Laboratory Assistant
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Job summary
The Laboratory Assistant is responsible for performing basic and routine diagnostic laboratory investigations to support clinical decision-making at the AsOne Ministries health facility in the Serere community, in line with Uganda Ministry of Health (MoH) laboratory standards and guidelines. The role combines technical competence in specimen collection and basic testing with strict adherence to quality assurance, safety, and infection control practices. The Laboratory Assistant works closely with the Clinic Administrator, Clinical Officer/In-Charge, and fellow health workers to ensure timely, accurate, and reliable laboratory results that support quality patient care within a Christ-centered model of service.
Min Qualification:
Diploma
Experience Level:
Entry level
Experience Length:
2 years
Language Requirement:
English
Working Hours:
Full Time - 8 to 5
Applicant Location:
Uganda
Job descriptions & requirements
Key Responsibilities
Specimen Collection & Handling
• Receive patients and correctly identify and label specimens (blood, urine, stool, sputum, and other body fluids) in line with laboratory protocols.
• Collect blood samples through venipuncture and capillary puncture using proper aseptic technique.
• Ensure proper handling, transportation, and storage of specimens to maintain sample integrity prior to testing or referral.
• Prepare and process specimens for referral to higher-level laboratories when tests are beyond the facility’s testing capacity.
• Reject and appropriately manage improperly collected, labeled, or compromised specimens in line with quality standards.
Laboratory Testing & Diagnostics
• Perform routine laboratory investigations, including malaria microscopy/RDTs, HIV rapid testing, hemoglobin estimation, urinalysis, stool microscopy, and pregnancy tests, in line with MoH standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Conduct basic hematology, parasitology, microbiology, and clinical chemistry tests within the scope of the facility’s equipment and capacity.
• Support screening and diagnostic testing for TB (e.g., sputum smear microscopy where applicable), sexually transmitted infections, and other communicable diseases.
• Perform blood grouping and cross-matching procedures where applicable and within scope of practice.
• Accurately record, interpret at a basic level, and promptly report test results to the requesting clinician.
• Ensure timely turnaround of results, prioritizing urgent and emergency laboratory requests.
Quality Assurance & Safety
• Adhere to standard laboratory quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) procedures for all tests performed.
• Participate in External Quality Assessment (EQA) schemes and internal quality control checks as coordinated by the District Health Office or MoH.
• Observe strict infection prevention and control (IPC) practices, including proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), during specimen collection and testing.
• Ensure safe handling, decontamination, and disposal of laboratory waste and sharps in line with biosafety and biomedical waste management guidelines.
• Report any laboratory errors, discrepancies, or incidents promptly to the Clinic Administrator or Clinical Officer/In-Charge.
Equipment, Reagents & Supplies Management
• Operate, clean, and maintain laboratory equipment (microscopes, centrifuges, hemoglobinometers, refrigerators, etc.) in good working condition.
• Monitor reagent and laboratory consumable stock levels, and coordinate timely reordering with the Clinic Administrator to avoid stock-outs.
• Ensure proper storage of reagents, test kits, and specimens (including cold chain maintenance where required).
• Maintain an inventory of laboratory equipment and supplies, and report faults or maintenance needs promptly.
• Monitor expiry dates of reagents and test kits, ensuring proper stock rotation and disposal of expired items.
Records, Reporting & Compliance
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date laboratory registers, request forms, and results records in line with MoH Health Management Information System (HMIS) requirements.
• Compile and submit routine laboratory reports (e.g., malaria, HIV testing, TB) to the Clinic Administrator and relevant District Health Office channels as required.
• Support disease surveillance by promptly flagging and reporting notifiable diseases or unusual test result patterns.
• Maintain patient confidentiality and data protection standards in all laboratory record-keeping and reporting.
Teamwork & Collaboration
• Work collaboratively with the Clinic Administrator, Clinical Officer/In-Charge, nurses, and midwives to support timely and coordinated patient care.
• Participate in staff meetings, training sessions, and continuous professional development activities.
• Support outreach activities requiring basic diagnostic testing (e.g., HIV testing campaigns, malaria screening) as assigned.
• Assist in orienting new staff or students on basic laboratory procedures where applicable.
Other Duties
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Clinic Administrator or AsOne Ministries leadership as needs arise.
What We’re Looking For
Required Qualifications & Experience
• Education: Certificate or Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology/Science from a recognized and accredited institution.
• Valid registration and practicing license with the Allied Health Professionals Council (AHPC) of Uganda, in good standing.
• Experience: Minimum of 1-2 years’ laboratory experience in a health facility setting preferred; fresh graduates with strong practical training may be considered.
• Sound knowledge of Uganda Ministry of Health laboratory guidelines, standard operating procedures, and quality assurance practices.
• Valid certification in infection prevention and control (IPC) and basic biosafety practices.
• A demonstrated personal Christian faith and commitment to Christ-centered service.
Behavioral Competencies
• Meticulous, accurate, and detail-oriented in specimen handling and testing procedures.
• Calm and composed under pressure, particularly when handling urgent or emergency test requests.
• High level of integrity, confidentiality, and accountability in handling patient samples and results.
• Strong observational skills and commitment to safety and quality standards.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with patients, clinicians, and fellow health workers.
• Collaborative team player who contributes positively to the wider health facility team.
Technical Competencies
• Competent in specimen collection techniques, including venipuncture and capillary sampling.
• Skilled in performing routine hematology, parasitology, microbiology, and basic clinical chemistry tests.
• Knowledge of quality assurance/quality control procedures and infection prevention and control practices.
• Competent in laboratory equipment operation, basic maintenance, and troubleshooting.
• Competent in laboratory records management and HMIS reporting.
• Capable of maintaining a clean, safe, well-organized, and fully functional laboratory work area.
Equal Opportunity Statement
AsOne Ministries is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without discrimination on any protected grounds. Your personal data will only be used for recruitment purposes and protected under the Data Protection Act.
Note: We do not charge any fees at any stage of recruitment. Report any such requests immediately.
Application Instructions
Interested candidates should submit a CV, cover letter, National ID, and proof of professional certification (including valid AHPC registration) by clicking "Apply Now" on our website.
How to Apply:
All applications will be received and reviewed through the BrighterMonday Portal by clicking on the 'Apply Here' section
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