Among others, the Laboratory Technician shall perform the following duties: Collecting and preparing patients’ specimens. Performing routine tests in accordance with detailed instructions. Setting up and cleaning laboratory equipment and disinfecting laboratory wares. Maintaining general cleanliness of the laboratory. Collecting, processing and storage of biological samples. Conducting relevant laboratory assays with proper documentation of results and record keeping. Timely ordering of laboratory consumables. Carrying out other duties related to the job, as reasonably requested by the Clinic management. Supporting the supervision of laboratory students.
Job Summary
- Type: full-time
- Location: Blantyre
- Category: Healthcare
- Closing Date: 2026-09-14
Key Responsibilities
- Collecting and preparing patients’ specimens.
- Performing routine tests in accordance with detailed instructions
- Setting up and cleaning laboratory equipment and disinfecting laboratory wares
- Maintaining general cleanliness of the laboratory
- Collecting, processing and storage of biological samples
- Conducting relevant laboratory assays with proper documentation of results and record keeping
- Timely ordering of laboratory consumables
- Carrying out other duties related to the job, as reasonably requested by the Clinic management
- Supporting the supervision of laboratory students
Requirements
- Diploma in Laboratory Technology those with Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Services (honors) will have added advantage
- At least 3 years’ experience in a busy environment
- Trained in customer care
- Willing to work during odd hours
- High level of integrity
How to Apply
Apply by email: recruitment@kuhes.ac.mw
Address: The Registrar, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre Campus, Private Bag 360, Chichiri, Blantyre 3
Address: The Registrar, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Blantyre Campus, Private Bag 360, Chichiri, Blantyre 3
About the Company
The Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS) is a public university in Malawi. It was created in 2019 by separating and then merging the College of Medicine and the Kamuzu College of Nursing from the University of Malawi. The Faculty of Medicine of KUHeS is the only medical school in Malawi.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications and certifications are typically required to become a Laboratory Technician at Kamuzu University of Health Sciences?
Applicants usually need a Diploma in Biomedical Laboratory Sciences from a Malawi National Council for Higher Education (NCHHE)-accredited institution, such as the Malawi College of Health Sciences or LUANAR’s School of Medicine. Registration with the Malawi Allied Health Professionals Council (MAHPC) is mandatory before employment. Some roles may prefer candidates with additional training in areas like HIV testing or TB diagnostics, aligned with national health priorities.
What does a typical day look like for a Laboratory Technician at a university-affiliated health sciences institution in Malawi?
Daily tasks include processing clinical specimens (blood, urine, sputum), performing routine haematology, microbiology, and serology tests, and maintaining equipment according to Malawi Ministry of Health standards. Technicians also support undergraduate and postgraduate students during practical sessions and ensure strict adherence to biosafety protocols outlined in the Malawi National Biosafety Framework.
How does workplace culture and professional expectations differ for Laboratory Technicians in Malawian public health institutions compared to other countries?
Teamwork and hierarchical respect are central—technicians routinely consult senior biomedical scientists or pathologists before releasing critical results, reflecting Malawi’s collaborative, supervisor-led lab model. Punctuality, meticulous record-keeping in both English and Chichewa (where relevant), and adaptability to frequent power outages or reagent shortages are widely expected and valued.
What realistic career progression paths exist for Laboratory Technicians employed by academic health institutions in Malawi?
With experience and further study—such as a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences or a Postgraduate Diploma in Laboratory Management—technicians can advance to Senior Technician, Lab Supervisor, or Training Officer roles. Some transition into teaching positions at colleges or take on quality assurance roles within the Ministry of Health’s Central Medical Stores or National AIDS Commission programmes.
What benefits (e.g., leave, medical aid, pension) are commonly offered to Laboratory Technicians in public-sector academic health institutions like Kamuzu University of Health Sciences?
Employees are typically covered under the Malawi Public Service Pension Scheme and entitled to 30 days annual leave, 15 days sick leave, and maternity/paternity leave per Public Service Commission regulations. Medical benefits usually include access to government health facilities and limited reimbursement through the Civil Servants Medical Aid Scheme (CSMAS), though coverage varies by grade and tenure.
How should I apply for a Laboratory Technician position at Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, and what do recruiters in Malawi specifically look for in candidates?
Applications are submitted via the university’s Human Resources Department when vacancies are advertised in the Malawi Government Gazette, Times Group newspapers, or the KUHeS website—unsolicited CVs are rarely considered. Recruiters prioritise MAHPC registration, proven experience in high-volume diagnostic settings (e.g., district hospitals), and familiarity with Malawi’s Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) guidelines and NHLS reporting systems.