Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) is a State Corporation established through the Science and Technology (Amendment) Act of 1979, which has since been amended to Science, Technology and Innovation Act 2013. The 1979 Act established KEMRI as a National body responsible for carrying out health research in Kenya.

Key Responsibilities:

• Responsible for assisting the laboratory Director in the overall direction of the Clinical Research Centre Laboratory.
• Responsible for assisting the Director in the design and implementation of the Quality management program.
• Ensuring that the laboratory produces quality clinical results by directly participating in testing and supervising.
• Responsible for supervising all the laboratory functions including but not limited to clinical laboratory SOP development and maintenance, proficiency testing, phlebotomy (policy and procedure).
• Serve as the primary point of contact for all clinical laboratory related issues, results, interpretation and logistics.
• Responsible for developing and facilitating a good management structure within the laboratory.
• Conducting protocol for specific laboratory tests & procedures
• Writing and implementing an analytical laboratory plan for newly implemented research and/or clinical studies
• Management of overall in charge of shipments- by obtaining permission from ERC & MOH and Liaises with couriers and Seattle for shipment of samples.
• Liaising with Clinic on matters related to the study and promoting Lab – Clinic interface.
• Responsible for the coordination of all regulatory and compliance activities and training requirements for the laboratory.
• Oversee annual review of lab SOPs & initiate updates as needed; collect signatures and maintain inventory of archived documents.
• Managing the QA program including EQA and IQC.
• Responsible for the overall maintenance of the laboratory equipment.
• Maintaining laboratory records, data management and good documentation practices.
• Preparing duty Rota and ensures all sections are adequately covered.
• Conducting lab staff performance and appraisals, orientation and training new employees on Human subject, GCP.
• Supervising laboratory technologists in the collection, processing and storage of samples.
• Ensures adherence to study protocols and proper handling of bio-hazardous materials.
• Coordinating collaborations with other laboratories
• Serves as liaison to internal and external investigators and collaborators.
• Ensures on-going integrity of laboratory samples by overseeing all handling and repository projects while assuring accurate documentation and adherence to protocols and to timelines.
• Advising the laboratory director on technical issues within the laboratory.

Vacancy Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences or related discipline.
• A Masters’ Degree in a Science related field.
• At least seven (7) years’ experience in a busy clinical research laboratory.
• At least five (5) years’ experience in management position
• Experience in carrying out laboratory testing for research and/or clinical trials.
• Experience in usage of Laboratory information Management systems (LIMS)
• Must possess a scientific imagination commensurate with the independent execution of research projects
• Trained on Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP)
• Experience in laboratory audit processes
• Must have an aptitude for technical problem solving
• Ability to effectively supervise laboratory staff, interns and students on attachment in the laboratory.
• Good communication and management skills
• Knowledge of basic word processing and basic statistical skills of analyzing laboratory data and evaluation of quality control laboratory data