Laboratory Manager (Research) at UNC Project

UNC Project Malawi, a biomedical research, training and service organization based in Lilongwe, invites applications from suitably qualified and experienced individuals to fill the following positions:

LABORATORY MANAGER (RESEARCH)

 

Job Summary

The Laboratory Manager (Research) is responsible for the overall operation and administration of the Laboratory. Requires close working relationship with the Laboratory Supervisors to ensuring that the Laboratory employees perform their duties in accordance with the requirements of the study protocols, Good Laboratory Practices and quality requirements of the UNC Project. The Laboratory Manager must be accessible to the Laboratory to provide onsite, telephone or electronic consultation as needed.

 

Main Duties/Responsibilities

Administrative

• Assist in hiring, evaluation and discipline of Laboratory personnel.
• Ensure that all Laboratory personnel are in good professional standing with local regulatory bodies or are properly registered with international agencies where appropriate for the implementation of their duties.
• Liaise with study coordinators, study investigators, field coordinators and all relevant staff ensuring that research and project protocols run smoothly.
• Schedule general Laboratory staff meetings on a monthly basis and attend study meetings.
• Ensure the ordering and maintenance supply inventory from vendors to meet workload.
• Ensure that all Laboratory supplies needing customs clearance are dealt with promptly and in accordance with the Project’s tax status and Malawian regulations.
• Ensure the staffing schedule, workflow coordination and that Laboratory sections are adequately staffed.  Ensure Laboratory equipment is regularly maintained, calibrated and functioning optimally.
• Coordinate the writing and reviewing of the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all routine Laboratory activities

 

Research Support

• Act as the point contact between Laboratory and principal investigators or external research partners
• Manage study approvals, ethics submission, and compliance with research regulations
• Ensure accuracy in sample collection, processing, storage and data research for specific study protocols
• Assist in grant application, budgeting for research studies and reporting on Laboratory study milestones
• Oversee the procurement processes of the Laboratory consumables, reagents and equipment by liaising with approved vendors and suppliers
• Provide and coordinate the training of new researchers or staff in study specific Laboratory procedures
• Maintain up to date records of inventory levels and ordering history to ensure cost efficiency and consistency in supply availability.

 

Technical

• Assist in design, and monitor implementation of Laboratory results, procedures and programs to assure the adequate level of quality is met for all studies. (Quality Assurance Program).
• Improve and maintain Laboratory at a level equivalent to CLIA/CAP standards.
• Supervise the designing, implementation and maintenance of the Laboratory Quality Control Program.
• Design and implement technical training as needed to meet Laboratory goals.
• Ensure that approved procedure manuals are available to all testing personnel.
• Review and revise Laboratory procedure manuals on a semi–annual or annual basis.
• Design and implement Laboratory training programs as needed for project and community support.
• Ensure that the Laboratory is enrolled in an approved proficiency-testing program and that the test results are returned within the timeframes established by the proficiency-testing program. Respond to deficiencies in the proficiency test results.
• Maintain Laboratory support for current studies including technical support and resolution of problems.
• Design an inventory equipment and maintenance program for this equipment including long-term replacement/repair based on anticipated workload and study demands.
• Oversee the process of preparing the international shipments of dangerous goods samples.

 

Support

• Resolve on-site problems including equipment failure, utility failures, testing errors, personnel problems, supply shortages and Government issues.
• Review and monitor the Laboratory computer program to assure data is being correctly released to the studies.

 

Safety

• Support and monitor Laboratory safety programs
• Ensure that the environmental conditions of the Laboratory are appropriate for testing and safe for the employees.

 

General

• Demonstrate a cooperative attitude in relationships with colleagues and other personnel.
• Maintain confidentiality of patients, patient results and project operations.
• Delegate responsibilities to Laboratory Supervisors in his/her absence.  Use all facilities and supplies with care and in a cost–effective manner.
• Assist with other duties as assigned by the Country Director.

 

Qualifications, Skills and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Laboratory Technology, Biomedical Science, or a related field, and a Master’s degree in a scientific discipline or related field
• Registered with Medical Council of Malawi
• Prior experience in a Laboratory management role
• Strong understanding of Laboratory safety and regulatory requirements
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills
• Proficiency with Laboratory Information Systems (LIS) and Laboratory Data Management System (LDMS)
• Experience in Laboratory supply order and inventory management
• Strong leadership and team-building abilities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Minimum of 3-5 years’ experience in a Laboratory setting
• In-depth knowledge of Laboratory equipment and procedures in a research setting
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple tasks simultaneously
• Knowledge of both Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP) standards
• Experience with project management.

Method Of Application

Please send your applications via email to:

The Country Director

UNC Project

Lilongwe.

Email: [email protected]

Deadline for receiving applications: Wednesday, June 25, 2025

Only shortlisted candidates will be acknowledged.