Medical Laboratory Scientist – Stem Cell

Medical Laboratory Scientist – Stem Cell

The African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE) Abuja is a 500-bed specialty hospital offering world-class comprehensive diagnostics and treatment in oncology, cardiovascular, and haematological care, and general medical and surgical services, along with top notch research and education. The AMCE will provide exceptional care to people on the African continent, regardless of their financial means. Developed by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) in clinical partnership with King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust., AMCE Abuja is the first of five centres planned for development in Africa.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Medical Laboratory Scientist – Stem Cell

Location: Abuja

Employment Type: Full-time

Workplace Type: Onsite

Job Purpose

• The Medical Laboratory Scientist – Stem Cell will be responsible for executing, managing, and optimising experiments related to stem cell biology, cellular reprogramming, differentiation, and regenerative medicine.
• The role holder will conduct technical laboratory examinations, manage data analysis, and contribute to a multidisciplinary research environment to advance stem cell science and its clinical applications.

Key Accountabilities/Responsibilities

Experimental Design and Execution:

• Develop and implement experimental plans, including hypothesis development, protocol design, and project timelines.
• Optimise protocols for stem cell isolation, culture, expansion, differentiation, and maintenance.
• Conduct cellular reprogramming using advanced methodologies (e.g., Yamanaka factors, episomal vectors).
• Differentiate stem cells into specific cell types such as neurons, cardiomyocytes, and hepatocytes.
• Apply gene-editing technologies (e.g., CRISPR/Cas9) to advance functional studies.
• Perform immunocytochemistry, flow cytometry, and high-throughput assays to evaluate phenotypes.

Quality Assurance and Compliance:

• Monitor cell morphology, proliferation, and viability to ensure consistent, high-quality stem cell cultures.
• Perform contamination checks, including routine mycoplasma testing.
• Adhere to Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), FDA, and international ethical standards.
• Prepare and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), risk assessments, and safety protocols.

Data Collection and Analysis:

• Maintain accurate data using electronic laboratory notebooks and software.
• Perform statistical analysis to validate results and trends.
• Use bioinformatics tools for omics data analysis, including RNA-seq and single-cell sequencing.
• Prepare research reports, presentations, and visual data for internal and external stakeholders.

Collaboration and Communication:

• Collaborate with clinicians, molecular biologists, and bioinformaticians on research projects.
• Participate in team meetings, cross-disciplinary initiatives, and grant applications.
• Contribute to manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals and present findings at conferences.

Laboratory Management and Mentorship:

• Manage laboratory stocks, reagents, and equipment maintenance.
• Train and mentor junior staff, interns, and technicians in stem cell techniques.
• Provide quality assurance oversight for laboratory operations and experimental reproducibility.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Laboratory Science (B.MLS/BMLS) from an accredited institution. A postgraduate qualification in Stem Cell Biology, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Haematology, Immunology, or a related discipline is an added advantage.
• Current licensure/registration with the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN) or an equivalent recognized professional regulatory body.
• Certification or specialized training in Stem Cell Processing, Cellular Therapy, Bone Marrow Transplantation, Apheresis, Flow Cytometry, or Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) is highly desirable.
• Minimum of three (3) years' post-qualification experience in a stem cell processing, cellular therapy, bone marrow transplant, haematology, or regenerative medicine laboratory.
• Demonstrated expertise in stem cell collection, processing, isolation, cryopreservation, viability assessment, characterization, and storage.
• Proficiency in advanced laboratory techniques, including cell culture, flow cytometry, PCR, immunophenotyping, immunohistochemistry, and other molecular biology techniques.
• Strong knowledge of stem cell biology, including haematopoietic, mesenchymal, pluripotent, and adult stem cells, and their clinical applications.
• Strong understanding of laboratory quality management systems, Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), biosafety, infection prevention and control, and regulatory requirements governing cellular therapy laboratories.
• Experience using Laboratory Information Systems (LIS), electronic laboratory documentation systems, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, documentation, and data interpretation skills, with meticulous attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary transplant, haematology, and laboratory teams.
• Demonstrated commitment to continuous professional development and keeping abreast of emerging advances in stem cell science, regenerative medicine, and cellular therapies.

Application Closing Date

Not Specified.