The incumbent shall be required to have good understanding of the Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP) and provide support in clinical research trials. The suitable candidate will also be responsible for the following;
Job Summary
- Type: full-time
- Location: Gaborone
- Category: Healthcare
- Closing Date: 2026-09-03
Key Responsibilities
- Performs laboratory tests and/or experiments which may include but are not limited to: Cell counting and sorting using flow Cytometry, PCR-based viral load quantification, hematological assays, serology, and clinical chemistry, and peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) isolation from whole blood.
- May be required to assist in specialized techniques such as electrophoresis, nucleic acid extraction, other nucleic acid and protein manipulation as well as sequencing.
- Operates requisite laboratory equipment and instruments.
- Prepares solutions, reagents, and stains following standard laboratory formulas and procedures.
- Required to observe universal safety precautions to protect self and co-workers from biohazardous materials, including blood-borne pathogens.
- Complies with biohazard safety standards through proper handling of potentially hazardous chemical and biological agent sources in the workplace.
- The person will be required to complete biohazard/universal precaution safety training as appropriate and thereafter demonstrate competency in handling and/or working with biohazardous materials.
- Uses aseptic techniques to avoid contaminating lab experiments.
- Prepares, cleans, sterilizes, and maintains laboratory equipment, glassware, and instruments used in research experiments.
- Monitors inventory levels, orders materials and supplies in accordance with established policies and procedures, counts orders upon receipt.
- Exchanges routine information with other laboratory staff in an appropriate manner. This requires the use of good oral and written communication skills.
- May be called upon to prepare reports on specific laboratory studies or participate in preparing budgets or standard operating procedures
Requirements
- Degree in Biomedical Sciences, Medical Laboratory Science or related field.
- Two (2) years’ experience in clinical laboratory service.
- Professional experience in clinical research will be an added advantage.
- Botswana Health Professions Council (BHPC) Registration Category: Medical Laboratory Science
How to Apply
To apply, please visit: bhp.zohorecruit.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications and certifications are required to work as a Medical Laboratory Scientist in Botswana under initiatives like the Botswana Harvard Health Partnership?
You must hold a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences or Medical Laboratory Science accredited by the Botswana Qualifications Authority (BQA) and be registered with the Botswana Health Professions Council (BHPC). Additionally, completion of the mandatory BHPC internship and passing the national licensing examination are required before independent practice.
What does a typical day look like for a Medical Laboratory Scientist working with the Botswana Harvard Health Partnership or similar public health programmes?
Your day involves performing diagnostic tests (e.g., haematology, microbiology, HIV viral load, CD4 counts) on clinical specimens, maintaining strict quality control per WHO and Botswana MOH guidelines, and collaborating with clinicians and field teams on surveillance and outbreak response. You’ll often use equipment like automated analysers and PCR machines, especially in reference labs supporting national programmes.
How does workplace culture and professional expectations differ for laboratory scientists in Botswana compared to other countries?
Teamwork, respect for hierarchy, and strong adherence to confidentiality and ethical standards are deeply embedded in Botswana’s public health labs. Punctuality, formal communication with supervisors, and willingness to support community outreach—such as mobile testing or health education—are routinely expected and valued.
What career progression opportunities exist for Medical Laboratory Scientists in Botswana’s public and partnership-funded health sector?
With experience and further study (e.g., postgraduate diplomas or MSc in Biomedical Sciences), you can advance to roles like Senior Laboratory Officer, Quality Assurance Officer, or Lab Manager—especially in regional or national reference laboratories. The Botswana Harvard Health Partnership and MOH also support leadership training and mentorship pathways for high-performing scientists engaged in research or programme implementation.
What benefits—such as leave, medical aid, and pension—are typically offered to Medical Laboratory Scientists employed through government or partnership programmes in Botswana?
Permanent staff in the public sector receive 30 days annual leave, full government medical aid coverage via the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) rollout, and mandatory contributions to the Botswana Public Officers Pension Fund (BPOPF). Contractual staff under partnerships may receive pro-rata leave and private medical cover depending on the funding agreement and employer policy.
How do I apply for Medical Laboratory Scientist positions linked to the Botswana Harvard Health Partnership, and what do employers specifically look for in candidates?
Vacancies are advertised on the Ministry of Health and Wellness website, Botswana Unified Revenue Service (BURS) e-Recruitment portal, and occasionally via Harvard-affiliated project pages; always verify authenticity through official channels. Employers prioritise BHPC registration, hands-on experience in high-volume diagnostic settings (especially HIV/TB/malaria testing), proficiency in LIMS, and demonstrated commitment to public health service in Botswana.