SENIOR TECHNICIAN: LABORATORY SERVICES – BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES LABORATORY – University of Botswana

Key Responsibilities

• a) Technical Support to Research Programmes : i) Contribute to the development of, and implement departmental, sectional and unit level strategies, policies, plans and procedures; ii) Conduct market research and stay updated on industry trends to identify opportunities for continuous improvement and innovation; iii) Assist in planning laboratory resource requirements, equipment acquisition and infrastructure improvements, Support continuous quality improvement initiatives within laboratory services; iv) Prepare technical reports and laboratory performance reports;
• b) Laboratory Equipment Management: i) manage installation, operation, calibration, maintenance and servicing of sophisticated laboratory equipment; ii) coordinate preventive maintenance schedules and equipment servicing contracts; iii) troubleshoot equipment failures and coordinate repairs with suppliers and service providers; iv) maintain laboratory equipment inventories and asset registers, v) ensure optimal utilization and availability of laboratory equipment, vi) monitor laboratory consumables and coordinate procurement of supplies, vii) ensure that equipment is operational and safe for use, viii) manage inventory and reorder supplies as needed;
• c) Research Support : i) provide technical support to researchers, postgraduate students and research assistants during laboratory and field-based research activities, ii) assist in laboratory analyses, sample preparation, processing and data generation; iii) train laboratory users on the operation of laboratory equipment and analytical techniques; iv) support research proposal implementation by ensuring laboratory readiness; v) participate in the development and validation of laboratory methods and analytical protocols, maintain accurate laboratory records, databases and documentation; vi) ensure the quality and accuracy of laboratory procedures and results; vii) Assist in data management, analysis documentation and reporting;
• d) Safety Management : i) ensure compliance with laboratory health, safety and environmental regulations, develop, implement and monitor laboratory safety procedures and emergency response protocols, conduct regular laboratory safety inspections and risk assessments; ii) ensure proper handling, storage and disposal of chemicals, biological materials and hazardous waste, iii) promote a strong laboratory safety culture through awareness programmes and user training; iv) maintain safety equipment and ensure compliance with biosafety and chemical safety requirements; v) enforce laboratory safety protocols and ensure compliance with safety regulations, vi) train laboratory users on laboratory safety procedures;
• e) Risk Management and Compliance: i) monitor compliance with institutional, national and international laboratory standards and regulations, ii) Identify laboratory operational risks and recommend appropriate mitigation measures; iii) ensure compliance with quality assurance and quality control procedures; iv) maintain laboratory documentation required for audits and accreditation processes; v) implementation of laboratory quality management systems;
• f) Customer Services and Marketing : i) p rovide professional, timely and responsive laboratory services to internal and external clients; ii) promote the utilization of ORI laboratory facilities by researchers, government institutions, industry and development partners; iii) Coordinate laboratory bookings and user support services; iv) build and maintain positive relationships with laboratory stakeholders; v) participate in exhibitions, outreach programmes and laboratory promotional activities, vi) assist in developing laboratory service catalogues and user information materials, vii) respond to customer/ stakeholder queries and inquiries related to area of expertise, viii) collaborate with other units as needed to effectively deliver duties as defined; ix) Undertake any other duties as directed by the supervisor within their job role.

Requirements

• (i) at least a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Science, Molecular biology, Microbiology, or bachelor’s degree in environmental microbiology with a strong background in Pathogen genomics (bioinformatics) and/or microbiology. Possession of an MSc or higher degree would be an added advantage;
• (ii) A minimum of five (4) years’ experience, three (3) of which should have been at the same level,
• (iii) advanced proficiency in operation of sophisticated biology laboratory equipment, with hands-on experience using the Illumina based sequencing platforms, Oxford Nanopore Technology based sequencing platforms, Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR), conventional PCR and gel electrophoresis systems;
• (iv) possession of ISO 17025 certification will be an added advantage;
• (v) experience in method validation;
• (vi) experience in laboratory operations and equipment maintenance;
• (vii) strong technical, analytical and organizational skills;
• (viii) knowledge of laboratory safety and protocols.

Salary

The University offers competitive salaries and benefits commensurate with experience and qualifications.

How to Apply

REF Code: IRC 3517 | Vacancy Circular No: IRC 3517