Clinical Laboratories Manager at Medical Research Council (MRC) 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. The Unit aims to improve the health of people in developing countries by contributing to the development, testing and safe adoption of interventions aimed at reducing the burden of morbidity and mortality from infectious diseases.

Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for the post of Clinical Laboratories Manager. The post-holder will manage the Haematology, Biochemistry and Microbiology laboratories at the main site at Fajara, which includes responsibility for quality management of the Clinical Laboratories at Fajara and all clinical laboratory procedures conducted at any of the Unit’s Clinical Laboratories. He/she will have the overarching and priority goal of establishing and maintaining a clinical laboratory service according to Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP) standards; will advise scientific staff on available clinical tests and costs; will identify training needs, opportunities and initiatives for Laboratory Technicians and will establish, implement and maintain policies and procedures to ensure the integrity of the chain of custody systems.

Title: Clinical Laboratories Manager

Job Description
He/she will also collaborate with the Unit’s Clinical Services to refine and improve the clinical laboratory services and will maintain the GCLP standard within the Clinical Laboratories to ensure continued accreditation. In addition, the post-holder will provide guidance and support for research laboratories towards meeting international quality standards and external accreditation (e.g ISO 15189 and/or GCLP) as appropriate.

Essential Requirements:

• 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.
• Demonstrated knowledge in international accreditation standards and their implementation (i.e. ISO 15189 and/or GCLP).
• Good organisational and staff management skills (note: with the ability to co-supervise staff with other managers).

Desirable:
Substantial previous experience working in capacity development in Africa and/or the developing world.

Remuneration
Salary will be in Grade 2 of MRC Unit, The Gambia’s payscale.
This is a local appointment and the salary will be paid in Gambian Dalasi with displacement allowances, furnished accommodation, flights, contribution to school fees for children and other benefits for displaced staff.
The appointment will be for 2 years in the first instance and is subject to a probationary period of six months.

Application Closing Date
15th March 2014

Method of Application
Please contact the Human Resources Department at [email protected] for an application form and a copy of the Job Description/Person Specification for the post. Completed applications should be sent to:

Human sources Office:
Vacancy for: Clinical Laboratories Manager
MRC Unit, The Gambia
P. O. Box 273
Banjul.
Tel: 00220 4495442
E-mail: [email protected]

For further information about MRC Unit, The Gambia visit: www.mrc.gm
The closing date for the receipt of applications is 15th March 2014.
MRC is an Equal Opportunities Employer and operates a strict no smoking policy.