The Keneba field station is 3-hours' drive from the main site at Fajara. The MRC has carried out nutritional research in Keneba village and the surrounding areas for over 50 years. There is a Clinical Services Department where routine antenatal, mother-and-baby clinics, dietary supplementation and general medical clinics are,held. 

To meet the increasing need for Laboratory Support to research projects and clinical trials undertaken at the Keneba Field Station and to provide on-site leadership for roll out of ISO 15189 compliance of laboratories across the Unit, it is intended to appoint a Laboratory Manager for the Field Station. The post-holder will deveiop processes towards a programme of quality improvement and change management to ensure that all laboratory practices meet MRC guidelines and international quality standards. Sihe will also be required to work with collaborating sites across the West African sub-region as defined by the Senior Laboratory Manager. The post-holder must be an excellent communicator and a leader with demonstrated potential for working in a diverse team. 

The length of appointment will be 3 years initially and extendable by mutual agreement. 

We seek someone with: 

Essential Requirements: 

• Minimum of a BSe degree in the Biologicai Sciences (or related field) and a suitable Masters of Science Degree or equivalent from an accredited University. 

• A minimum of 5 years experience of active work in a research laboratory environment post qualification: 

• A minimum of 3 years expenence In a laboratory management role: 

• Experience in the use and management of routine and research laboratory technology. 

• Demonstrated knowledge of new and specialized laboratory technologies and techniques. 

• Demonstrated knowledge in intemational accreditation standards and their implementation (e.g. ISO 15189). 

• Experience in implementing change management as it pertains to ensuring quality improvement around laboratory 

practices and safety. 

• Good working knowledge of training laboratory-based staff and developing competency based training plans. 

• Experience in the safe shipment of biological samples. 

• Computer literate (e.g, Microsoft Office applications). 

Desirables: 

• Substantiai previous experience working in capacity development in Africa andlor the developing world. 

• IATA Shipping Training. 

• Training in quality management systems and processes as they perlain to research andior clinical laboratory environments. 

• Good working knowledge of cold chain and chain of custody sample management. 

• Good working knowledge of procurement sources and storage procedures for laboratory consumables and equipment. 

• Keenness to train and impart knowledge. 

• Good organisational and staff management skills with the ability to co-supervise staff with other managers. 

• Experience of working with people from different disciplines 

and cultures. 

The salary will be paid in Grade 2 (30 Points) of MRC Unit, The Gambia payscale at an annual net salary of GMD585, 869. 

This is equivalent to approximately $14, 289 take home pay using the prevailing exchange rate plus rent free fumished accommodation, flights, contribution to school fees forchildren and other benefits for displaced staff. 

If you are interested and have the skills and abilities for this senior position please contact the Human Resources Office for an application form and a copy of the job description and person specification for the post. 

Completed application forms together with photocopies of qualifications should be returned to: 

Human sources Office:

Vacancy for: Laboratory Manager (Keneba Field Station)

MRC Unit, The Gambia

Tel: 00220 4495442

E-mail: [email protected]

The closing date for the receipt of applications is 18th July 2014.

MRC is an Equal Opportunities Employer and operates a strict no smoking policy