Job Description

CHAMPS Histopathology Data & Inventory Assistant

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW

The Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance (CHAMPS) network aims to determine and track the causes of under-five mortality and stillbirths through epidemiologic surveillance, including reporting within 24 hours, clinical sampling, and use of advanced laboratory testing and diagnostics across a network of international sites. The area selected for CHAMPS in Sierra Leone is Bombali Sebora and Bombali Siari chiefdoms in Bombali district (population 606,544). The site area has a population of 161,383 and is mostly urban, including the city of Makeni (population 125,970).

CHAMPS employs the Minimal Invasive Tissue Sampling (MITS) procedure for post-mortem diagnosis. MITS was developed to reduce the uncertainty regarding causes of death. The data collected from the CHAMPS Sierra Leone site will be added to that collected from other sites and will help reduce child deaths in lower- and middle-income countries (LMIC) by providing detailed evidence on the cause of death to influence policy of funders and stakeholders.

Pathology diagnosis is one of the key aspects of the CHAMPS project. There is therefore a need for the services of a resourceful, experienced, and dynamic professional for the position of Histopathology Laboratory Data and Inventory Assistant.

MAIN JOB PURPOSE

Under the supervision of the Lead pathologist, the Histopathology Data & Inventory Assistant will ensure digital documentation of the CHAMPS specimen reception at Connaught hospital histopathology lab, histopathology data entry, digital capture and upload of histopathology slides and will provide administrative help in the laboratory as it relates to specimens processing and slides as well as keeping inventory of reagents/stock in the lab.

MAIN JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

General:

Be aware of and adhere to company quality standards and procedures in accordance with Crown Agents’ commitment to working to the highest quality standards and striving for continual improvement.

Key Technical Delivery:

1. Receives and accessions into computer system specimens, blocks, and slides for the CHAMPS project and generates accession logs
2. Organizes and maintains block and slide archive
3. Scans histopathology slides on the Hamamatsu scanner and ensures scanned images are uploaded to CHAMPS central server for review by central pathology lab and telepathology sessions.
4. Upload of CHAMPS site pathology report forms following diagnosis to REDCap
5. Work closely with the Clinical Research Coordinator to follow up with Lab and MITS team in Makeni regarding specimen status or issues with specimen received at Connaught Lab.
6. Unpacks supplies and reports monthly stock inventory of laboratory reagents and consumables utilization.
7. Maintains an efficient system of inventory control to ensure proper levels of supplies in the laboratory available for distribution.
8. Maintains adequate stocks of inventory while allowing for no wastage of inventory, reagent, or consumable due to storage expiration.
9. Any other duties as appropriate to the position, as assigned by the Lead Pathologist

Safeguarding:

• Be aware of and compliant with all the standards following Safeguarding procedures and policies.
• Promote Crown Agents’ speak up culture in order to protect the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults

General

• Be aware of and adhere to company quality standards and procedures in accordance with Crown Agents’ commitment to working to the highest quality standards and striving for continual improvement
• Undertake national travel on consultancy and research assignments as may be needed

Any other duties as appropriate to the position, as requested

FINANCIAL AUTHORITY None

JOB LOCATION & DURATION OF CONTRACT

Based in Freetown

A duration of one (1) year with possible extension based on performance and availability of funds

REPORTING & WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

Reports to: CHAMPS Lead Pathologist

Direct reports: Clinical & Research Coordinator

Other working relationships include but not limited to:

Snr Data Manager, Freetown Office

SEND ALL YOUR APPLICATIONS AND CV TO THE EMAIL ADDRESS BELOW:

ajalloh@idtlabs.xyz