Based in Lusaka, Zambia and reporting to the Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Chief Scientific Officer, the incumbent will be responsible for the overall operation and administration of the laboratory, including the employment of competent personnel, safety and quality systems, financial oversight and sustainability of the CIDRZ Central Laboratory and all satellite sites. Supported by a small team of highly qualified direct reports, this position oversees a team of diverse biomedical and support staff.  This role is responsible for ensuring that quality standards are maintained, growth achieved according to set targets, and that CIDRZ maintains leadership in biomedical laboratory proficiency in Zambia.

Main Duties:

• Oversight and supervision of all laboratory activities. 
• Oversees implementation of laboratory Quality Assurance and Safety Program to assure the adequate level of quality is met for all studies.
• Improves and maintains laboratory at level equivalent to ISO 15189 standards.
• Ensures that the laboratory is enrolled in approved proficiency-testing programs and that the test results are returned within the timeframes established by the proficiency-testing programs. Responds to deficiencies in the proficiency test results.
• Maintains laboratory support for current studies including technical support and resolution of problems.
• Ensures equipment inventory as well as equipment maintenance programs are functioning well.
• Plans for both short & long-term replacement/repair of equipment based on anticipated workload and study demands.
• Oversees the quality control and quality assurance audit processes to ensure that the laboratory’s accreditation is maintained and enhanced.
• Ensures that the Laboratory’s storage facilities, including freezers meets required international standards.
• Oversees international shipments including sensitive / dangerous goods and samples.
• Works with relevant teams to prepare for monitoring visits, prepares and presents progress reports and analytical lab-related reports/ presentations/publications to meet organizational and international standards as requested by funding agencies, CIDRZ leadership team, and for international forums.
• Promotes management and accountability, leadership and team-building skills to ensure smooth and efficient operation of the laboratory teams
• Oversees and mentors Lab Managers & Bench Supervisors on resolution of on-site problems including equipment failure, utility failures, testing errors, supply shortages.
• In collaboration with the Biomedical Research Unit, oversees and supports the platform for the development of Laboratory based research.
• Manages and oversees the performance management system of the Laboratory, employee evaluation process by counseling and disciplining employees; planning, monitoring, and appraising job results
• Reviews performance data from financial reports, sales and activity reports to monitor and measure productivity, goal progress and activity levels in the department
• Efficiently and effectively manages the operations of the lab to ensure client and stakeholder satisfaction.
• Oversight of the Laboratory Business to maintain superior service levels; develop and actualize new initiatives for continual development of the commercial aspect of the laboratory.
• Nurtures development of new services and increase the business share on the Zambian market.  
• Participates or leads in grant applications for laboratory-based research studies  
• Introduction of new assays/technologies/training programs as needed in consultation with the senior CIDRZ staff.
• Liaison and oversight with Basic Science research laboratory lead to ensure Quality Management Systems ( QMS) are in place to ensure all new platforms meet the set standards and have all required accreditations as needed.
• Provides overall supervision of the finance and procurement operations at the Lab.
• Holds fiscal responsibility over the CIDRZ laboratory budgets and expenditure.
• Ultimate responsibility for delivery of accurate and timely laboratory results to all clients of the laboratory.
• Tracks turnaround time (TAT) for all samples processed by the Laboratory in order to identify gaps for improvement
• Ensures timely and accurate communication of results, challenges, breakdowns, delays etc to all stakeholders: clients, researchers, partners, donors etc
• Oversees the functioning of the laboratory Information Management Systems to assure data is being correctly released to the studies.
• Troubleshoot and explore efficiency enhancements and seek out best tools and programs to support the system.

Qualifications:

• Masters in related field or MBCHB/MD with relevant training will be considered. PhD is an added advantage. 
• 10 or more years’ experience in the senior management of an internationally accredited research laboratory  .
• Current certification in ISO 15189, Protections of Human Subjects and Good Laboratory Practices.
• Excellent interpersonal and group skills; able to motivate and build leaders to manage their teams.
• Ability to work in complex environments performing multiple tasks simultaneously, setting priorities, and working independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite software, use of databases and spread sheets, the internet medical literature search engines (e.g. Pub Med, Medline) and scientific writing
• High proficiency in oral and written English.
• Originates complex or technical reports which will be distributed outside the organization.

Suitably qualified candidates are invited to apply. However, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.