Ifakara Health Institute (IHI) Job Vacancy — Laboratory Scientist | August 2026

Ifakara Health Institute (IHI) Job Vacancy — Laboratory Scientist | August 2026

Laboratory Scientist  

Job Details

• Job Title: Laboratory Scientist

• Project: National Micronutrient Biomarker Surveillance (NMBiS) Initiative

• Reports To: Project Coordinator

• Work Location: Bagamoyo, Tanzania (with extensive field travel across Tanzania Mainland)

• Closing Date: August 23, 2026

Institute & Project Overview

Ifakara Health Institute (IHI), in collaboration with the Tanzania Food and Nutrition Centre (TFNC), MUHAS, and NBS, is implementing the National Micronutrient Biomarker Surveillance (NMBiS) initiative. Under this initiative, a nationwide mapping study is being conducted to assess the availability, quality, and suitability of remnant biological samples stored in health facilities, research laboratories, and biobanks across Tanzania.

Position Summary

The Laboratory Scientist will support the execution of the Remnant Sample Mapping Study. The role involves evaluating sample storage conditions, supervising field assessment teams, verifying sample inventories, assessing specimen quality indicators (temperatures, freeze-thaw cycles, metadata completeness), and supporting digital data collection and reporting.

Key Responsibilities

• Mapping & Assessments: Lead and participate in field planning and conduct site assessments across laboratories, health facilities, and biobanks using standardized study tools and SOPs.

• Field Supervision: Supervise field assessment teams during facility visits and sample evaluations.

• Sample & Inventory Evaluation: Assess availability, volume, types, storage conditions, and quality indicators (e.g., cold chain integrity, freeze-thaw history, metadata availability) of biological samples (serum, plasma, whole blood, DBS, urine).

• Interviews & Data Collection: Conduct qualitative interviews with facility heads and lab coordinators; support electronic data capture using Open Data Kit (ODK) or KoboCollect.

• Quality Assurance & Compliance: Ensure adherence to study protocols, ethical guidelines, and laboratory quality management systems; contribute to data cleaning and validation.

• Reporting & Stakeholder Engagement: Prepare technical field reports, assist with study presentations, and support stakeholder engagement meetings and workshops.

Qualifications & Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, Clinical Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Public Health Laboratory Sciences, or a related discipline from a recognized institution.

Experience Requirements

• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in laboratory research, specimen management, biobanking, or public health biomedical research.

• Hands-on experience working with biological specimens (serum, plasma, whole blood, dried blood spots, urine).

• Experience in field research, health facility assessments, and digital data collection platforms (ODK, KoboCollect).

Skills & Personal Attributes

• Fluency in both English and Kiswahili (written and spoken).

• In-depth knowledge of laboratory quality management systems, cold chain management, and specimen storage.

• Strong analytical, organizational, documentation, and interpersonal skills.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

• Full willingness and availability for extensive travel within Tanzania.

Remuneration & Workplace Policy

• Remuneration: Competitive package offered in line with IHI salary scales.

• Equal Opportunity: IHI is an equal employment opportunity employer. Hiring decisions are based strictly on merit and qualifications.

How to Apply

Interested candidates who meet the requirements should submit their application through the official Ifakara Health Institute (IHI) Careers Portal before August 23, 2026.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

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