Laboratory Technician (4 Posts)

Reports To: Project Leader

Work Station: Bagamoyo, Kigoma & Tanga, Tanzania

Institute Overview

Ifakara Health Institute (IHI) is a leading research organization in Africa with a strong track record in developing, testing and validating innovations for health. Driven by a core strategic mandate for research, training and services, the Institute’s work now spans a wide spectrum, covering biomedical and ecological sciences, intervention studies, health-systems research, service delivery and policy translation.

Position Summary

Ifakara Health Institute (IHI) is seeking qualified and experienced Laboratory Technicians who will work at the Biomedical Research and Clinical Trials Department. The candidates will be required to work in the participating health facilities where recruitment and scheduled follow up visits for study participants will be conducted and will perform laboratory activities for the project.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Plan and supervise collection of samples from participating health facilities.
• Ensure all specimens delivered to the laboratory are properly received, appropriately labelled/documented, processed and all tests done, and results are recorded according to standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Ensure storage and location of records of specimens are conducted in accordance with SOPs
• Plan and perform routine and specialized technical procedures required by the project.
• Assist in maintaining standards and cleanliness of laboratory premises and equipment in accordance with engineer’s advice, guidelines and equipment’s manual.
• Participate in Quality Control programs as required by Good Clinical Laboratory Practices (GCLP) to ensure reliability of testing procedures, proper functioning of laboratory equipment and compliance with relevant regulations.
• Endeavour to refine and upgrade laboratory processes in order to save the experimental costs and improve performance of the laboratory.
• Prepare and update SOPs and engage in other administrative work as directed by supervisors.
• Assist and ensure that preventive maintenance of laboratory equipment is carried out as planned.
• Ensuring adherence to all relevant regulatory requirements, including those related to safety, ethics, and data management.
• Maintaining records of compliance and safety documentation.
• Keeping the lab supplies ready by stock inventory, placing orders and updating the stock bin cards.
• Managing waste disposal and recycling programs.
• Be able to work on-call duties when required to do so.
• Carry out additional duties as assigned by project leader.

Qualification and Experience

• Diploma in Medical Laboratory Science
• At least one year working experience

Skills and Competencies

• Able to perform clinical chemistry analyses using COBAS 400plus analyzer and others
• Able to perform hematological analyses using Sysmex XS 800i and others
• Able to perform malaria diagnosis using Microscope and RDT
• Able to perform Urinalysis by both Microscope and dipstick
• Able to perform the basic Microbiological, Entomological and Parasitological analyses
• Basic digital skills including Ms. Office and Data management tools.
• Time management to establish priorities and planning the project timelines.
• Knowledge of Good Clinical Practice (GCP).
• Self-motivated individual who is able to work with minimal supervision and able to meet deadlines.
• Effective communication, collaborative and problem-solving skills.
• Good oral communications in English and Swahili.

Remuneration

An attractive and competitive remuneration package will be offered to successful candidates as per IHI salary scales.

Equal Opportunity

IHI is an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit intentional biases or discrimination and harassment of any kind at the work place and during recruitment. All employment decisions are based solely on job requirements and individual qualifications, and our recruitment process is governed by the labour laws of Tanzania.

Mode of Application

All candidates who meet the above job requirements should send their application letters together with their detailed curriculum vitae (CVs) showing contact addresses including email, telephone/cell phone numbers and copies of academic and professional certificates to the email address below. The deadline for this application is 1630hrs (EAT) on Monday, 18th August 2025. All email application subject lines should include: LABORATORY TECHNICIAN _ACHIEVE. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interview.

Senior Human Resources & Administration Manager
IFAKARA HEALTH INSTITUTE
Plot 463 Mikocheni
P.O. Box 78,373
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania