified Laboratory Assistants to support field and station laboratory operations serving the Rakai Community Cohort Study (RCCS), related field studies, the ART mini laboratory, and the main station laboratory in Kalisizo. The role is a Full-time position based in Rakai (Kalisizo, Kyotera District, Uganda) with willingness to travel and work in rural field settings. Successful candidates will collect and process biological specimens, perform point-of-care diagnostic tests, maintain sample integrity during storage and transportation, document laboratory results, and support proper operation and maintenance of laboratory equipment.

The position requires strict adherence to laboratory SOPs, biosafety and infection-prevention procedures, quality assurance requirements, proficiency testing, waste-management guidelines, and appropriate management of laboratory supplies and RHSP assets. RHSP offers an attractive salary package, comprehensive medical insurance, pension plan with employer contributions, and ongoing training and growth opportunities in GCLP, GCP, quality laboratory practice and research methods.

Work stations: Field laboratories, ART mini laboratory, and RHSP Main Station Laboratory (Kalisizo). Reporting: Laboratory structure under RHSP Laboratory Department. Perks: Hands-on laboratory experience, research exposure linked to RCCS, technical development in point-of-care diagnostics, quality laboratory practice, professional growth, community impact, and diverse work environment.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Collect biological specimens from field and clinic settings in accordance with SOPs
• Process, handle, store and transport laboratory samples while maintaining sample integrity and cold chain
• Perform point-of-care diagnostic tests and assist with routine laboratory procedures
• Document laboratory results accurately and maintain laboratory records and data integrity
• Support proper operation, daily maintenance, calibration and troubleshooting of laboratory equipment
• Ensure compliance with laboratory SOPs, quality assurance, proficiency testing and quality control systems
• Adhere to biosafety, infection-prevention and waste-management guidelines at all times
• Manage laboratory supplies, reagents, consumables and RHSP assets appropriately and report stock needs
• Participate in sample storage, inventory and transportation logistics between field and station laboratories
• Support field and station laboratory operations across RCCS and other RHSP research studies as assigned

Qualifications, Skills and Requirements

• Certificate in Medical Laboratory Technology (required)
• Registered with the Allied Health Professionals Council with a valid Annual Practicing Licence (required)
• At least 1 year of experience in a medical or research laboratory (required)
• Biosafety awareness and adherence to infection-prevention procedures
• Willingness to travel and work in rural settings
• Detail oriented, quality focused, safety conscious, team player and self motivated
• Knowledge of laboratory SOP compliance, quality assurance and documentation
• Nice to have: GCLP (Good Clinical Laboratory Practice) certification
• Nice to have: GCP (Good Clinical Practice) certification
• Nice to have: Point-of-care (POC) testing experience
• Nice to have: Research laboratory experience, especially field-based studies
• Nice to have: Quality control, proficiency testing and troubleshooting skills

Job Summary

• Job Category: Healthcare, Science & Engineering, Research, Laboratory Management
• Job Type: Full-time
• Duty Station: Rakai - Field & Station Laboratories (Kalisizo, Kyotera District, Uganda)
• Posted: 2 days ago
• No of Jobs: 2
• Deadline of this Job: Not specified (visit application link for updates)
• Location pin: Kalisizo, Old Bukoba Road, P.O. Box 179, Kyotera, Rakai, Uganda - RHSP Main Station and Field Laboratories