DIAGNOSTIC LABORATORY MANAGER

Recruitment Advert

Extended Closing Date

REFERENCE NUMBER: DUR/DIALABMAN/001/2016/DEC

The Africa Centre for Population Health of the University of KwaZulu-Natal has merged with the KwaZulu-Natal Research Institute for TB-HIV (K-RITH) to form the Africa Health Research Institute (AHRI) one of South Africa’s largest independent research institutes.

The unification of these local institutes brings together the basic science research of K-RITH and the population based surveillance and health intervention of the Africa Centre into a new interdisciplinary research institute.  We aim to become a source of fundamental discoveries into the susceptibility, transmission and cure of HIV and TB and related diseases, seeking ways to improve diagnosis, prevention and treatment.  AHRI is committed to motivating young scientists to address the crises of TB and HIV by expanding the science education opportunities in the region as well as strengthening the TB and HIV research capabilities of scientists across Africa.

AHRI’s principal funders are Wellcome Trust and HHMI and is the only research institute in the world receiving substantial joint funding from these two donors.  UKZN and University College London are AHRI’s research and academic partners.

Brief overview of the position:

The Diagnostic Laboratory Manager will be expected to work as part of a dynamic multidisciplinary team in AHRI focusing on TB and HIV research. The incumbent will be responsible for ensuring the provision of efficient and effective diagnostic and research operations, of the Microbiology, Virology and Molecular Diagnostic Research Core laboratories, to support numerous principal investigators and their research staff and students.   The incumbent will be responsible for coordinating personnel and resources within the cores, the interpretation and quality assurance of the test data before releasing results, problem solving, improving and enhancing existing technical capabilities, maintaining an organised laboratory, functional equipment and ensuring a safe environment.  The Diagnostic Core Manager will also be responsible for assisting in the implementation and maintenance of a Laboratory Information Management system (LIMS) and ISO15189 in the core laboratories. In addition, the Diagnostic Core Manager will liaise with internal and external stakeholders (such as the data centre, PIs and funders) to assist with project planning and budgets, progress reports and data consolidation. This position will also be responsible for direct reports. The position is based at the AHRI Durban site.

Minimum Qualifications

1.     Master’s degree in Medical Microbiology, Virology or another related and relevant field. Alternatively BSc Honours with minimum 8 years relevant experience

2.     Registered with HPCSA

3.     Valid Driver’s License – Code 08

Minimum Experience

1.     Strong background and experience in TB diagnostic tests and ability to interpret results is essential

2.     5 years plus experience in a microbiology or virology diagnostic, ISO 15189 or GCLP accredited laboratory

3.     Knowledge and experience in test/result quality assurance processes is essential.

4.     Proven experience with various laboratory tests/techniques and equipment relevant to a diagnostic and molecular laboratory.

Added Advantage

1.     BSL3 and / or BSL2 laboratory experience

2.     Experience and knowledge in Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)

3.     Experience and knowledge of Sanger dideoxy sequencing and Next Generation sequencing

4.     Experience working in a high through- put diagnostic laboratory

5.     Experience in a manager/supervisory position of more than 1 year

6.     Scheduling and Project management skills

Knowledge and abilities required

1.     Ability to work under pressure

2.     Analytical ability

3.     Able to work independently, as well as in a team and ability to exercise good judgment to handle a variety of situations

4.     Ability to prioritise work

5.     Ability to learn and apply new technologies

6.     High computer literacy with good working knowledge of Microsoft packages and Laboratory i-Information Management System (LIMS)

7.     Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP)

8.     ISO 15189

9.     Good understanding and ability to interpret TB related diagnostic and other laboratory tests such as Drug susceptibility tests, MGIT, GeneXpert and microscopy

Remuneration:

The remuneration package for this position is market related and will depend on the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate.

Application Format:

Please note that applications for employment are only received on the official application form which may be accessed by clicking here or by request via email, telephone or in person. Applicants are required to email their detailed application to recruitment@ahri.org together with certified copies of qualification certificates. The post reference number must be indicated in the subject line of the email. Telephonic enquiries pertaining to this post may be directed to the HR Department at 031 260 1397. Only those candidates who meet the minimum requirements will be considered.

AHRI is fully compliant with South African labour law and is committed to employment equity. This position is open to South African applicants and also valid work permit holders.

Application Closing Date:

The closing date for receipt of applications is 31 January 2017. AHRI reserves the right in special circumstances to accept late applications or to extend the above date in order to facilitate further searches. Furthermore, AHRI reserves the right not to make an appointment. Please consider your application unsuccessful if you have not been contacted within 4 weeks of the closing date.