Description

Lab Intern

The laboratory department intern is responsible for ensuring the appropriate, accurate and expedient flow of specimens from collection to testing, communication of results, and entry of data into the project's databases. The lab intern also works continuously to establish Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP) requirements and leads the laboratory in the continual re-assessment of external GCLP accreditation. This intern overseas the quality assurance of the laboratory and quality control of laboratory procedures, as well as the external quality audit processes and the external quality assurance (EQA) programs that the sites are enrolled in for all diagnostic testing. The interns work closely with the project's data department in the resolution of laboratory data errors generated from error reports. Seroconversion, p24 positive client call-backs, clients with doubtful or discrepant result and sub-study enrollments are also managed by the laboratory interns to insure that all samples are collected for the various studies and all laboratory tests are completed and results properly recorded.

The lab intern is responsible for coordinating a number of laboratory research agendas and making sure all activities are done in specified timeframes and according to the laboratory analytical plans and standard operating procedures. The laboratory intern overseas all technical procedures related to specimen testing (hematology, serology, chemistry, immunology, PCR, microscopy and parasitology), specimen repositories (Laboratory Information Management System and Access Databases), specimen shipments (International Air Transport Association (IATA) certification & customs clearance) and laboratory inventory management for both reagents and consumables. On a daily basis, the lab intern supervises a team of laboratory scientists, technicians and repository managers.

We offer this program in multiple sites across Zambia.

Qualifications

Internship Responsibilities (all internship positions) -

An intern is considered a middle-management position. Interns directly report to site Directors and RZHRG directors. As members of management, interns are expected to behave in a manner befitting a manager and respectfully learn from, as well as lead, staff while advancing organizational goals. Intern responsibilities vary by department, however all interns engage in the following tasks: Attend, lead and keep minutes of weekly department meetings, as well as each site's weekly management meeting. Perform daily quality control over departmental procedures, including (but not limited to) data collection forms, standard operating procedures and departmental log books. Liaise with Emory RZHRG management on a daily basis, including informal (email and Skype) and formal (reports) correspondence. Perform staff evaluations and participate in recruitment/hiring of new staff. Conduct monthly trainings for departmental staff on SOPs, competency assessments and/or new study protocols or amendments. Read and demonstrate competency on all SOPs related to their department (e.g. lab, medical, CVCT, data and management) and allied departments. Review, write and revise departmental SOPs on a rotating basis

RZHRG interns must have an MPH degree or similar applicable master's degree or have completed at least three years of medical school, as well as have experience in data management/analysis with Access and/or SAS. Academic requirements may be waived for applicants that can demonstrate relevant experience. For Rwanda internships, we give preference to French-speaking applicants. There is a minimum commitment of one year, although two years is preferred.

Job/Intern Types

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

Salary/Pay

If committed to over 6 months, interns may be eligible to obtain health insurance.

Experience Required

yes

RZHRG interns must have an MPH degree or similar applicable master's degree or have completed at least three years of medical school, as well as have experience in data management/analysis with Access and/or SAS. For Rwanda internships, we give preference to French-speaking applicants. There is a minimum commitment of one year, although two years is preferred.

Volunteer Types

This Program is open to

American, Australian, Canadian, European and South African Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Apartment/Flat

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Phone/Video Interview
• Resume
• Transcript

Typically The Application Process Time is

one month

Post Services Include

• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Job and Internship Network
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Rwanda Zambia HIV Research Group's Mission Statement

The Rwanda Zambia HIV Research Group is committed to supporting Couples Voluntary Counseling and Testing (CVCT) as an effective and economical way to decrease HIV/AIDS transmission throughout southern Africa. An estimated 70 percent to 90 percent of sexually transmitted HIV infections in southern Africa occur in couples who dont realize that one partner is HIV (+) and the other is HIV (-). CVCT has been proven to reduce the transmission of HIV/AIDS by more than two-thirds among those couples who dont share the same HIV status. Through our network of clinics in Rwanda and Zambia, we provide testing and compassionate counseling to couples, educating them about prevention and protection.

Year Founded

1986