Laboratory Assistant (1 post)

Position Summary;

To support the conduct of diagnostic and monitoring laboratory investigations associated with the diagnosis, care and treatment of family-centered pediatric HIV/AIDS care and treatment in compliance with current laboratory professional standards as per Government of Tanzania MOHSW guidelines in a safe workplace and quality assurance

Duties and Responsibilities

• Perform phlebotomy on patients for different tests according to Good Laboratory Practices
• Transport samples to the referral hospital laboratory in a safe and timely manner, working with the zonal referral hospital laboratory team to ensure good collaboration and laboratory quality assurance
• Perform HIV, malaria and other associated, pediatric point-of-care screening tests according to current protocols and Good Laboratory Practices
• Perform urine dipstick and urine pregnancy tests according to Good Laboratory Practices
• Maintain safety, cleanliness and the highest level of infection control in the laboratory in  accordance with Good Laboratory Practices
• Collect sample results from the referral hospital laboratory and record, disseminate, and file results in a timely and efficient manner
• Maintain accurate laboratory data and medical records keeping in accordance with GoT MOHSW and Baylor-Tanzania standard operating procedures (SOPs) and guidelines
• Maintain and operate Laboratory equipments according to Quality standards
• Forecast, monitor and account for associated laboratory supplies and commodities
• Provide specimen containers for urine, stool and sputum to patients according to the accepted laboratory practices, instructing caregivers and patients on procedures and timing related to specimen collection
• Collect blood samples for dried blood spot (DBS) HIV testing for early infant diagnosis according to Good Laboratory Practices and GoT guidelines for testing
• Perform and participate in laboratory logistics activities i.e. supplies forecasting and ordering, stores requisitioning, stock counting and supplies and commodities accounting in accordance with the procurement guidelines and best practices
• Perform and participate in giving health talks as appropriate to the clients in line with Baylor Tanzania SOPs
• Participate in outreach mentorship/support supervision activities and community outreach programmes by support the testing of clients for HIV in line with the GoT and Baylor-Tanzania best practices and guidelines

Qualifications / Skills

• At least a diploma in a laboratory or a related course, with areas of specialization such as parasitology, haemotology, and/or immunology a plus
• At least 3 years experience in laboratory related activities in a busy clinical environment
• Laboratory Investigation and Systems improvement skills
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and patient counseling skills, with the ability to train others
• Proven accuracy and efficient in maintaining laboratory documentation and reporting
• Familiar with ISO and CLSI international laboratory standards and practices
• Experience providing laboratory services supporting children a plus