RESEARCH TECHNICIAN

Purpose:

The purpose of this position is to perform laboratory technical work to assess immune responses to HIV and HIV vaccines at the mucosa and in the peripheral blood under the direction of the senior laboratory staff located in Cape Town and Seattle.

Specific Responsibilities include:

Laboratory Procedures

Isolate, culture, and infect mucosal tissues using sterile technique in a Bsl-2+ environment.
Evaluate immune responses using techniques such as: ELISA, flow cytometry, microscopy, molecular biology (e.g. qPCR, droplet digital PCR) and luciferase assay.
Maintain detailed records of experiments.
Collect data and analyze in accordance with established protocols.
Operate and carry out basic maintenance and QC of laboratory equipment.
Update, modify and write lab protocols and standard operating procedures (SOPs).

Specimen Collection

Liaise with hospital staff in the operating theatre to coordinate timing of specimen from hospitals.
Travel to hospitals in the area to collect specimens.

Laboratory operations

Order and maintain supplies.
Share on-call duties with lab personnel to respond to equipment alarms off-hours.
Prepare and maintain reagents, stocks, and cultures necessary to perform the work.
Package, ship, receive, and store biological specimens in accordance with SOPs and applicable regulations.
Attend and participate in appropriate laboratory meetings.
Participate in training of new laboratory staff.
Contribute to the development of the laboratory environment (e.g. laboratory safety).

Qualifications:

Essential Requirements

A Bachelor’s degree with honors in Immunology, Microbiology, Virology or related field.
At least 2 years full time experience in research laboratory.
Willingness to be flexible in working hours, including working evenings and weekends as needed.
Willingness to attend surgeries in the hospital for the purpose of obtaining specimens.
Excellent technical skills: accurate pipetting, excellent sterile technique, meticulous attention to detail.
Computer literacy – including Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint and Outlook.
Good communication skills and an interest in learning.
Ability to work in a team.
Ability to follow lab protocols and Standard Operating Procedures.
Good numeracy, literacy and organizational skills.
Good interpersonal and time management skills. Motivation and adaptability with a keen interest in the HIV field