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Job Title:   Laboratory Manager

Organisation: Medical Research Council (MRC UK) /UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit

Duty Station: Entebbe, Uganda

Reports to: Head of Sequencing Platform

About Organisation:

The Medical Research Council (MRC UK) is an internationally recognised centre of excellence with dominant research themes in the areas of HIV and emerging infections, vaccines and immunity, and chronic diseases and cancer. Through a multidisciplinary approach, intersecting basic science, epidemiological research, social-behavioural research and the conduct of new intervention evaluation studies, the Unit contributes knowledge on changing epidemics and diseases, the evaluation of innovative health care options, treatment and prevention and the development of health policy and practice in Africa and worldwide. Following the signing of strategic transfer agreements between the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) and the Medical Research Council (MRC UK), the Unit formally joined LSHTM on 1st February 2018. The exciting new partnership will boost research capacity into current and emerging health issues in Africa and throughout the world. The Unit is based at the UVRI Entebbe campus with established outposts in Kalungu, Masaka, Wakiso and Kampala Districts.

Job Summary:  The Laboratory Manager will be responsible for organizing the platform workflow and facilities allocation to users to maximize efficiency, speed, and quality and cost control for all projects.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Principal duties;

• To participate and participate in ongoing sequencing platform projects including lab testing and data analysis;
• Supervises Platform maintenance and organises QC, calibrations, equipment maintenance and maintenance controls;
• Keeps stock inventory and reorders consumables/reagents, verifies delivery and liaises with suppliers on quality, performance and cost issues;
• Keeps track of SOPs in use in the lab and acts as a central reference;
• Keeps central records of all Platform equipment and their location;
• Assists with special technical, logistics and coordination problems associated with running the Platform;
• Supervises all users of Platform equipment, signs off users as competent for all equipment;
• Evaluates existing procedures for possible improvements in reliability and efficiency;
• Applies GCLP and verifies audit preparedness;
• Follows safety procedures and checks, keeps COSHH documentation for all reagents, supervises induction of new users and keep training records;
• Participate in the operation of the various sequencing protocols in the lab; and,
• Supervise the training of laboratory staff, visiting scientists and graduate students in the various sequencing and bioinformatics protocols in the platform.

Financial management;

• Accountability for and close monitoring of Platform expenditure and recoveries;
• Defines specifications and obtains quotes for procurement of consumables and equipment.
• Prepares orders and manages Platform budget;
• Arranges service contracts for preventive maintenance of all equipment;
• Issues invoices for services provided by the Platform; and,
• Works with the quality manager to support internal and external audits.

Line management responsibilities;

• Supervises a team of laboratory technologists, graduate students and other visiting laboratory scientists.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences;
• MSc in Biological Sciences (Virology, Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics, etc.);
• Allied Health Professionals License is desirable;
• Should possess more than two years’ experience in a research laboratory preferably in sequencing;
• Experience in biomedical laboratory and working to GCLP standards;
• Experience with IATA or an IATA certification;
• Experience managing and supporting different teams;
• Experience working in collaboration with external regulatory agencies;
• Demonstrable experience in administration and resource management;
• Experience of sequencing protocols such as sanger and next generation sequencing;
• Experience of bioinformatics analysis;
• Should possess knowledge of GCP/GCLP;
• Knowledge of safety regulations;
• Provision of high-quality training and supervision to staff and students;
• Lead quality assurance programs;
• Independent assay development & troubleshooting of new procedures;
• Should possess knowledge of laboratory molecular diagnostic and genomics skills;
• Ability to work independently;
• Excellent interpersonal skills;
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing;
• Good organizational skills; and,
• Time management.

How to Apply
Follow the link below to fill a form and submit your application documentation:

 Click  Here

Filling the form more than once will lead to automatic disqualification. High level of integrity while filling the form is required and will be considered during shortlisting.

All candidates should combine all their application documentation i.e. cover letter, CV & certified copies of academic documents into one PDF document. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview. This position is open to Ugandan nationals only. Strictly follow the application procedure

as failure to do so will lead to automatic disqualification. Only online applications through the link provided will be accepted. You will receive a notification in your email if your application and documentation have been successfully received.

 N.B:  You will be required to present certified copies of your academic documentation before employment.

The applications should be addressed to:

The Head of Human Resources,

MRC/ UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit, P.O. Box, 49, Entebbe, Uganda.

Consider your application unsuccessful if not contacted within eight (8) weeks after the closing date of the advert. Any form of lobbying at any stage will lead to automatic disqualification. By submitting your personal information, you consent to the MRC/ UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit holding and using it in accordance with its recruitment policy and procedure. The Unit reserves the right to verify documents attached with the relevant awarding institutions to authenticate their validity.

NB: MRC/UVRI & LSHTM Uganda Research Unit strives for inclusion and diversity and therefore considers all job applicants based on merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, age, marital status, and disability. We highly encourage persons with disabilities to apply and compete for different job openings at the Unit. The Unit is an equal opportunity employer committed to having a diverse work force and does not ask for money at any stage of recruitment.

Deadline: 19th July 2024

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