Research Assistant, Laboratory Research at the Institute of Human Virology (IHVN)

The Institute of Human Virology (IHVN) is a leading and reputable indigenous non-governmental organization implementing a comprehensive family-focused HIV/AIDS prevention, care and treatment program in partnership with local and international organizations and the different tiers of the Government of Nigeria at national, state, local and site levels. The Institute's mission is to be Center of Excellence in providing health service implementation, capacity building, and research, and ensuring equitable access to individuals and communities through innovative and evidence-based strategies.

IHVN implements the MARGIN (Microbiome Affects Risk of Growth in HIV-Exposed but Uninfected Infants in Nigeria) study which is a 5-year grant funded by the U.S National Institutes of Health (NIH). The study is being conducted at University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin (Edo state), and is in its second of the five year project period.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Research Assistant, Laboratory Research

Location: Benin, Edo State

Job Description
The Research Assistant, MARGIN Study, Laboratory Research will take part in the research and routine analytical work. In particular, the successful candidate will be involved in sample accessioning, processing andarchiving. The person will be expected to work following Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP) and safety guidelines. The person will also do other duties as assigned by the MARGIN Study Coordinator to whom she/he will report.

Duties and Responsibilities
Research Assistant, MARGIN Study, Laboratory Research is to:

• Proactively liaise with nurses/counselors to ensure that samples are promptly collected from enrolled volunteers and that all laboratory supplies required for sample collection are available at site and time of sample collection
• Ensure that samples are processed promptly following the Manual of Procedures and Standard Operating Procedures (MOP/SOP)
• Collect blood samples from study participants
• Work with other study staff to ensure timely completion of Case Report Forms (CRF) and laboratory worksheets
• Ensure accurate completion of Case Report Forms and laboratory worksheets
• Work with relevant site staff on continuous basis, meet regularly with Site Principal Investigator, other sites staff and resource persons to troubleshoot, give progress reports, perform all activities at site necessary for the progress and smooth workings of the research protocol
• Provide regular progress reports
• Conduct inventory for laboratory supplies
• Performs other duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor.

Minimum Qualification

• Must hold a Degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences
• Possess excellent oral and written communication in English, with proficiency in MS Office suite, especially Excel and Powerpoint
• Strong professional interpersonal and public relations skills
• Be able to work in a team, take instruction, share experiences, and cooperate with authority of Project Coordinator and Principal Investigator.

Application Closing Date
24th February, 2016.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send a detailed resume, genuine supporting documents, academic qualifications and a one page cover letter as one MS Word document saved with applicants name in the following format e.g. Musa Okafor Application Research Assistant, Laboratory Research explaining suitability to "Associate Director, Human Resources" to: [email protected]

Application must explicitly state the position and location applied for in the subject of the email e.g. Research Assistant MARGIN Study - Benin. Candidates are advised to provide two professional referees with functional email addresses and telephone numbers.

Note: The appointment will be for 6 months in the first instance but may be renewed subject to continued funding and to mutual consent by the two parties. The successful applicant must be prepared to accept flexible working hours. Only applications sent in the required format will be considered and only short listed candidates will be contacted.