The African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases (ACEGID), based at Redeemer’s University, Nigeria, is focused on driving innovation in viral genomics research, outbreak response, diagnostic development, and capacity building. Established in 2013 and supported by public and philanthropic funders from across the globe, the ACEGID platform is building genomics pipelines, advancing our understanding of microbial threats, and training the next generation of African scientists how to identify, manage and control these threats. ACEGID is built upon strong collaborations forged across West Africa (Nigeria, Senegal, and Sierra Leone) and beyond (United States, United Kingdom) allowing for increased reach and scalability of its innovations.
Position Description:
We seek a highly motivated individual to work closely with the laboratory manager at the ACEGID Laboratory at Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria.
The ability to communicate effectively, work well in a team setting, strong desire to learn new methods as required, adapt to new environments and must have a keen interest in laboratory and research related activities. The applicant will interact with members of the group assisting with research projects focused on creating and refining tools for infectious disease surveillance for a variety of circulating pathogens, such as Lassa virus, SARS-CoV-2, Yellow Fever virus, Plasmodium falciparum and others. The position offers an excellent opportunity to participate in a dynamic research environment in an exciting fast-paced field of research.
The Laboratory Technologist will support the office of the Laboratory Manager in managing the affairs of all the labs at the African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases, Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria. He/she is expected to deliver first-class laboratory services to support accurate analyses in collaboration with other laboratory staff including scientists and technicians. This position will allow for professional advancement, skill development, and co-authorship on high-impact publications. We are seeking a motivated person with outstanding laboratory experience, and a passion for global health to facilitate and advance a training and research program studying pathogens.
- Liaising with the laboratory manager on laboratory related matters
- Manage a variety of laboratory equipment types, including freezers, centrifuges and fume hoods
- Maintain quality results by running standards and controls, verifying equipment function through routine equipment maintenance and advanced troubleshooting; calibrating equipment utilizing approved testing procedures; monitoring quality control measures and protocols
- Supervising lab personnel with procedure and quality of sample testing
- Track sample processing and give feedback to laboratory managers and other scientists
- Flag laboratory issues to the appropriate authority
- Maintaining and updating professional knowledge and taking responsibility for continuing professional development
- Ensures safety of all lab operations across sites
- Interpret and implement experimental protocols, analyze results and design follow-up experiments
- Manage LIMS system, including sample, reagent and supply inventory
- Exhibit competency with biohazard and biosafety protocols, including infection protection and control
- Consult with Lab Manager, postdocs, laboratory scientists, and other project staff on priorities, methods, and timelines
- Maintain a detailed organizational plan and record to ensure successful and timely completion of tasks
- Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Biochemistry, Laboratory Science, or related field
- At least 2-4 years of experience in a research laboratory
- Knowledge of laboratory safety rules and techniques
- Proficient in usage of Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS)
- Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills
- Adherence to time and priority management
- Proficient with use of software programs such as Excel to organize and analyze laboratory results
- High level of initiative and motivation; ability to work independently and with a team
- Excellent communication, organization, and time management skills
- Experience in global health or genomics preferred, but not required
This individual will be part of the laboratory team which includes the laboratory manager, postdoctoral fellows, graduate students, laboratory scientists and research associates. This is an extremely collaborative group which regularly works together to achieve personal and laboratory-wide research goals. This position will report directly to the Laboratory Manager on site.
Qualified applicants should send a resume and cover letter to hr.acegid@run.edu.ng on or before September 22, 2024.