Biobank Manager at Medical Research Council Unit, The Gambia

The MRC Unit, 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 four themes: Matemal, Neonatal & Child Health; Disease Control & Elimination; Nutrition; 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.

Medical Research Council Unit; The Gambia, is recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Biobank Manager

Location: Gambia

Job Descriptions

• We are looking for a Biobank Manager to be responsible for the management of all biobanking, sample transfer and related sample data archiving for MRG Unit,
• The Gambia, S/he will also be required to play a key role in supporting collaborating sites in the West African sub-region.
• The post-holder must be an excellent communicator and leader with demonstrated potential for working in a diverse team that includes academic, governmental and NGO partners.

Essential Requirements
We seek someone with:

• A minimum of a suitable Masters of Science Degree or equivalent from an accredited University with experience in research laboratories,
• 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 biological sample storage/archiving systems.
• Experience in implementing International Laboratory Accreditation standards (i.e.. ISO 15189) and good clinical laboratory practice (i.e, GCLP published standards).
• Good working knowledge of training laboratory-based staff and developing competency based training plans
• Good working knowledge care, use and management of a broad range of sample preparation and cold storage technologies.
• Good working knowledge of procurement sources and storage procedures for laboratory consumables and equipment.
• Experience in the safe shipment of clinical samples and infectious organisms.
• Computer literate (e.g. Microsoft Office applications)
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Willingness to work flexible hours.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Good organisational 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.

Desirable

• Experience working in health research.
• Substantial previous experience working in capacity development in Africa and/or the developing world.
• Good budgetary and cost management skills.
• Good change management skills.
• Keenness to train and impart knowledge.
• Experience in implementing change management as it pertains to ensuring quality improvement around laboratory practices and safety.
• The post will be for 3 years, extendable by mutual agreement.

Remuneration

• The salary will be paid in Grade 2 of MRC Unit. The Gambia's payscale at a gross mothly salary of 80. 753 Dalasi and net monthly salary of 67, 280 Dalasi. This converts to a gross salary of $1, 969 and a net pay of $1. 640 approximately per month using the prevailing Dalasi/USD exchange rate.
• Please note that the salary will be paid in Dalasi and that the USD figure quoted 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 and shipment of personal effects.

Application Closing Date
22nd December, 2014.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates for this position should 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: Biobank Manager
MRC Unit, Fajara, P.O.Box 273, Banjul.
Telephone: 4495442-6 & 4494072-9
E-mail: [email protected]

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

Note:

• MRC is an equal opportunities employer and operates a strict no smoking policy.
• Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.