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Laboratory Technician (SAVAC STUDY)-Internal Vacancy
- Blantyre
- Contract (Full-Time)
- Closing Date: 10/04/2025
Job Description
Introduction
The Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Research Programme (MLW) is an internationally recognised centre for research and research training, affiliated to the Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS). MLW has 2 aims, to conduct excellent research that benefits health and train the next generation of researchers and leaders.
The Strep A Vaccine Global Consortium (SAVAC) is a global network of research sites in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) focused on producing high-quality, contemporary data on the burden of Group A Streptococcus (Strep A) infections. To support its functions, SAVAC Project requires the service of a knowledgeable and hands-on person to take up the position of Laboratory Technician, to be based at the MLW offices in Blantyre. The successful candidate will work in our laboratory as part of investigation team.
The position holder will report to the SAVAC Laboratory Lead Scientist.
POSITION FUNCTION (PURPOSE): In summary, why does the job exist?
The Strep A Vaccine Global Consortium (SAVAC) is a global network of research sites in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) focused on producing high-quality, contemporary data on the burden of Group A Streptococcus (Strep A) infections. Strep A was estimated to be the fifth leading cause of death due to infectious disease globally before the COVID-19 pandemic, with an annual mortality of approximately 639,000 people (Hand et al., in Hunter’s Tropical Medicine and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Elsevier, 2020).
Strep A infections vary widely, ranging from superficial conditions such as pharyngitis and impetigo to more severe diseases, including invasive infections, toxin-mediated syndromes like scarlet fever, and immune-mediated conditions such as acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and acute post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis (APSGN). Chronic sequelae, particularly rheumatic heart disease (RHD) and chronic kidney disease, significantly contribute to the global disease burden, especially in LMICs where access to preventive and treatment services is often limited.
SAVAC’s mission is to provide robust data that will support Strep A vaccine development by documenting the frequency of infections, associated sequelae, treatment practices, family impact, and healthcare costs. This evidence is essential for guiding policy decisions and resource allocation and for designing vaccines targeting the unique needs of LMIC populations.
Responsibilities
The major duties and tasks of this job.
Staffing and bench work
The laboratory technician will play a key role in the SAVAC 2.0 project, which focuses on hospital, community-based, and cost-of-illness surveillance. They will conduct laboratory tests for the MLW and Kamuzu University of Health Sciences study, encompassing various responsibilities such as receiving and registering specimens, preparing them for testing and storage, and maintaining documentation and records.
- The post holder will be required to work some unsocial hours; this will be repaid by time off in lieu rather than overtime
- The post holder will be a registered member of the Medical Council of Malawi and act in a professional manner in accordance with their rules and guidelines
- To adhere to safe practices, always respect the safety of fellow workers as outlined in the MLW Health and Safety Guidelines, along with any specific departmental safety protocols
- To conduct sample processing and testing in accordance with research protocols (SOPs) established by the Head of Department or the Principal Investigator (PI)
- To be aware of, and to work in accordance with, the Quality Control protocols—both internal and external, where appropriate—that are set by the head of the Department or the Principal Investigator
- To maintain both paper and electronic records where suitable
- To monitor and maintain laboratory equipment at regular intervals in accordance with established SOPs as appropriate
- Ensure that all bench surfaces and equipment are kept clean in every area, excluding floors and hand basins, which are the responsibility of the housekeepers
- To monitor stock levels and communicate this information to the relevant staff member
- To perform any additional duties considered reasonable as assigned by the line manager
- To process blood cultures, skin and throat swab cultures, and dried blood spot (DBS) samples collected as part of the SAVAC study, they are expected to handle them carefully and promptly, in accordance with the SOPs, and to notify the team if any samples are missing
- To perform bacteriologic culture of respiratory and other clinical specimens carefully following standard operating procedures
- To conduct serological testing of bacteria isolated from clinical specimens, methods include the Anti-Deoxyribonuclease B (Anti-DNase B) test, the Streptococcal Grouping Test, and the Antistreptolysin O Titre Assay (ASOT). These tests assist in interpreting results to identify streptococcal infections and assess immune responses
- To perform and interpret the results of antimicrobial susceptibility testing on bacteria isolated from clinical specimens
- To perform molecular detection and typing of respiratory pathogens
- To purify nucleic acids from clinical specimens or bacterial isolates
- To prepare samples for storage in the -20/-80°C freezers as appropriate and for transfer overseas for further processing (primarily genomics)
- To liaise closely with the core lab, as some of the samples (blood cultures primarily) will be derived from core laboratory specimens
Training
- To assist in the training of new staff as appropriate
Health & Safety
- Always Observe and adhere to the Health and Safety Guidelines.
- Ensure that all areas of the laboratory section are maintained in a clean and tidy manner by implementing a routine cleaning and disinfection schedule as instructed.
- Attend at least once a year the quarterly scheduled Health and Safety sensitisations
- Notify the Line Manager of all Accidents and potential hazards promptly
Requirements
D(a) Education: The minimum level of education required to perform all the duties of the job to standard.
- A Degree in Medical Laboratory Technology or Biomedical Science or a related subject
MLW recognizes its responsibility in safeguarding and protecting communities, research participants and patients with whom MLW is working. Please note that successful candidates will be requested to undergo a safeguarding check prior to appointment and at regular time points during employment.
Mode of application and Requirements
- copies of relevant certificates,
- a detailed CV with 3 contactable referees
- Please indicate the position title as the heading of the email (SAVAC Study Laboratory Technician).
All documents should be sent in the applicant’s names as one (1) pdf file. To vacancies@mlw.mw