Laboratory Manager at Medical Research Council Unit, The Gambia

The Medical Research Council (MRC) Unit, The Gambia, The Gambia is the Medical Research Council’s largest establishment conducting laboratory, field based and clinical research in a developing country. To reflect changes in national and global health priorities and new international funding opportunities a new research portfolio has been organized under three themes: Child Survival: Disease Control & Elimination: Vaccinology. These themes have been selected to target national health needs, to reinforce sub-regional and international links and to address some of the major current priorities in the Millennium Global Health Goals

We are looking for  Laboratory Manager to be based at MRC Basse who will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the Basse Field Station’s Research Laboratory providing technical and managerial support to the various research projects hosted at the site. In addition, s/he will develop processes towards a steady programme of quality improvement and change management to ensure that all related laboratory practices meet the MRC guidelines and accepted international standards.

 Job Position: Laboratory Manager

 The post-holder will be based in Basse, which is in a rural area approximately 400 kilometres from the coast where local facilities and schooling are limited.

 Requirement:

We seek someone with:

 Candidates must possess B.Sc/MSc in Biomedical science or related discipline.

A minimum of 5 years experience of active work in a research laboratory environment.

A minimum of 3 years experience in a laboratory management role.

Experience in the use and management of routine research laboratory technology.

Demonstrated knowledge of new and specialized research laboratory technologies and techniques.

Demonstrated knowledge in international accreditation standards and their implementation (i.e. ISO/IEC 15189:2007 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.

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.

Experience in the safe shipment of biological samples.

Computer literate (e.g., Microsoft Office applications)

Excellent written and spoken English.

Excellent communicator with demonstrated potential for working in a diverse team.

Excellent time management skills.

Good budgetary and cost management skills.

Good change management skills.

Keenness to train and impart knowledge.

Good organizational and staff management skills (note: with the ability to co-supervise staff with other managers).

Experience of working with people from different disciplines and cultures.

Preferred

 Previous experience working in capacity development in Africa and/or the developing world.

IATA Shipping Training.

Training in quality management systems and processes as they pertain to research and/or clinical laboratory environments.

The post will be for 3 years, extendable by mutual agreement. The salary will be in Occupational Group D2/D3 dependent on qualifications and experience. The salary for Occupational Group D2 s within the range of 360,180 to 442, 934 Dalasis per annum after tax. This is equivalent to a salary range of $12,000 to $14, 760 per annum after tax. The salary for Occupational Group D3 is within the range of 443, 819 to 526, 548 Dalasis per annum after tax. This is equivalent to a salary range of $14,784 to $17, 551 per annum after tax. Please note that the salary is paid in Dalasi and USD figure quoted is given as guide using the prevailing Dalasi/USD exchange rate. The final salary on each occupational group will be dependent on qualifications and experience.

 For displaced staff the package will include, rent-free furnished accommodation at Basse, flights, contribution to school fees and shipment of personal effects.

 We cannot accept applications from people who are currently, or in the last 6 months, employed by The Gambia Government.

 

Application Closing Date

The closing date for the receipt of applications is on 20th August 2012.

 How to Apply

If you are interested and have the skills and abilities for this position please contact the Human Resources Office for an application form and a copy of the job description and person specification for the post. Completed application forms together with photocopies of qualifications should be returned to:

 

Human Resources Office

Vacancy for: Laboratory Manager (MRC Basse)

MRC Unit, Fajara

P.O. Box 273. Banjul.

Telephone: 4495442-6 & 4494072-9

E-mail: hr@mrc.gm

 

For further information about MRC Gambia visit www.mrc.gm

MRC is an equal opportunities employer and operates a strict no smoking policy.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.