Laboratory Management and Equipment Operations Training Workshop 2017- Call for applications

Details

Written on Thursday, 27 July 2017 08:34

Background:

The BecA-ILRI Hub seeks to strengthen the capacity of African National Agricultural Research Systems (NARS) to drive research and innovation. Through strategic partnerships with NARS, the Hub also acts as an accelerator for priority research conducted at the national level. The Hub’s primary delivery mechanism is the Africa Biosciences Challenge Fund (ABCF) Program. A full prospectus can be accessed using the link: http://hub.africabiosciences.org/activities/capacity-building 

The training workshop:

 As part of the ABCF program, the BecA-ILRI Hub in partnership with the Biosciences Research and Training Center at the National Crops Resources Research Institute (NaCRRI), Uganda will hold a five-day hands-on training workshop on Laboratory Management and Equipment Operations from 25 – 29 September 2017.

Efficient management of any laboratory facility ensures the cost-effective use of resources and the reliability of research-generated data. Laboratory management practices must ensure compliance with and adherence to national, international and/or local standards, policies, protocols, legal and regulatory frameworks for health and safety. This may include bio-containment, waste management, import and export of biological materials and other good laboratory practices. In addition, the core function of managing a laboratory facility including the personnel, equipment and activities contributes significantly towards the success of any laboratory. Therefore, good laboratory management skills are necessary for personnel responsible for these vital facilities.

The success of efforts being led by African scientists and other collaborators towards improving agriculture and tackling food insecurity is dependent on the efficiency of their laboratory environments and the ability of their facilities to harness advances in research. There is a need for personnel who are equipped with skills that contribute to a well run, safe and reliable laboratory. Such facilities will create a relaible platform from which to address the challenges of food security in Africa.  

Relevant staff from African NARS who require further skills in laboratory management and equipment operations are invited to apply for the training workshop. A total of 25 applicants will be selected on competitive basis and sponsored to attend the training workshop. 

Key topics to be covered will include; 

• Laboratory design and classification 
• Laboratory organization structure
• Documentation requirements 
• Equipment operations and maintenance 
• Laboratory health and safety 
• Procurement procedures 
• Shipping of biological samples  
• Material transfer agreements (MTA).

 A team of highly experienced trainers from ILRI, BecA-ILRI Hub and NaCCRI will conduct the training sessions.

Applicant eligibility and requirements:

The workshop aims to provide a learning forum for laboratory heads or supervisors, scientists and  laboratory / research technicians. The main expected outcome in the long run is to have NARS laboratories being managed more efficiently to ensure safe use and high quality research output. 

• The BecA-ILRI Hub places greater focus on nationals of BecA countries: Burundi, Cameroon, Central Africa Republic, Congo Brazzaville, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Kenya, Madagascar, Rwanda, São Tomé and Príncipe, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda. However, suitable applicants from other African countries will be considered.
• Applicants must be proficient in both written and spoken English.

Women researchers are particularly encouraged to apply.

Application timelines and process:

• Call release: 27th July 2017
• Application deadline: A complete online application form must be submitted latest midnight 18th August 2017 (Nairobi time).
• Late and incomplete applications will not be considered
• Communication to all applicants will be done by 20th August 2017

Training approach:

The workshop will comprise series of lectures, extensive hands-on practical sessions, group discus-sions and experience sharing by, and with participants. Pre- and post- workshop evaluations will be conducted by the trainers. 

Workshop venue:

The training workshop will be held at NaCRRI - Biosciences Research and Training Center in Namu-longe, Uganda.  NaCRRI is a public agricultural research institute under the policy guidance and co-ordination of the National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO). The mandate of NaCRRI is to generate, develop and disseminate appropriate crop technologies, methods and knowledge on food and cash crops of national importance. NaCRRI works towards generating crop research outcomes for impact, addressing critical farmer challenges for a healthier and wealthier populace. 

For more information about NaCRRI visit: www.nacrri.go.ug  

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