Laboratory Assistant
Organizational Context
The Expanded Special Project for Elimination of Neglected Tropical Diseases (ESPEN) within WHO supports Member States in eliminating priority neglected tropical diseases. It focuses on generating strategic information, strengthening laboratory capacity, and aiding country decision-making for disease elimination and verification. This role supports ESPEN's laboratory operations.
Job Purpose
The Laboratory Assistant will manage the reception, registration, and traceability of epidemiological and entomological samples, ensuring compliance with collection, preservation, and chain-of-custody standards. The role involves performing pre-analytical and analytical laboratory procedures, operating and maintaining equipment, and supporting molecular analysis workflows like PCR assays for onchocerciasis surveillance. Additionally, the assistant will contribute to vector processing, identification, quality assurance, inventory management, and capacity-building initiatives to strengthen national laboratory capabilities.
Responsibilities
Manage sample reception, registration, and traceability, adhering to collection, preservation, and chain-of-custody protocols. Perform pre-analytical and analytical laboratory procedures, including sample preparation and processing. Operate, calibrate, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment. Support molecular analysis workflows, such as PCR assays for onchocerciasis surveillance. Conduct vector processing and identification, applying cytotaxonomy techniques as needed, following SOPs. Maintain laboratory records, verify quality controls, and ensure biosafety standards. Manage laboratory inventories (reagents, consumables, equipment, samples). Support routine laboratory operations, including equipment maintenance, cold chain monitoring, and waste management. Collaborate with the ESPEN team and other WHO units for result interpretation and verification. Assist in country support and capacity-building activities through training and technical assistance.
Work Experience
Essential: 10 years of experience in molecular testing using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with pool screening for blackflies. Desirable: Experience in vector identification by cytotaxonomy for onchocerciasis.
Skills
Technical knowledge of molecular biology laboratory procedures (sample preparation, nucleic acid extraction, PCR). Understanding of laboratory quality assurance systems, internal quality control, validation, and biosafety. Good hand-eye coordination. Attention to detail and organizational skills. Familiarity with electronic and computerized laboratory equipment. Ability to follow instructions and procedures. Good computer literacy for data analysis and management. Expert knowledge of French and intermediate knowledge of English.