Reports to Assistant Technical Manager. The incumbent will be responsible for the day-to-day oversight of the CIDRZ Haematology Laboratory. This role is responsible for ensuring the smooth functioning of the Haematology lab by coordinating personnel, maintaining equipment and supplies, troubleshooting nonconformances, instigating CAPA, validating test results, ensuring compliance with safety, GCLP, and ISO15189 standards, and supporting the advancement of scientific research activities.

Main Duties:

• Supervises daily laboratory operations to ensure a safe, organised, and efficient working environment.
• Ensures the timely release of test results and respond to any queries from Laboratory users.
• Oversees the setup, calibration, operation, and maintenance of laboratory equipment.
• Coordinates inventory management, including procurement and proper storage of reagents, consumables, and equipment for the specialised lab under his or her supervision.
• Maintains accurate and up-to-date laboratory documentation, including SOPs, and review records such as temperature logs, equipment logs, and maintenance records, e.t.c.
• Supervises, mentors, and coordinates schedules for Biomedical Scientists, Biomedical Technologists, interns, and students.
• Conducts performance evaluations and appraisals and recommend professional development plans.
• Provides onboarding and continuing training for lab personnel in diagnostics and research protocols, safety procedures, and best practices.
• Works with the laboratory manager to assist researchers and principal investigators with the planning and execution of experimental protocols.
• Under the laboratory and QA/QC managers’ supervision, performs the validation and verification of new assays.
• Works with the laboratory manager to calculate measurement of uncertainties for quantitative assays.
• Ensures lot-to-lot validations are performed for any new lots of reagents.
• Ensures accuracy, reliability, and reproducibility of experimental results.
• Implements and monitors quality control and quality assurance procedures in accordance with research or clinical guidelines (e.g., GLP, GCLP, ISO).
• Under the laboratory manager’s supervision, analyse and interpret quality control and quality assurance data for continuous process improvement.
• Maintains sample integrity and chain-of-custody documentation for biological samples.
• Works with data management team to generate packing lists and coordinate Tb isolates/sample shipments.
• Aligns all laboratory procedures to the Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GLCP) and ISO15189 standards.
• Conducts health and safety inductions for new hires, interns, and students.
• Ensures strict compliance with CIDRZ, national, and international biosafety, biosecurity, and ethical regulations.
• Conducts safety risk assessments and update safety records
• Coordinates safety training, emergency procedures, and chemical hygiene plans for laboratory personnel.
• Participates in internal and external audits, inspections, and accreditation processes.
• Collaborates with laboratory management on budgeting, resource planning, and project scheduling.
• Prepares reports, data summaries, and presentations for research investigators, sponsors, or regulatory authorities.
• Contributes to grant applications and project proposals where applicable.

 Requirements:

• Grade 12 certificate
• Bachelor’s degree in biomedical science or related field (Master’s degree is an added advantage).
• Professional certification (e.g., HCPZ).
• Minimum of 5 years’ laboratory experience, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or senior role.
• Sound technical experience working in tuberculosis and microbiology laboratories
• Experience in implementing quality management systems (QMS)
• Experience in clinical trials or translational research.
• Solid knowledge and experience of developing and compliance with laboratory safety policy, especially BSL-3 laboratory, GLP/GCLP standards, and research methodologies.
• Experience with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and digital data reporting tools.
• Prior experience with responding to external GCLP and accreditation audits, and regulatory inspections.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent organizational and time-management abilities.
• High attention to detail and problem-solving aptitude.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Commitment to maintaining high scientific and ethical standards.
• Understanding of laboratory procedures for hematological diagnosis, flowcytometry techniques, processing and freezing of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells and other sample types for storage and shipment.
• Familiarity with ISO 15189 or CAP accreditation processes.
• Knowledge of emerging technologies in molecular biology, immunology, or cell culture..

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