Laboratory Supervisor – Kwale at Kenya Medical Research Institute – KEMRI

Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) is a State Corporation established through the Science and Technology (Amendment) Act of 1979, which has since been amended to Science, Technology and Innovation Act 2013. The 1979 Act established KEMRI as a National body responsible for carrying out health research in Kenya.

Vacancy No. CVDC/012/03/23

Position summary

The candidate will be expected to supervise and support laboratory activities in Kwale KEMRI laboratory. The Laboratory Supervisor will be asked to oversee a team of laboratory technologists in the coordination and processing of clinical trial samples including sample receival, storage, processing and shipment. They will be in charge of implementing and overseeing quality assurance procedures and delegation of tasks within their team. The Laboratory supervisor will be asked to draft or assist in the drafting of a laboratory analytical plan and standard operating procedures (SOPs). The laboratory supervisor will lead the KEMRI Kwale Lab team of the BOHEMIA study and will work together with a team of field workers, scientists and clinicians providing support when requested. They will report to the BOHEMIA laboratory lead.

Job Specification

• Draft and/or oversee the drafting and reviewing of the study laboratory analytical plan and standard operating procedures (SOPs) including: receipt and registration of samples, sample quality control, storage of biological samples, follow-up of samples and resolution of anomalies, among others;
• Ensure all procedures follow established and approved SOPs and regulatory requirements for the protection of human participants;
• Conduct trainings of junior lab technologists and field workers;
• Oversee that sample registration and storage processes are in place and flowing as appropriate;
• Ensure and oversee adequate sample labelling and storage;
• Lead and coordinate quality assurance activities and anomalies resolution;
• Keep an open communication with the project manager and other study teams;
• Ensure compliance with Good Clinical Practices (GCP) and Good Clinical Laboratory Practices (GCLP;
• Lead the preparation of sample shipment to the processing laboratories in Kilifi, Kenya, and Basel, Switzerland.
• Follow all biosafety rules applicable in the work area;
• Whenever necessary, other tasks may be assigned.

Person specification

• Degree in medical laboratory sciences or equivalent qualification
• Registration Certificate issued by the Kenya Medical Laboratory Technicians and Technologists Board (KMLTTB)
• Valid practicing license from KMLTTB
• Training in GCP and GCLP.
• IATA certificate.
• Proficiency in reading and writing in English and Kiswahili;
• Experience working in clinical trials, following and drafting study protocols and SOPs;
• Experience training junior laboratory staff, students or interns;
• Knowledge of basic informatics: ability to work with basic computer programs (Microsoft Office package, Google Chrome) and input data into a tablet;
• Excellent organizational skills;
• Good communication and leadership skills;
• Excellent interpersonal skills including: problem-solving, team leadership, flexibility, adaptability and ability to work in a multicultural environment;
• Experience working in malaria-related research or programme will be an added advantage;
• Experience managing teams and coordinating human resources and procurement in the laboratory will be an added advantage;
• Experience working in Kwale County or knowledge of the area will be an added advantage

Terms of Employment

Eight (8) months renewable contract as per KEMRI scheme of service. Probation period for the first 3 months. Salary is payable within the stated job grade