Clinical Laboratories Manager at the Medical Research Council Unit – The Gambia

Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia – The MRC Unit The Gambia at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) is one of two research units established in sub- Saharan Africa by the Medical Research Council UK and is the MRC Unit The Gambia at LSHTM’s single largest investment in medical research in a low and middle income country. MRC Unit The Gambia at LSHTM represents a unique concentration of scientific expertise and high quality research platforms in the West African region.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Tite: Clinical Laboratories Manager

Location: Fajara, Gambia

Job Descriptions

• We are looking for an experienced Laboratory professional to lead the Clinical Laboratories at Fajara. The post-holder has the overarching and priority goal of establishing and maintaining a clinical laboratory service according to Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP) and ISO15189 standards.
• S / he must develop functional working relationships with co-supervisors to ensure high quality clinical laboratory services.
• The post-holder must also create and maintain positive communication channels and relationships with scientists, clinicians, visitors, collaborators and other staff to optimize the clinical laboratory quality and services.

Essential Requirements

• M.Sc or equivalent from an accredited university.
• Significant experience of active work in a clinical laboratory environment with experience of providing laboratory support to clinical trials.
• Previous experience in a laboratory management role.
• Demonstrated knowledge of new and specialized clinical laboratory technologies and techniques.
• Good working knowledge of a Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
• Demonstrated knowledge in international accreditation standards and their implementation (i.e. ISO 15189 and / or GCLP).
• Experience in implementing change management as it pertains to ensuring quality improvement around laboratory practices and safety.
• Good working knowledge of training laboratory-based staff and developing competency-based training plans.
• Experience in the safe shipment of research samples and infectious organisms.
• Computer literate (e.g Microsoft Office applications).
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Good budgetary and cost management skills.
• Good change management Skills.
• Keenness to train and impart knowledge.
• Good organisational and staff management skills with the ability to co-supervise staff with other managers.
• Experience of working with people from different disciplines and cultures.

Desirable:

• Substantial previous experience working in capacity development in Africa and / or the developing world.
• lATA Shipping Training.
• Training in quality management systems and processes as they pertain to research and / or clinical laboratory environments.
• Good working knowledge of cold chain and chain of custody sample management.
• Good working knowledge of procurement sources and storage procedures for laboratory consumables and equipment.

Salary and Benefit

• The salary will be paid in Grade 2, 34 Points of MRCG at LSHTMS payscale at a net monthly salary of 76, 475 Dalasis. This converts to a take home pay of $1, 530 approximately per month using the prevailing Dalasi / USD exchange rate.
• Please note that the salary wlll be paid in Dalasi and the USD figure is only given as a guide.
• For displaced staff the package will include rent-free furnished accommodation, flights, displacement allowance for spouse and children, contribution to school fees for children and shipment of personal effects.
• We cannot accept applications from Individuals who are currently, or were in the last six months, employed by The Gambia Government.
• The appointment will be for 3 years initially and subJect to a probationanry period of 6 months.

Application Closing Date
Friday, 26th March, 2021.