MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNOLOGIST – NEXT GENERATION SEQUENCING

MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNOLOGIST – NEXT GENERATION SEQUENCING

BACKGROUND

The Baylor College of Medicine Bristol-Myer’s Squibb Children’s Clinical Centre of Excellence (COE) in Mbabane and the associated Satellite Centres of Excellence (SCOE) at Hlathikulu Government Hospital and RFM Hospital in Manzini are a manifestation of a public-private partnership between the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini and Baylor College of Medicine, Texas, USA. The Foundation seeks to immediately fill the following position:

MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNOLOGIST – NEXT GENERATION SEQUENCING

Reporting to the Project Manager, the Medical Laboratory Technologist will support daily operations and quality control in the molecular laboratory, which supports the Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) implementation at the National TB Reference Laboratory (NTRL). The Technologist will manage sample reception, registration, preparation, processing, archiving, analysis, and reporting results to clinicians and research teams. The role requires close collaboration with the Project Manager, Laboratory Manager, and Quality Manager to develop SOPs, implement the Quality Management System (QMS), and ensure the delivery of quality-assured services.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Duties include but are not limited to the following:

• Perform all NGS laboratory protocols, including sample preparation, PCR amplification, DNA library preparation, sequencing, and quality control.
• Operate NGS platforms and troubleshoot technical issues.
• Manage post-sequencing processes, including data analysis and storage using tools such as Deeplex Web App and Ridom SeqSphere.
• Support recruitment of study participants at the laboratory level and coordinate with clinical enrollment teams.
• Prepare monthly reports on enrollment and technical operations.
• Ensure availability of reagents and supplies for NGS workflows.
• Conduct routine equipment checks to ensure optimal performance.
• Perform additional routine laboratory testing at NTRL as required.
• Implement and adhere to QMS standards.
• Interpret and authorize test results.
• Manage reagent reception, documentation, usage, and storage per manufacturer specifications.
• Maintain accurate documentation, records, and reports.
• Document project meetings, contribute to technical discussions, attend weekly lab meetings, and share updates.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences or equivalent.
• Minimum of 4 years’ experience in Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex testing and molecular biology.
• Experience in working in BSL 3 and high pathogen containment areas.
• Formal training in Next Generation Sequencing.
• Experience or certification in ISO 15189:2022.
• Registration and licensure with the Eswatini Medical and Dental Council (EMDC).
• Certification in data management software (RStudio, Python, etc.).
• Certification in Good Clinical Practices.

SKILLS/ABILITIES/APTITUDES REQUIREMENTS

• Expertise in TB culture testing, Molecular assays (GeneXpert, qPCR) and sequencing (Illumina platforms – iSeq100, MiSeq).
• Experience in phenotypic drug susceptibility testing (DST) using proportion method, including drug preparation from powders.
• Strong understanding of Integrated TB Management Guidelines.
• Proven experience in implementing laboratory QMS (ISO 15189:2022).
• Proficiency in data management and bioinformatics tools (RStudio, Python, SeqSphere).
• Hands-on experience with targeted and whole-genome sequencing workflows (wet lab and bioinformatics).
• Excellent organizational, documentation, and reporting skills.

APPLICATIONS

Applications to be addressed to the Executive Director, Baylor Foundation– Eswatini, and sent ONLY by email to: hr@baylorfoundationeswatini.org citing the position applied for, your Name and Surname in the email subject.

All applications should be accompanied by a cover letter, curriculum vitae (CV) and certified copies of certificates. Faxed applications, posted or hand delivered applications will NOT be considered. No calls. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Application Deadline: 26 April 2026.

Baylor Foundation Eswatini is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or disability. Baylor Foundation Eswatini’s recruitment and selection policies and procedures reflect our commitment to the safety of children. Any appointment is subject to commitment to our Child Safeguarding Policy, satisfactory references and criminal record disclosure.