MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit Head of Clinical Laboratory Services Jobs

MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit Head of Clinical Laboratory Services Jobs


Key Responsibilities

  • The principal duties of the post-holder are to support the delivery of the Unit’s scientific
    strategy and objectives by ensuring the Unit’s laboratory services operate at accredited
    standards and deliver a cost-effective and timely service to Unit research projects through
    the following;

    Clinical Diagnostic Laboratory Service (CDLS)

    Main Accountabilities

  • Provide clinical diagnostic testing services that the support the Unit’s research portfolio
    across all Unit sites.

  • Manage the Unit’s clinical laboratories which include the following: Haematology ,
    Biochemistry/Serology, Microbiology and Molecular Diagnostics.

  • Manage department activities in line with budget and operate an effective cost -recovery
    model from research projects and partners (with support of Finance department).

  • Oversee procurement and stock levels of laboratory supplies ensuring that value-formoney is achieved and that wastage is minimized (with support of Procurement and
    Stores).

  • Oversee testing capacity and forecast demand for clinical laboratory testing and put in
    place appropriate laboratory staff levels accordingly (with support from HR and Unit COO)

  • Ensure national clinical laboratory accreditation is upheld and renewed as required; liaise with regulatory bodies and agencies as required.

    Service Delivery

  • Ensure that safe working practices within the CDLS and FSA/biorepository team are
    adhered to at all times.

  • Ensure that the team operates within a secure and legal environment at all times, working
    towards the requirements of all Ugandan and UK acts, regulations and laid down codes of
    practice and guidance.

  • Ensure the team adheres to the National, Unit’s and LSHTM’s Health & Safety policies and
    procedures.

  • Manage the day-to-day Health & Safety of laboratory staff and visitors.

  • Take a lead role in the arrangements in Health & Safety management at the Unit.

  • Ensure risk to CDLS operation is identified and appropriately managed in the relevant
    areas.

  • Retaining formal records of key documents and data for management and audit purposes

  • Minimising planned equipment and service downtimes.

  • Ensuring fire safety installations are maintained and appropriate, in collaboration with Unit Health & Safety and Estates departments.

  • Keeping oversight and auditable records of the inventory of materials and equipment.
    Managing Staff

  • Continuously develop professional capacity of department staff in line with the Unit’s
    capacity building mandate and scientific strategy of the Unit, through on-the-job training,
    coaching, mentoring and formal trainings via the Unit’s Training department.

  • Conduct annual appraisals for direct reports and ensure all other CDLS and FSA department staff are appraised annually by their respective line managers.

  • Ensuring all activities are carried in line with LSHTM’s Health & Safety expectations and
    statutory Health & Safety requirements.

    Research

  • The post holder is encouraged to explore research opportunities within CDLS and involving
    CDLS staff, taking into consideration that these need to be fully funded and not interfere with providing a cost-effective clinical diagnostic services to the Unit.

    Quality of Service

  • It is important that the Unit’s diagnostics and other CDLS services are delivered in a customeroriented fashion.

    This post-holder ensures the department is;

  • Responsive.

  • Promptly communicating to users’ new developments such as new services, changes to
    services, service disruptions etc .

  • Pro-actively resolving issues.

  • Upholding high standards of professionalism.

  • Ensure laboratory services are effective across all field stations, which requires regular
    direct interactions with staff outside Entebbe.

  • Take responsibility for the overall quality of the service delivery.

  • Lead the team's self-assessment process supporting the team in setting targets and
    agreeing performance indicators for improvement.

    Financial Management & Cost Recovery

    General financial management of the department include the following activities:

  • Accountability for and close monitoring of department expenditure and recoveries.

  • Adherence to and effective utilization of CDLS and FSA budgets in keeping with the
    Unit’s/LSHTM’s delegated authority scheme.

  • Working with Procurement to ensure value for money is achieved when procuring services or items.

  • Support the delivery of capital projects and associated reporting within spending timeframes.

  • Support of internal and external audits.
    The post-holder ensures that core expenditure recovery from externally funded research
    grants is maximized. This includes the following activities:

  • Cost of services are regularly reviewed and need for adjustment discussed with Unit COO.

  • Instructions for project charges are communicated to the Finance department in a timely
    manner.

  • Follow-up of outstanding recoveries to avoid loss of Unit income.

    Line Management Responsibilities

  • The post holder is responsible for managing a dynamic multidisciplinary team including team
    of more than 20 staff.

    As such, the Head of Clinical Laboratory Services is responsible for ensuring the following:

  • Staff are enabled to perform their assigned duties as expected.

  • Staff professional development is nurtured in line with the Unit’s and LSHTM’s capacity
    building goals.

  • There is a positive and supportive work environment in the department.

  • Staff feel included and valued and their professional feedback and proposals are heard
    and considered.

  • Staff expectations are clearly communicated.

  • Staff performance is regularly monitored.

  • Potential conflicts are resolved promptly and decisively, involving HR support where
    needed.

    LSHTM Integration

    The Unit transferred to LSHTM in 2018. The post-holder is expected to support the further
    integration of the Unit into the School by;

  • Engage constructively with departments across LSHTM, as needed.

  • Harmonize CDLS Policies and Procedures with wider LSHTM policy framework.

  • Capitalize on new opportunities that result from the transfer to improve staff training, quality of work and operational efficiency.

  • Develop proposals to harmonize workflow between London and the Unit.

  • Undertake any other duties within the grade as required by the Unit.

    Environment

  • Develop strategies to reduce adverse environmental impact of CDLS and FSA operations .

  • Participate in carbon emission reduction activities across the Unit and wider LSHTM,
    coordinate the development of the Units Energy Carbon Management Plan.

  • Act as an advocate for the responsible and efficient use of resources.

    Specifications:

  • MSc degree in Science, or equivalent experience, from an accredited University, research institute or similar employer with experience in management of clinical and research laboratories.

  • PhD Degree in Science, or equivalent experience, from an accredited University with experience in management of clinical and research laboratories is desired.

  • Significant experience of active work in a research/clinical laboratory environment.

  • Possession of significant experience in conducting and supervising an area of independent
    research is an added advantage.

  • 5 years or more experience in a laboratory management role.

  • Should have experience in implementing International Laboratory Accreditation standards.

  • Should possess experience in implementing change management, for example implementing new ways of working, approaches etc . which support and ensure quality improvement around laboratory output, practices and safety.

  • Experience managing biological sample collections, including pathogens and human
    tissue, in a safe and legally compliant way.

  • Experience in the application and management of a broad range of research and clinical
    laboratory technologies.

  • Experience in the safe shipment of clinical samples and infectious organisms plus familiarity with laboratory management or bio banking software.

  • Experience in training laboratory-based staff and developing and executing competencybased training plans.

  • Should have excellent knowledge of Good Clinical Practice (GCP), Good Clinical Laboratory
    Practice (GCLP) and expertise in implementing ISO15189 quality standard.

  • Excellent spoken and written command of English with excellent communication skills with individuals at all levels of the organization.

    How to Apply

  • For more information and job application details, see; MRC/UVRI and LSHTM Uganda Research Unit Head of Clinical Laboratory Services Jobs


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