Laboratory Technician

Makerere University School of Public Health Visit website

Contract Expires In -2 weeks Buikwe and Busia districts, Uganda Duty Station - Buikwe and Busia districts Diploma 1 year experience 4 positions Laboratory Management

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Job Details

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 in close partnership with the Ministry of Health's National Malaria Elimination Division. The project will conduct a molecular surveillance study to determine the prevalence and distribution of molecular markers of antimalarial drug resistance.

MakSPH seeks four (4) Laboratory Technicians to support malaria diagnosis, study documentation and sample management at participating health facilities. Assignments will be based on language proficiency and study requirements — two positions for Lusamia speakers and two for Luganda speakers.

Location / Duty Station: Buikwe and Busia districts, Uganda (assigned according to language proficiency)
Level of Effort: Short-term
Duration: Approximately one month for the first phase, beginning with training in September 2026
Employment Type: Full-time (Short-term Contract)
Number of Positions: 4
Application Deadline: Monday, 21 September 2026 at 4:00 p.m. EAT
Application Link: Apply Now — also via Apply Now

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Conduct malaria diagnostic procedures and support participant confirmation according to study procedures and national guidelines
Manage the preparation, documentation, storage and transport of dried blood spot (DBS) samples according to study and laboratory requirements
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 (SOPs) 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, Skills and Requirements

Minimum of a Diploma in Laboratory Technology
Full registration with the relevant professional council and a valid practising licence in Uganda
At least 1 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 (GCP) 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

About the Company

Makerere University School of Public Health (MakSPH) — Shaping Health, Empowering the Future — is a centre of excellence in public health leadership, established in 1954 and located on New Mulago Hill Road, Mulago, Kampala. MakSPH is one of the leading public health education and research institutions in Sub-Saharan Africa, with a mandate to provide training, community service and research. The School offers 12+ degree programmes including PhDs and collaborates with partners in over 35 African countries and several in the Global North to generate evidence, inform policy and build resilient health systems. Recognised for national relevance and global impact, MakSPH regained its stand-alone status in 2025 and is guided by its 2025–2030 Strategic Plan to advance knowledge for societal transformation.

For this role, MakSPH's collaboration with Jhpiego/Johns Hopkins University and the Ministry of Health on the STOP-AMDR molecular surveillance study offers technicians hands-on experience in malaria diagnostics, research ethics, biosafety and molecular surveillance fieldwork within Uganda's public health system.

Learn more: https://sph.mak.ac.ug/about-maksph/

Application Procedure

Prepare an application letter indicating your preferred study district (Buikwe or Busia) and relevant language proficiency (Lusamia or Luganda)
Attach an updated curriculum vitae (CV) listing two referees and their contact details
Include a valid Good Clinical Practice (GCP) or Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP) training certificate (or indicate willingness to complete training before the study begins)
Address the application to: The Dean, Makerere University School of Public Health
Submit online via the official application form: Apply Now
Alternative listing page: Apply Now
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews
Deadline is Monday, 21 September 2026 at 4:00 p.m. EAT — early submission is encouraged

Job Summary

Job Category: Laboratory Management
Job Type: Full-time (Short-term, ~1 month)
Deadline of this Job: 2026-09-21
Duty Station: Buikwe and Busia districts
Date Posted: 2026-09-18 (advertised as 3 days before deadline)
No of Positions: 4
Application Link: Apply Now | Alternative: Apply Now
Location pin: 📍 Buikwe and Busia districts, Uganda — Makerere University School of Public Health, New Mulago Hill Road, Mulago, Kampala, Uganda