Job Description:

POSITION OBJECTIVE

The Laboratory Technician will under the supervision of Laboratory in charge/or nominee and will be responsible for receiving and processing TB specimens collected during Active Case Finding (ACF) activities. The technician will ensure proper registration, safe handling, and specimen processing for GeneXpert and culture and any other test strictly following the study protocol and national biosafety standards. The technician will also provide daily reports to the Study Coordinator and Central Team.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Receive and verify TB specimens collected from the field during ACF activities.
• Ensure proper labeling, registration, and documentation of all specimens.
• Process specimens for GeneXpert testing and TB culture and new diagnostic test according to the approved study protocol and SOPs.
• Follow biosafety and infection control practices at all stages of specimen handling and laboratory work.
• Maintain accurate records of testing and results in laboratory registers and/or electronic data systems.
• Submit daily testing and result summaries to the Study Coordinator and Central Team.
• Ensure timely communication of results to field teams and referring health facilities.
• Maintain laboratory equipment, cleanliness, and readiness of the work area.
• Support inventory management of lab consumables and report stock needs in advance.
• Participate in internal/external quality assurance and capacity-building activities.
• Perform any other duties assigned by the Laboratory Supervisor or Project Lead.

EDUCATIONAL & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) from a recognized institute.
• Preferably a Bachelor's degree in Laboratory Sciences or related field.
• Minimum 1–2 years of relevant experience in microbiology, preferably in TB diagnostics (e.g., sputum microscopy, GeneXpert, culture, DST)

REQUIRED TECHNICAL SKILLS

• Basic knowledge of biosafety and infection control.
• Familiarity with TB diagnostic tools such as Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) staining, fluorescence microscopy, GeneXpert, and sample handling.
• Quality Control: Understanding of quality assurance and control in laboratory
• Data Management: Ability to record, interpret, and report results accurately.
• Infection Control: Knowledge of TB-specific infection control practices in laboratory settings.

Other Requirements:

• Good communication and record-keeping skills.
• Ability to work in a team and under pressure.
• Willingness to undergo periodic training and proficiency assessments.