Laboratory Supervisor Job in Kenya

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Laboratory Supervisor Job in Kenya

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Vacancy No. CVDC/012/03/23

Project description

BOHEMIA (Broad One-Health Endectocide-based Malaria Intervention in Africa) is a UNITAID funded project affiliated to the Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) conducting a cluster randomized controlled trial (cRCT) to evaluate ivermectin mass drug administration (MDA) to humans and cattle for malaria prevention trial in Kwale county. The project’s local implementing partner is KEMRI, through Kwale and Kilifi KEMRI Centers.

The project is seeking to appoint laboratory supervisor to support the team in implementing a robust, multi-faceted cluster randomised controlled trial based in Kwale country.

POSITION: Laboratory supervisor (1 position)

LOCATION:  Kwale,

Job Grade: KMR 5

REPORTING TO: Clinical trial coordinator, study monitors and principal investigators.

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.

How to Apply

Applications MUST include the following:

  • Letter of Application (INDICATE VACANCY NUMBER)
  • Current Curriculum Vitae with telephone number and e-mail address
  • Contacts of three referees including telephone numbers and/or e-mail addresses
  • Copies of Certificates.
  • Contact telephone number.

All the applications to be done through KEMRI Website www.kemri.go.ke/e-recruitmentportal– on or before March 24, 2023, latest 5.00 p.m. Please visit the KEMRI web site http://www.kemri.go.ke for more details on the advertisement.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

KEMRI IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER; WOMEN AND DISABLED PERSONS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY. KEMRI DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF ITS SELECTION PROCESS INCLUDING APPLICATION, INTERVIEW

MEETING AND PROCESSING OF OFFER LETTER. IF ASKED FOR A FEE, REPORT SUCH REQUEST IMMEDIATELY TO RELEVANT AUTHORITY

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted

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