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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