Essential Qualifications:
- A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree, Engineering degree, or Higher National Diploma in one or more of the following disciplines: Public Health, Epidemiology, Wildlife Biology, Veterinary Science, Microbiology, Virology, Medical Sciences, Medical Technology, Ecosystem Health, or a closely related field.
- At least 2 years of laboratory experience in one or more areas such as human, wildlife, or domestic animal health monitoring; health ecology; or ecosystem health monitoring.
- Willingness to handle potentially hazardous samples with care and professionalism.
- Strong interest and commitment to Public Health, Epidemiology, Ecosystem Health, and Nature Conservation.
Required Skills and Competencies:
- Familiarity with the human environmental context in Cameroon is an advantage.
- Fluency in both French and English.
- Ability to work effectively in remote areas with minimal supervision.
- Sound knowledge of Cameroon’s legal and institutional framework for diagnostic laboratory management.
- Proficiency in computer usage, including word processing and database management.
- Advanced skills in statistics and data analysis, with expertise in tools such as Excel and other relevant software.
- Experience managing files and data on platforms like Google Drive.
- Knowledge of tropical communicable diseases affecting humans and animals.
WWF Core Values and Behaviors:
- Ability to embody WWF’s values and behaviors by striving for impactful results, listening deeply, collaborating openly, and innovating boldly.
- Alignment with WWF’s core organizational values of Courage, Integrity, Respect, and Collaboration.
Mission of the Department
The mission of this role is to ensure the effective and high-standard operation of the Campo WildLab, in alignment with WWF Cameroon’s One Health & Conservation Strategies. The program collaborates with local, national, and regional health institutes, civil society organizations, and the Helmholtz Institute for “One Health” in Greifswald, Germany. Its primary goal is to enhance human and animal health in potential outbreak hotspots in Cameroon.
By fostering rapid detection and early warnings of dangerous zoonotic pathogens, the initiative aims to mitigate the risks of infectious disease outbreaks. It provides on-site human medical and wildlife veterinary health monitoring services at the WWF-supported ecotourism site in Campo Ma’an and strengthens the capacities of local actors.
The program focuses on health monitoring for:
- Individuals involved in ecotourism and conservation, directly or indirectly.
- Both habituated and unhabituated wildlife within the Campo Ma’an National Park (CMNP) and its surrounding regions.
This integrated “One Health” approach strives to improve human well-being, minimize disease transmission between humans and wildlife, and enhance biodiversity and ecosystem integrity. Such measures are vital to safeguarding human and animal lives while sustaining the livelihoods of local communities.
Responsibilities
The position entails diverse responsibilities under the supervision of the WildLab Manager. The successful candidate will support disease diagnosis, treatment, and prevention through the following tasks:
Sample Reception and Processing
- Collect biological specimens such as blood, urine, tissue, feces, saliva, food samples, hair, and other bodily fluids from field operations.
- Decontaminate and properly label samples using standardized protocols.
- Prepare specimens for analysis by centrifuging, aliquoting, and labeling to maintain integrity and traceability.
Laboratory Testing
- Conduct routine tests using automated and manual techniques, including hematological, biochemical, microbiological, immunological, and molecular assays, to identify abnormalities and disease markers in samples from humans, wildlife, domestic animals, and the environment.
Molecular Biology Tasks
- DNA/RNA Extraction and Purification: Isolate and purify nucleic acids from various biological and environmental samples.
- PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction): Set up and run PCR reactions to amplify DNA sequences, followed by analysis through gel electrophoresis or real-time PCR.
- Sequencing and Genotyping: Perform DNA sequencing and genotyping to detect genetic variations, mutations, or pathogens.
- Molecular Diagnostics: Conduct tests to identify infectious agents like bacteria, viruses, or fungi in samples.
Bacteriology and Parasitology
- Process and culture bacterial samples from clinical specimens, environmental sources, or food products.
- Identify bacteria and parasites using techniques like Gram staining, biochemical tests, coproscopy, and molecular methods.
- Perform antimicrobial susceptibility testing and quantify bacterial populations using plate counting or fluorescence microscopy.
Quality Control and Assurance
- Adhere to quality control protocols to ensure accuracy, precision, and reliability in test results.
- Perform routine calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of laboratory equipment to optimize performance.
Inventory Management, Data Entry, and Record Keeping
- Conduct regular inventory checks of materials and equipment.
- Maintain accurate records of test results, observations, and other relevant data in laboratory information systems (LIS) and electronic medical records (EMR).
Communication and Collaboration
- Effectively communicate test results and sample requirements with the WildLab team.
- Collaborate with the WWF One Health team to integrate findings into disease early warning systems.
Compliance and Safety
- Follow regulatory standards, biosecurity, and biosafety protocols.
- Handle hazardous materials and biohazardous waste responsibly, adhering to established guidelines while using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
Continuing Education
- Participate in training sessions, professional development programs, and continuing education initiatives to stay updated on advancements in laboratory technologies and practices.
The Laboratory Specialist will be dedicated to advancing knowledge and skills to deliver top-tier laboratory services and drive innovation in the field. Core responsibilities include:
Biodiversity Monitoring and Field Collaboration
- Daily Implementation of Bio-Monitoring Strategies: Actively participate in the execution of the bio-monitoring framework for Campo Ma’an National Park and its surrounding regions. This includes collecting biological samples from seized bushmeat, hunters, and other sources, working closely with park rangers.
- Contribution to Conservation Efforts: Collaborate with stakeholders to protect biodiversity, ensure sample accuracy, and support research initiatives.
Laboratory Operations and Reporting
- Testing and Reporting: Produce detailed, accurate, and well-written laboratory reports regularly to ensure the reliability of test outcomes.
- Equipment Maintenance: Conduct routine calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of WildLab instruments to ensure optimal performance and data accuracy.
- Inventory Management: Maintain up-to-date records of materials and equipment, perform regular stock checks, and ensure the availability of essential resources.
- Data Management: Accurately record test results, observations, and pertinent details in Laboratory Information Systems (LIS), Electronic Medical Records (EMR), and other databases for traceability and documentation.
Health Program and Research Collaboration
- Employee Health Program Support: Assist in initiatives aimed at improving employee health, contributing to a safer workplace environment.
- Collaboration with WWF One Health Team: Work closely with the WWF team to interpret laboratory results and integrate findings into early disease warning systems for proactive interventions.
Communication and Teamwork
- Effective Communication: Relay test results, discuss sample requirements, and address discrepancies with the WildLab manager and research teams promptly.
- Collaborative Problem-Solving: Partner with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless operations and knowledge-sharing.
Compliance, Safety, and Biosecurity
- Adherence to Safety Protocols: Follow regulatory guidelines, infection control procedures, and biosecurity standards. Handle hazardous and biohazardous materials safely, wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Biosafety Management: Dispose of waste in line with established safety guidelines to mitigate risks and ensure environmental integrity.
Continuous Learning and Professional Development
- Ongoing Education: Engage in training, workshops, and continuing education programs to stay abreast of new laboratory technologies, methodologies, and best practices.
- Skill Enhancement: Continuously seek to enhance personal expertise to contribute to the advancement of laboratory science and improve service quality.
Call for Applications: Laboratory Specialist Position
Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their applications by 23rd January 2025.
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