The Zambia National Public Health Institute (ZNPHI) Cooperative Agreement supported by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) aims at supporting the strengthening of the Institute’s capacity to provide Leadership to the Nation on Health Security through its mandate. ZNPHI seeks to recruit suitably qualified and experienced persons to be appointed in the underlisted positions under this project:

Job Title: Laboratory Scientific Officers (06)

Reports to: Head – Zambia National Public Health Reference Laboratory
Location: Zambia National Public Health Reference Laboratory

To perform various tasks related to public health laboratory functions to detect, confirm, prevent and control priority diseases for public health security. The officers shall play critical roles in safeguarding public health by providing essential data and expertise to inform disease prevention and control interventions through early detection of outbreaks, the development of effective interventions, and the overall improvement of public health outcomes.

Specific Roles and Responsibilities

● Disease Surveillance and Monitoring: Monitor and track the prevalence and incidence of diseases in the population.
This includes identifying outbreaks and trends in disease occurrence.
● Specimen Collection and Handling: Collect, receive, and handle various types of clinical specimens, such as blood,
urine, tissue, and swabs, following proper protocols to ensure accurate and safe handling.

● Data Analysis: Analyze and interpret laboratory data to determine the presence or absence of diseases, assess the
extent of outbreaks, and provide data for public health decision-making.
● Quality Control: Implement quality control measures to ensure the accuracy and reliability of laboratory tests and results.
● Biosafety and Biosecurity: Follow strict biosafety and biosecurity protocols to prevent laboratory-acquired infections and to protect both laboratory staff and the public from potential hazards.

● Instrumentation and Equipment Maintenance: Maintain and troubleshoot laboratory equipment and instruments to ensure they function correctly.
● Research and Development: Engage in research activities to develop new diagnostic tests, improve existing methods, and stay updated on the latest advancements in laboratory science.
● Training and Education: Provide training and education to healthcare professionals, laboratory staff, and the public on laboratory techniques, disease prevention, and safety protocols.
● Reporting: Communicate laboratory findings and results to healthcare providers, public health officials, and other
relevant stakeholders in a clear and timely manner.
● Emergency Response: Be prepared to respond to public health emergencies, such as disease outbreaks or
bioterrorism incidents, by rapidly testing and analyzing samples to help contain the spread of diseases
● Public Health Policy Support: Collaborate with public health officials to inform and influence public health policies and guidelines based on laboratory data and findings.
● Inventory Management: Manage laboratory supplies, reagents, and consumables to ensure adequate stock levels for ongoing testing and research.
● Documentation: Maintain accurate records of laboratory procedures, results, and quality assurance activities to comply with regulatory requirements and facilitate data analysis.
● Continuing Education: Stay current with developments in the field by attending conferences, workshops, and training programs, and pursue professional certifications as needed.
● Carry out delegated duties effectively in order to ensure the attainment of ZNPHI objectives in its mandate
● Any other duties as may be assigned by the supervisor

Qualifications

● Full Grade 12 School Certificate with five O level credits, including English and Mathematics
● Bachelor’s degree in biomedical sciences, microbiology, molecular biology or any related field Desired experience
● A minimum of five (5) years’ experience in laboratory technical activities
● Experience working in molecular biology and sequencing laboratory setting will be an added advantage
● Strong analytical skills, oral and written communication and team building skills

Knowledge and Skills

● Ability to express himself or herself in writing, document laboratory process and produce technical report
● Good communication and collaboration skills
● Able to work with minimum supervision
● Managerial skills and good interpersonal working skills
● Good analytical skills with problem solving skills