Laboratory Technologist

Reports to: Medical Doctor / Clinic head

Based on: Addis Ababa (Tihut Medium Clinic) 

Contract Type: Indefinite based on performance and availability of funds.

Who we are

Population Services International (PSI) is a global health nonprofit organization that works to ensure quality, affordable care reaches those who need it most. We deliver transformative programming that engages consumers, shapes markets, and strengthens health systems through integrated program design to address longstanding health burdens, emerging threats, and social determinants of health. To achieve this aim, PSI partners with governments, the private sector, and local organizations across 30+ countries to co-design solutions that put people at the center of care.

Join us!

There are thousands of “PSI’ers” around the world. It’s a diverse group of entrepreneurs and professionals with an unusually wide range of backgrounds - from the medical industry to the music business - all with unique skills we bring to the job. 

PSI/Ethiopia wants reimagine healthcare, put the consumer at the center, and whenever possible, bring quality care to the front door.  We achieve health impact in Ethiopia by working with both government and private partners and harvesting technology innovation to bring quality care closer to communities, schools, and homes.   We empower consumers by including them in the design of healthcare solutions, offering them more healthcare choices, and helping them to have a voice in influencing national priorities.  We work with all market actors in the health system to understand their needs, designing and delivering solutions so that market systems can sustainably serve consumers for the long term, helping to support the Government of Ethiopia in achieving Universal Health Coverage. 

Job Summary: The Laboratory Professional is responsible for providing accurate, timely, and quality laboratory diagnostic services to support clinical decision-making at the Tihut Medium Clinic. The role ensures proper specimen collection, testing, result reporting, quality assurance, biosafety, and integration of HIV, NCD, and other essential diagnostic services in compliance with national laboratory standards, regulatory requirements, and PSI guidelines.

Sounds like you? Read on!

Your contribution: Key Roles and Responsibilities

• The laboratory professional may have the following responsibilities
• Perform routine and specialized laboratory tests within the approved scope of a medium clinic.
• Conduct specimen collection, labeling, handling, processing, testing, storage, transportation, and disposal in accordance with approved SOPs.
• Provide diagnostic support for communicable and non-communicable diseases, including HIV, TB screening, malaria, hematology, clinical chemistry, urinalysis, immuno-serology, microbiology, and other approved tests.
• Perform HIV Testing Services (HTS) in line with national algorithms, testing protocols, and quality standards.
• Ensure appropriate pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical processes for all laboratory investigations.
• Interpret laboratory results within the framework of medical science and assess validity of results against acceptable ranges.
• Make decisions on reporting results, repeating tests, consulting senior staff, or conducting additional investigations as per established guidelines.
• Inform clinicians of test results, limitations, and appropriate test selection when required.
• Develop, review, update, and implement laboratory SOPs, manuals, standing operating procedures, and protocols.
• Implement and monitor internal quality control (IQC) systems and actively participate in external quality assessment (EQA/PT) programs.
• Identify, document, report, and participate in corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) for non-conformities.
• Contribute to validation and verification of laboratory test methods.
• Participate in laboratory audits, quality improvement initiatives, and accreditation-related activities.
• Authorize and approve laboratory test results, including those produced by subordinate staff.
• Ensure strict adherence to biosafety, infection prevention and control (IPC), and waste management standards.
• Develop and implement strategies to enhance client safety and minimize infection risks.
• Oversee proper acquisition, collection, storage, transportation, and disposal of biological, toxic, and radioactive wastes in accordance with regulations.
• Ensure cleanliness, functionality, routine maintenance, and calibration of laboratory equipment.
• Participate in preventive maintenance and troubleshooting of laboratory instruments.
• Operate automated and robotic sample preparation systems where available.
• Create, modify, and monitor automated calibration procedures as required.
• Support introduction and appropriate use of new laboratory technologies.
• Plan, monitor, and manage laboratory services and workflow within the assigned functional area.
• Monitor performance of laboratory structure, systems, and service delivery.
• Supervise day-to-day laboratory operations to ensure efficiency, accuracy, and timeliness.
• Maintain accurate laboratory records, registers, logbooks, QC documentation, inventory records, and electronic systems.
• Ensure proper documentation, secure storage, confidentiality, and disposal of laboratory data and reports.
• Forecast, quantify, requisition, and manage laboratory reagents, consumables, and supplies in coordination with clinic management and sub-city supply chain systems.
• Monitor stock levels to prevent expiries, stock-outs, overstocking, and wastage.
• Ensure appropriate storage conditions for reagents, samples, and laboratory commodities.
• Participate in vendor selection, prequalification, and evaluation processes.
• Contribute to preparation and revision of approved laboratory test menus in line with national guidelines.
• Collaborate closely with GPs, nurses, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals to support integrated, patient-centered care.
• Support integration of HIV, NCD, SRH, and primary healthcare diagnostic services.
• Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings, case discussions, and performance review sessions.
• Advocate for and provide accurate information on laboratory services to internal and external stakeholders.
• Supervise laboratory personnel, interns, and trainees as assigned.
• Provide training through instruction and demonstration of laboratory techniques, equipment operation, quality control procedures, safety measures, and patient confidentiality.
• Mentor junior staff to enhance technical competence, professionalism, and quality performance.
• Assist senior laboratory personnel in regional, research, peripheral, and district laboratory settings when required.
• Compile and submit timely and accurate laboratory reports to the Clinic Head, PSI HQ, and relevant regulatory bodies as required.
• Support community-based screening, outreach, and public health activities when assigned.
• Play a managerial and advisory role in coordination with MOH, RHBs, sub-city health offices, and private health institutions.
• Maintain confidentiality and ethical handling of sensitive patient information and test results.
• Adhere to national regulations, professional ethics, and patient safety standards.

• Engage in continuous professional development (CPD) to maintain updated laboratory knowledge, skills, and competencies.