Full Time Laboratory Director at UNC Project Malawi
Job Description
UNC Project, a biomedical research, training and service organization based in Lilongwe, invites applications from suitably qualified and experienced individuals to fill the following position:
Job Summary
The Laboratory Director at UNC Project is responsible for the overall operation and administration of the Laboratory. They are accountable for the strategic development and management of all laboratory services to achieve research and clinical/service program objectives whilst delivering high quality lab services to the end user.
This position will develop an independent, laboratory-based scientific agenda with the pursuit of collaborative research, training or service grant writing, following the interests and skills of the director, their staff, UNC Project and the country of Malawi.
Specific Duties / Responsibilities
A. Administrative
Assist in hiring, evaluation and discipline of laboratory personnel.
Ensure that all laboratory personnel are in good professional standing with local regulatory bodies or are properly registered with international agencies where appropriate for the implementation of their duties.
Liaise with executive management, department heads, study coordinators, study investigators, and all relevant staff ensuring that clinical care, research and project protocols are implemented smoothly.
B. Technical
Lead the development of the laboratory services and monitor its implementation in line with the UNC Project strategic plan.
Build global, regional and national partnerships/networks and work closely with relevant UNC Project departments, Government Ministries, other partners, and public/private labs to ensure smooth collaborative joint lab projects.
Update the Laboratory Department structure and lead the laboratory teams to ensure there is sufficient laboratory capacity and that laboratory operations function efficiently.
Ensure necessary laboratory certifications are achieved and maintained as required for quality performance.
Work with the Finance Department to ensure timely and accurate lab reporting and financial accountability.
Make budgets and oversee financial management of the Laboratory Department.
Design and implement technical training as needed to meet laboratory operational and staff development goals.
Support and enhance the academic environment at UNC Project including writing and/or providing expert input on laboratory-related proposals and grants, reviewing and assisting with preparation of papers for publication with students, staff and collaborators.
Mentor junior staff engaged in laboratory-based research and assist in proposal development and implementation.
Define, implement, and monitor standards of performance and quality improvement of the laboratory
Design, implement and disseminate key performance metrics for lab services and review them periodically.
Build and maintain lab research resources especially repositories; ensure efficient specimen storage and shipping services with totally reliable back-up power systems as well as lab data management systems.
Advise on the selection of laboratory suppliers and monitor efficient usage.
Select referral laboratories and monitor the quality of their service.
Monitor all work performed in the laboratory to assure that clinically relevant/research information is being generated.
Contribute to strategic planning for UNC Project Malawi.
C. Support
Resolve on-site problems including equipment failure, utility failures, testing errors, personnel problems, supply shortages and government issues.
Review and monitor the laboratory information systems to assure data is being correctly maintained and released to the studies.
D. Safety
Ensure that the environmental conditions of the laboratory are appropriate for testing and safe for staff and visitors to the laboratories.
E. General
Demonstrate a cooperative attitude in relationships with colleagues and other personnel.
Maintain confidentiality of patients, patient results and project operations.
Delegate responsibilities to Laboratory Manager and/or other appropriate staff when absent.
Maintain an Adjunct faculty position with KUHeS or MUST
Use all facilities and supplies with care and in a cost – effective manner.
Assist with other duties as assigned by the Country Director.
F. Qualifications and Experience
PhD in a relevant laboratory-based science field, or MD.
Registered or able to register with Medical Council of Malawi.
Minimum of five years’ successful experience in lab management (including HR management).
Experience operating a laboratory that meets international quality standards e.g. ISO, SANAS, CAP.
Notable record in running a service laboratory which also supports research; knowledge of HIV/AIDS and infectious diseases and of clinical objectives, program methods, procedures and standards within the field of infectious diseases.
G. Required Skills
Exceptional written communication skills and the ability to interact internationally at the most senior institutional, funder, and academic levels.
Experience in financial management including generating and managing budgets.
Experience in identifying, evaluating, and nurturing partner relationships.
Ability to solicit grants and manage relations with funders.
Self-starter with strategic vision and the leadership skills to achieve the strategy.
Method Of Application
Please send your applications via email to:
The Country Director
UNC Project
Lilongwe
Email: administration@unclilongwe.org
Deadline for receiving applications: Friday 14th April, 2023
Only shortlisted candidates will be acknowledged.
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