LABORATORY SCIENTIST – Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership

Botswana Harvard AIDS Institute Partnership is a collaborative research and training initiative between government of Botswana and the Harvard School of Public Health. BHP is dedicated to fight HIV/AIDS and related public health challenges through collaborative research, education and capacity building.

We seek hands on, result driven individuals, with good interpersonal skills to fill the above position within the partnership. The incumbents should be hardworking and willing to learn.

CODA Study: A clinical pharmacokinetic study to assess drug interactions between HIV antiretroviral medicines and hormonal contraceptives.

The Laboratory Scientist is expected to know the informal policies, procedures and practices necessary to conduct the normal functions of a specific section, unit, work area or specific study. He/She should be aware of the role of the position and its potential impact on the working unit. Roles and responsibilities;

• 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.
• The Laboratory Scientist II may be required to assist in specialized techniques such as electrophoresis, nucleic acid extraction, other nucleic acid and protein manipulation as well as sequencing.
• May also be required to assist in basic tissue culture, following established procedures or protocols.
• Operates requisite laboratory equipment and instruments; records data; maintains and makes minor adjustments to equipment.
• Prepares solutions, reagents, and stains following standard laboratory formulas and procedures.
• Observes 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.
• Monitors inventory levels, orders materials and supplies in accordance with established policies and procedures, counts orders upon receipt.
• May be called upon to prepare reports on specific laboratory studies or participate in preparing budgets or standard operating procedures.

• BSc Biomedical Sciences, Biological Sciences, Medical Laboratory Technology or related.
• 2 – 3 years in research