Overview
The role of Laboratory Officer is to perform duties in mosquito rearing space and in the community, including mosquito rearing, release, field collection and identification, community engagement, data collection, quality assurance, and reporting.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist in the overall mosquito rearing process, including routine laboratory activities and maintenance of laboratory equipment.
- Ensure proper storage, monitoring, and handling of mosquito eggs prior to release.
- Prepare Mosquito Release Containers (MRCs), pack crates for distribution to village volunteers, and maintain batch control with QA checks.
- Collect, record, compile, and analyze laboratory trial data; prepare weekly summaries, reports, and presentations using Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
- Support the Laboratory Coordinator with logistics, inventory management, and preparation of advance requests and returns.
- Prepare and summarize monthly timesheets and invoices for consultancy laboratory assistant staff to ensure accurate salary processing.
- Follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), quality assurance protocols, and reporting systems for all laboratory processes.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.
- Be available to work outside regular hours, including evenings, weekends, public holidays, and peak periods when leave may be restricted.
Required Experience
- Demonstrated experience in laboratory and/or field entomology, including mosquito rearing, collection, and identification.
- Strong team player with the ability to work independently under routine supervision.
- Excellent organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to handle high-volume tasks accurately and meet deadlines.
- Effective interpersonal and communication skills, able to work within large, multidisciplinary teams.
- Proficiency in using computers (including Google Drive suite), smartphones, and stereo microscopes, with the ability to quickly learn new software platforms.
- Strong ability to prioritize tasks and perform effectively under pressure.
- High attention to detail in reporting, record-keeping, and data analysis.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree and/or equivalent professional qualifications in relevant fields (science, entomology, veterinarian or health sciences).
