Laboratory Assistant

Volunteering Medical & Health

Overview

Support lab procedures including DNA extraction and sequencing preparation.

You have:

• Having laboratory experience or industrial/institutional research/clinical setting in microbiology or molecular biology and/or biotechnology.
• Demonstrated skills in DNA extraction from clinical samples, experienced in PCR techniques and optimization.
• Familiarity with NGS sequencing workflows (especially library preparation, quality control, and loading) will be an added value.
• Basic laboratory competence and knowledge of bioinformatics tools for sequencing data overview (e.g., FastQC, basic command-line operations) is desirable.
• Proficient in nucleic acid extraction from various sample types (e.g. plasma, sputum & isolates).
• Skilled in PCR amplification and quantification techniques is preferred.
• Capable of performing library preparation for targeted sequencing (tNGS) and Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) is considered an advantage.
• Ability to maintain meticulous laboratory records and data entry.
• Familiarity with laboratory quality management systems (QMS) and SOP compliance.
• Basic data analysis skills for integrating laboratory findings into project reports.
• Demonstrate professionalism and manner in laboratory standards. Proficient knowledge of laboratory protocol and safety mechanisms.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.

Contract

This is a UNV contract. More about UNV contracts.

UNDP Indonesia and the Ministry of Health (MoH) have been working together in a long-term partnership on health governance that is aimed at narrowing health development gaps and meeting the SDGs commitments. This partnership has been expanded with the implementation of activities under the 2020-2025 Health Governance Initiative (HEART). HEART Programmes focus on the support to strengthen Indonesia's health system capacity through policy advocacy, evidence-based generation intervention, technical assistance, and partnerships by adoptions of information technology advancement with a total program budget of approximately USD 70 million.

The HEART Programme will have two outputs: (i) By 2025, strengthened national policy and institutional environment that is governing access to affordable medicines through evidence-based and multisector collaborations. (ii) By 2025, the performance of national programmes is improved and positively impacts the coverage and the sustainability of service delivery and the health system better integrate environmental concerns in waste management practices to mitigate or limit its impact on environment(s) and prevent and reduce diseases related to climate change.

Biomedical and Genome Science Initiative (BGSI) is MoH’s new initiative supported through HEART Programme. BGSI will act as a multi-institutional ecosystem that aims to support collaborative biomedical and genomic activities in Indonesia by leveraging strengths in technology and infrastructure including biobanking, data management, high throughput sequencing and bioinformatics. This initiative aims to build a national asset with focus on: (i) To establish a national biobank concentrate on six conditions (diabetes, cancer, stroke, TB, psoriasis, and rare/genetic diseases) which will store samples from participants where each sample will be connected to a registry that manages all information associated with the participant (demographic and clinical), and (ii) To generate Whole Genome Sequence information, that will be curated in a national database.

Through this assignment, the Volunteer will get an apprentice opportunity and gain experience to support national programme in Ministry of Health. This UNV assignment is part of the Health Governance Initiative (HEART) Programme for BGSI.

The Laboratory Assistant position will support in performing laboratory procedures including DNA extraction, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), sequencing preparation, and data integration. S/he will assist in ensuring the quality of sample processing, the execution of sequencing workflow, and the organization of preliminary data to support clinical and surveillance objectives.

Under the direct supervision of the Laboratory Technician BGSI and in close coordination with Head of the Initiative Research Center for Genomic Sequencing and Biomedical in RS Persahabatan, the UN Volunteer will undertake the following tasks:

Assist and support in performing laboratory work as following: • Perform DNA extraction from clinical and culture samples. • Conduct PCR, carry out library preparation, sequencing runs, and initial data quality control. • Record, organize, and report laboratory work processes and results/data. • Sample traceability and integrity throughout the workflow. • Compile and integrate laboratory data into project databases. • Maintain laboratory instruments and consumables stock as per project needs. • Collaborate with the Data Analyst and Clinical Teams to ensure complete sample-to-data traceability.

☒ Accountability ☒ Adaptability and Flexibility ☒ Commitment and Motivation ☒ Communication ☒ Planning and Organizing ☒ Self-Management ☒ Working in Teams

• Having laboratory experience or industrial/institutional research/ clinical setting in microbiology or molecular biology and/or biotechnology. • Demonstrated skills in DNA extraction from clinical samples, experienced in PCR techniques and optimization. Familiarity with NGS sequencing workflows (especially library preparation, quality control, and loading) will be an added value. • Basic laboratory competence and knowledge of bioinformatics tools for sequencing data overview (e.g., FastQC, basic command-line operations) is desirable. • Proficient in nucleic acid extraction from various sample types (e.g. plasma, sputum & isolates). • Skilled in PCR amplification and quantification techniques is preferred. • Capable of performing library preparation for targeted sequencing (tNGS) and Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) is considered an advantage. • Ability to maintain meticulous laboratory records and data entry. • Familiarity with laboratory quality management systems (QMS) and SOP compliance. • Basic data analysis skills for integrating laboratory findings into project reports. • Demonstrate professionalism and manner in laboratory standards. Proficient knowledge of laboratory protocol and safety mechanisms. • Excellent interpersonal skills.

Work Location The position will be based in the Jakarta, home to UNDP Country Office.

The cost of living is considered moderate. Basic living needs such as staple foods and household supplies, accommodation, banking facilities, medical facilities, and telecommunications/internet services are readily available. Jakarta offers various housing options.

The city is known for heavy traffic congestion, but the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT), Light Rail Transit (LRT), and TransJakarta buses, along with ride-hailing services, provide effective travel solutions. Most areas are generally safe, but standard precautions against petty crime are recommended.

In day-to-day the UN Volunteer will be working in at RS Persahabatan. Work is performed in the normal working environment in a typical laboratory/hospital environment.

Gender, Inclusive and Diversity

The Volunteer should contribute to avoiding any kind of discriminatory behaviour including gender discrimination and ensuring that: • Human rights and gender equality are prioritized as an ethical principle within all actions. • Activities are designed and implemented in accordance with the “Social and Environmental Standards of UNDP”. • Any kind of diversities based on ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, disability, religion, class, or gender are respected within all implementations including data production. • Differentiated needs of women and men are considered. • An inclusive approach is reflected within all actions and implementations, in that sense an enabling and accessible setup in various senses such as disability gender language barrier is created. • Necessary arrangements to provide gender parity within all committees, meetings, training, etc. introduced.

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Potential interview questions

Added 3 months ago - Updated 3 months ago - Source: unv.org