Chief Research Technologist: Laboratory Lead - HIDRU - R 506A at South African Medical Research Council

The South African Medical Research Council, HIV and Other Infectious Diseases Research Unit requires a qualified and experienced Laboratory Lead to oversee laboratory functioning at their 6 onsite laboratories and central laboratory facilities.

The successful candidate must have extensive knowledge of the functioning of clinical trial laboratories. They should have technical and scientific knowledge and management experience with research and diagnostic laboratories.

Responsibilities

• Management of central laboratory, central biorepository and site laboratories
• Prepare all areas of the laboratory for audits ie. SAHPRA, SANAS, GCLP, FDA
• To oversee internal compliancy checks and corrective action
• Management of multiple laboratory projects and studies
• Laboratory set up for new studies, new analyzers, new tests and methods
• Development and maintenance of service level agreements with contracted laboratories
• Development and review of laboratory SOPs
• Oversee the laboratory EQA and IQA program
• Management of laboratory staff
• Laboratory risk management
• Laboratory safety management
• Laboratory asset management
• Laboratory stock management
• Laboratory document management,
• Laboratory supply chain management,
• To provide training and support to laboratory staff

Core Requirements

• B. Tech in Biomedical Technology - Clinical Pathology, or equivalent 4-year qualification in Laboratory Science / Biomedical Science or similar relevant qualification or higher
• Registered with the HPCSA (Medical Technologist: Clinical Pathology)
• 5 years laboratory experience
• 5 years clinical trial experience
• 1-2 years management leadership responsibilities/ experience
• Experience with SANAS ISO15189 audit requirements – certificate required
• Computer literate on Microsoft Excel; Word, PowerPoint

Advantageous

• Masters/PhD in laboratory science within HIV or other infectious diseases
• Certification in GCLP and International Air Transport Association (IATA) Certification
• A valid certificate in Good Clinical Practice (GCP)
• Previous Laboratory management experience within a clinical trial setting
• Experience with Laboratory audits, e.g. SANAS, FDA, GCLP etc

Attributes

• Able to work independently with minimum supervision
• Able to meet strict deadlines
• Able to work under pressure and multi-task.
• Be a team player with excellent interpersonal and organizational skills
• Excellent English, both verbal and written
• Be pro-active, self-motivated, and energetic
• Be flexible, adaptable, and innovative