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2 weeks ago
The Laboratory Technician will be responsible for the smooth operation of the laboratory. He/she will be expected to conduct themselves in all matters relating to their employment, in accordance with the best practice and relevant ethical and professional standards and guidelines as determined by the Medical Council of Malawi.
Job Summary
- Type: full-time
- Location: Lilongwe
- Category: Healthcare
- Closing Date: 2026-09-15
Key Responsibilities
- Perform clinical procedures such as uncomplicated tooth extraction, fillings, root canal treatments, crowns, bridges, full and partial dentures and placement dental implants to restore oral function and aesthetics.
- Prescribe and administer medications as necessary to manage/ prevent pain, oral and dental infection and support patient recovery.
- Educate patients on proper oral hygiene practices and preventive care to promote long-term dental health.
- Measure, design and fit dental appliances where required in both children and adult patients.
- Maintain accurate, detailed and up-to-date patient records in accordance with professional and regulatory standards.
- Deliver the highest standards of patient-centered care, ensuring a positive and professional clinical experience.
- Manage and attend to referred cases, ensuring continuity and coordination of care within the clinical team.
- Facilitate timely and appropriate referrals to specialists and actively seek feedback to enhance patient outcomes.
- Support dental specialists during consultations and surgical procedures as required.
- Participate in the mentorship and supervision of students and junior staff when necessary.
- Ensure full compliance with all regulatory, ethical and clinical governance requirements within the dental clinic.
- Prepare and contribute to clinical reports and other relevant documentation.
- Sound IT skills
- Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.
- Excellent presentation skills
- Willingness and ability to work as part of a team
- Enthusiasm for a career in academic dentistry
Requirements
- Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree from a recognized institution
- Registered and in good standing with the Medical Council of Malawi
- At least one year post qualification
- Flexible to work in a fast growing and changing environment.
- Excellent communication skills
- Able to work during odd hours
- Those trained in Customer Service will have added advantages.
How to Apply
Address: Human Resources Department, Kwame Nkrumah University of Health Sciences (KUHES), Lilongwe, Malawi
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications and certifications are required to apply for the Laboratory Technician role at KUHES?
Applicants typically need a Diploma in Medical Laboratory Science from a Malawi National Council for Higher Education (NCHHE)-accredited institution, such as Kamuzu College of Nursing or Mzuzu University. Registration with the Malawi Health Professions Council (MHPC) is mandatory before employment, and proof of current practising licence must be submitted with the application.
What does a typical day look like for a Laboratory Technician at a university health sciences institution like KUHES?
Daily duties include processing clinical specimens (blood, urine, sputum), performing routine haematology, microbiology, and biochemistry tests, and maintaining accurate laboratory records in compliance with national standards. Technicians also support undergraduate and postgraduate students during practical sessions and ensure adherence to biosafety protocols aligned with Malawi’s Ministry of Health guidelines.
How does workplace culture and professional expectations differ for Laboratory Technicians in Malawian public health institutions compared to other countries?
Teamwork, respect for senior staff, and punctuality are highly valued, with hierarchical communication norms commonly observed in public sector labs. Attendance is closely monitored, and adherence to national health service codes—such as the MHPC Code of Conduct and Ministry of Health Standard Operating Procedures—is expected daily.
What career progression opportunities exist for Laboratory Technicians working in Malawian university-affiliated health institutions?
With experience and further study—such as a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences or postgraduate diplomas—technicians may advance to supervisory roles like Lab Supervisor or Quality Assurance Officer. Some pursue academic pathways by becoming lab instructors or enrolling in research-focused programmes supported by KUHES or partner institutions like UNIMA’s College of Medicine.
What benefits (e.g., leave, medical cover, pension) can a Laboratory Technician expect when employed by a public university health institution in Malawi?
Employees are covered under the National Pension Scheme (NPS) and entitled to 30 days’ annual leave, 15 days’ sick leave per year, and maternity/paternity leave as stipulated in the Malawi Employment Act. Public sector medical benefits are limited to government referral hospitals; many staff supplement coverage through private schemes or NHIF-affiliated providers.
How do I apply for this role, and what do Malawian employers like KUHES specifically look for in candidates?
Applications are usually submitted via the KUHES website or physical submission to the Human Resources Office, accompanied by certified academic documents, MHPC registration, and two professional references. Employers prioritise candidates with verified hands-on experience in high-volume diagnostic labs, strong knowledge of WHO-recommended testing algorithms for HIV/TB/malaria, and demonstrated commitment to continuing professional development through CPD workshops accredited by MHPC.