The MRC Unit, 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. To reflect changes in national and global health priorities and new international funding opportunities a new research portfolio has  been organized under three themes: Child Survival; Disease Control & Elimination; 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.

The Clinical Services Department (CSD) of the MRC Unit Fajara comprises a busy 42 bed ward, outpatient department, Gate (triage) clinic, X-ray department and routine diagnostic laboratories. Approximately 50,000 new patients are seen at the MRC's clinical facilities each year. Twenty four hour a day care is provided for the patients admitted to the wards while the outpatient service operates Monday to Friday during working hours.

Description Of Job

We are looking for a Clinical Laboratories Manager who will be responsible for the management of the clinical laboratories including the laboratory services. You will be responsible for the quality management of all the Unit's clinical laboratories and clinical laboratory procedures.

The post will be for 3 years, extendable by mutual agreement

The salary will be in Occupational Group E1/E2 dependent on qualifications and experience. For displaced staff the package will include displacement allowances, rent-free furnished accommodation, flights, contribution to school fees and shipment of personal effects

Qualification Required & Experience

We seek someone with:
Essential:

•  A minimum of a Master 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 routine research laboratory technology
•  Demonstrated knowledge new and specialized research laboratory technologies and techniques
•  Demonstrated knowledge in international accreditation standards and their implementation (i.e. ISO/IEC 15189:2007 and/or GCLP)
•  Experience in implementing change management as it pertains to ensuring quality improvement around laboratory practices and safety
•  Good working knowledge of training laboratory-based staff and developing competency based training plans
•  Good working knowledge of procurement sources and storage procedures for laboratory consumables and equipment
•  Experience in the safe shipment of research samples and infectious organisms
•  Computer literate (e.g., Microsoft Office applications)
•  Excellent written and spoken English
•  Excellent communicator with demonstrated potential for working in a diverse team
•  Excellent time management skills
•  Good budgetary and cost management skills
•  Good change management skills
•  Keenness to train and impart knowledge
•  Good organizational 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

Preferred:

•  Previous experience working a capacity development in Africa and/or the developing world
•  IATA Shipping Training
•  Training in quality management systems and processes as they pertain to research and/or clinical laboratory environments

How To Apply For The Job

If you are interested and have the skills and abilities for this position 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:

Clinical Laboratories Manager
MRC Unit, Fajara
P. O. Box 273
Banjul, The Gambia
West Africa

Telephone: +220 4495442-6 & +220 4494072-9
E-mail: hr@mrc.gm

Closing Date: 6th July, 2012

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

MRC is an equal opportunities employer and operates a strict no smoking policy