Description:

Locations:
Serenje District Hospital x2
Kabwe General Hospital x2
Arthur Davison Hospital x2
Ndola Teaching Hospital x2
Kitwe Teaching Hospital x2
Project Summary
The Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ), under the U.S. Department of State-funded Controlling HIV Epidemic Program (CHEP), supports the Government of Zambia in achieving and sustaining HIV epidemic control in line with national and global targets, including the 95-95-95 goals.
The CHEP project focuses on strengthening HIV prevention, care, and treatment services through a person-centered approach, while enhancing maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH) and Global Health Security (GHS) outcomes. The project operates in close collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MOH) at national, provincial, district, and facility levels to ensure sustainability, country ownership, and transition readiness.
Job summary
Reports to Senior Laboratory Coordinator. The incumbent will support the delivery of high-quality molecular diagnostic services across designated PCR laboratories under the CHEP project. The role is responsible for performing HIV Viral Load (VL), Early Infant Diagnosis (EID), and other priority PCR testing, ensuring timely, accurate, and reliable results to inform clinical decision-making.
Main duties
Performs PCR-based diagnostic testing, including: HIV Viral Load (VL); Early Infant Diagnosis (EID); Other priority molecular assays such as HIV drug resistance
Ensures adherence to approved testing algorithms and SOPs
Maintains high levels of accuracy, reliability, and reproducibility
Ensures timely processing of samples to meet turnaround time targets
Implements and maintains laboratory quality standards
Participate in Internal Quality Control (IQC) and External Quality Assurance (EQA) programs
Supports Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) initiatives
Documents non-conformities and implement corrective actions
Adheres to biosafety and biosecurity protocols
Ensures safe handling, storage, and disposal of biological materials
Report laboratory incidents, exposures, accidents and near misses
Maintains compliance with national and international standards
Operates and maintains PCR platforms and related equipment
Performs routine maintenance and basic troubleshooting
Reports equipment faults and coordinate repairs
Ensures proper storage and inventory management of reagents and consumables
Ensures timely and accurate result entry and reporting
Maintains strict confidentiality of patient information
Supports data verification and quality checks
Ensures proper sample reception, labelling, processing, and storage
Monitors sample quality and reject unsuitable samples where necessary
Coordinates with courier systems to ensure timely sample transport and results return
Works closely with clinicians and laboratory teams
Supports training and mentorship of junior laboratory staff
Qualifications
Diploma in Biomedical Sciences
Valid practicing licence
Registration with the Health Professions Council of Zambia (HPCZ)
Minimum of 2 years’ relevant laboratory experience (PCR experience preferred)
Strong knowledge of molecular diagnostics (PCR)
Understanding of Quality Management Systems (QMS)
Knowledge of biosafety and biosecurity principles
Strong attention to detail and accuracy
Good data management and reporting skills
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Suitably qualified candidates are invited to apply. However, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Priority will be given to candidates who stay in the town where we have vacancies.