Recruitment of a full-time lab technician

The Protestant University of Rwanda (PUR) would like to recruit qualified, experienced, and competent Candidates to fill the post of lab technician

1. Lab Technician Job Description

Background

Lab technicians, also known as laboratory technicians, support laboratory-based scientific investigations by carrying out routine technical tasks and experiments. They prepare chemicals, lab equipment, and student drawers for the teaching lab, maintain laboratory facilities and stockroom for experiments, and plan laboratory exercises with faculty. Lab technicians work with laboratory equipment to analyse samples or substances, conduct tests on those samples or substances, and report on their findings.

Duties and Responsibilities

Sample Collection and Analysis:

• Collect water samples from various sources such as rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and treatment plants.
• Perform chemical, biological, and physical tests on water samples to assess parameters like pH, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, microbial content, and chemical contaminants.
• Prepare, label, package, and store samples for laboratory analysis
• Prepare laboratory protocols.
• Demonstrate knowledge of proper handling, packaging and storage of samples for laboratory analysis to ensure the safety of students and others.
• Perform and/supervise laboratory activities

Laboratory Management:

• Operate and maintain laboratory equipment, including spectrophotometers, spectrometers, chromatographs, and microscopes.
• Calibrate and standardize laboratory instruments to ensure accurate results.
• Maintain a clean and safe laboratory environment, following all safety protocols.
• Ensure the safety and maintenance of the laboratory equipments, tools and materials
• Maintain inventory of laboratory supplies, making orderings any time needed
• Receive and manage the day-to-day laboratory equipment, tools, materials and consumables

Data Recording and Reporting:

• Record test results accurately and maintain detailed laboratory logs.
• Prepare detailed reports of water quality assessments for internal use and regulatory submissions.
• Assist in the interpretation of data and provide recommendations based on findings.
• Issuing equipment, tools, components and materials to teaching staff, and students and maintaining appropriate records.
• Maintaining appropriate stock levels in the laboratory, carrying out stock checks and reporting any shortage to the direct supervisor

Quality Control:

• Implement and adhere to quality control procedures to ensure the accuracy and reliability of test results.
• Participate in regular proficiency testing and calibration exercises.
• Implement quality control measures

Research and Development:

• Assist in research projects aimed at improving water quality assessment techniques.
• Stay updated on new methods and technologies in water quality testing.

Training and Support:

• Provide training and guidance to junior laboratory staff and interns.
• Assist in developing standard operating procedures (SOPs) for laboratory tests and processes.
• Provide individual support for the students during practical work.
• Participate in transferring skills and knowledge to the community
• Assist students, lecturers and instructors to perform the necessary tasks while working in the laboratory
• Providing professional and technical advice to his/her supervisor

Compliance and Documentation:

• Ensure all laboratory activities comply with national and international water quality standards.
• Maintain proper documentation for audits and inspections by regulatory bodies.
• Conduct technical specification/terms of reference of training equipment, tools, and consumables 
• Conduct a marketing survey of training equipment, tools and consumables
• Perform all other activities assigned by his/her direct supervisor

Lab Technician Requirements

Minimum qualifications:

Education:

• Master’s degree in Environmental chemistry, chemistry, water resources management, Water and sanitation technology or a related field with at least one year of experience in laboratory analysis preferably in water quality testing

Skills and Competencies:

• Proficiency in laboratory techniques related to water quality testing.
• Strong analytical skills with attention to detail.
• Familiarity with water quality standards and regulations (e.g., WHO, EPA).
• Good organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Proficiency in using laboratory software and data management tools.
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment.
• A willingness to accept responsibility or to account for one's actions
• Ability to work with others
• Commitment to continuous learning

Application documents required

Application files should contain the following documents:

1. Motivation letter in English addressed to the Vice-Chancellor of PUR
2. Curriculum vitae in English with three reference persons
3. Certified copies of university degrees, Transcripts and other certificates
4. Degree equivalence if the degree has been obtained abroad, 
5. Copy of National ID
6. Two recommendation letters signed by former employees or professors
7. Any other supporting document deemed important by the applicant

N.B:

• The application must be done via the following link: https://forms.gle/RwRxHL2rFW4BpsbM9
• All documents must be scanned as one single document

The deadline for the application submission is 12^th, December 2024

Done at Huye, 03^rd, November 2024

Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Muhozi

Deputy Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance