INTERNAL VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT KEMRI/CDC RESEARCH PROGRAM

Opening date: 02/04/2012                                           Vacancy number: 40/04/2012                         

Program description: This program is collaboration between Kenya Medical Research Institute and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention whose mandate is to conduct research in malaria, HIV and other diseases. To effectively carry out its mandate, the Program is seeking to fill the following position within the DSLP laboratories. 

POSITION: Quality Assurance Officer (1 position)

LOCATION: Diagnostic and Laboratory Systems Program, Kisumu

Reports to: Deputy Laboratory Director for Laboratory Systems

Essential Qualifications

·         Must hold a Bachelors degree in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Science, Medical Technology or equivalent

·         At least one year’s experience in research activities

·         Good knowledge of GLP/GCLP

·         Masters of Science degree in the relevant field will be an added advantage

Desirable Qualities:

·         Fluency in both written and spoken English and Swahili 

·         Ability to work and make decisions independently.

·         Excellent communication skills,

·         Ability to work well in a team,

·         Proven leadership skills, and ability to take initiative  

Job Description: The successful applicant will be responsible for all the Quality Assurance aspects of the Diagnostic and Laboratory Systems Program (DLSP) laboratories in Kisumu. S/he will work closely with the laboratory staff, data analysts and field workers and will work as part of the DLSP Laboratory Systems team under the Laboratory Director. The successful applicant will also make an important contribution to the laboratory systems regionally. This position serves as a full time QA officer with this activity representing 100% of the duties. His/her functions will be, but not be limited to the following;

Responsibilities.

1. Oversee a quality control program appropriate for tests performed in the DLSP laboratories and other partner laboratories in Kenya and the region served by the GDDER.

2. Implement improvements to laboratory testing procedures to improve efficiency, resource utilization, decrease turnaround time, etc., utilizing new and established laboratory policies and procedures.

3. Develop, perform, and manage an audit program that encompasses all phases of laboratory practices and field sample collection and provide assurance that, documentation, and record-keeping requirements are met. 

4. Perform scheduled and unscheduled checks on bench scientists.

5. Administer the proficiency testing and EQA. 

6. Maintain current and accurate records of all relevant communications, audits, corrective action plans, and effectiveness monitoring.

7. Maintain current and accurate records of all personnel qualifications, certifications and contact information.

8. Review, track and communicate information regarding process variations and quality control samples as required by laboratory quality assurance procedures.

9. Check validation systems for all pieces of equipment to ensure maximal function (service schedules, daily panel runs, etc)

10. Ensure daily maintenance charts are well documented. 

11. Perform/supervise training and it’s documentation for lab staff.

12. Review and maintain all laboratory SOPs

13. Review test results and reports for accuracy, completeness and compliance to requirements to ensure that quality assurance standards and regulatory requirements are met.

14. Maintain familiarity with laboratory procedures in order to effectively perform laboratory quality assurance functions.

15. Liaise with the KEMRI QA group in developing and implementing CDC/KEMRI QA GCP/GLP objectives 

Terms of Employment: Contract for 1 year, renewable as per KEMRI scheme of service. Probation period for the first 3 months.  Salary negotiable within the appropriate grade depending on education, experience and demonstrated competency.

Applications MUST include the following:

·         Letter of Application (indicate vacancy number)

·         Current Curriculum Vitae with telephone number and e-mail address.

·         Copies of Certificates and transcripts

·         Three letters of reference with contact telephone numbers and e-mail addresses

·         Contact telephone number

Note: Applications MUST include copies of certificates & Transcripts. Applications without these will be disregarded

Applications are due no later than: 16^th April 2012 to: Human Resource Manager, KEMRI/CDC Program, P.O. Box 1578, Kisumu. Or email to or log into our web www.jobs.cdckemri.org

KEMRI/CDC IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF ITS RECRUITMENT PROCESS INCLUDING APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING AND PROCESSING OF OFFER LETTER.  IF ASKED FOR A FEE, REPORT SUCH REQUEST IMMEDIATELY TO .

 Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.