Job Advert: CEPI-UVRI Centralised Laboratory Network (CLN)

Location: Uganda Virus Research Institute

Position: Quality Assistant, Laboratory

 

CEPI's Centralised Laboratory Network (CLN) was launched in 2020 to provide standardised testing support to vaccine developers worldwide. The CLN is the world's largest consortium of laboratories that offers critical testing services to vaccine developers, ensuring consistency in data readouts, which streamlines the assessment of multiple vaccine candidates. The harmonised data generated by the CLN accelerates vaccine development against CEPI's priority pathogens and potential epidemics, including Disease X. The CEPI CLN has expanded to include UVRI in Uganda in partnership with MRC/UVRI and LSHTM (MUL), aiming to reduce sample transfer and testing times for vaccine developers in the region while bolstering outbreak preparedness infrastructure worldwide.

Now, the CEPI CLN has expanded its geographical footprint to include UVRI in Uganda in partnership with (MUL). This expansion aims to reduce sample transfer and testing times for vaccine developers in the region while bolstering sustainable outbreak preparedness infrastructure worldwide. Our network provides standardised testing support to vaccine developers, ensuring the efficient evaluation and advancement of vaccine candidates against a range of priority pathogens and emerging threats.

 

Job Position Summary

We are currently seeking a dynamic and experienced Ugandan Quality Assistant to join our Immunology team. This position oversees quality control, quality assurance and quality improvement within the overall Quality Management System (QMS) of our Immunology laboratory projects including the development, review, implementation, and communication of all laboratory quality processes.  The Quality Assistant provides guidance and consultation concerning quality processes for operational and Immunology testing. This position also ensures compliance of all Entebbe and Masaka Immunology laboratory operations with the GCLP regulatory standards. The successful candidate will play a key role in optimising laboratory procedures, supporting scientific investigations, and contributing to the development of new vaccines against infectious diseases.

As a Quality Assistant, you will be at the forefront of our mission, ensuring the smooth operation of laboratory activities while upholding the highest standards of quality and safety. Your responsibilities will encompass a diverse range of tasks, from reviewing laboratory experiments to overseeing staff and coordinating with partner laboratories.

Reports to:

Laboratory Manager, Immunology.

Principal Research Scientist, Immunology.

Principal Immunologist, UVRI-CEPI CLN laboratory

Essential Job Duties

• Ensure compliance with laboratory GCLP accreditation, ethical and regulatory standards and information management policies by providing leadership and guidance to staff to ensure that quality policies, processes and procedures are established, current and adhered to by all laboratory staff.
• Oversee internal audit processes, external assessments, proficiency testing programs; document control systems; competency assessment; training and other quality processes.
• Identify training needs, as well as design and implement training programs specific to the quality system.
• Recommend best practices to maintain and improve Immunology project outcomes or laboratory functions; and facilitate laboratory improvement activities.
• Analyse Immunology processes data (including but not limited to performing specimen processing and immunology assays), identify trends, monitor prevention and correction of quality deviations, and develop reports for management utilizing technical knowledge and laboratory experience.
• Monitor laboratory performance metrics and act accordingly.
• Identify and report quality issues and problems to management with recommendations for resolution.
• Establish processes and policies for effective and professional communication between laboratory staff and stakeholders.
• May supervise and appraise others and provide input into financial, safety and procurement decisions.
• Work with the procurement, project administrators, quality manager, safety officer/biosecurity officer to align quality practices, like data analysis, monitoring of trends, prevention, corrections and continuous quality improvement.

Job Position Competencies and Conditions of Employment

Quality Management Systems (50% of duties)

• Ensure that the laboratory’s organizational structure is committed to achieving and maintaining quality, advocating for a culture of quality, safety and ethics, and analyzing quality measures to evaluate the costs of maintaining quality
• Ensure that laboratory personnel and instrumentation meet performance standards
• Work with the laboratory manager to ensure that all lab assays are documented, and batch records reviewed
• Ensure that operational processes meet organizational requirements through the application of method validation and performance verification processes and procedures
• Ensure that there is an effective system to control and manage documents and records
• Develop and ensure that processes and procedures are in place for detecting and managing nonconforming events, and performing internal audits and external assessments
• Develop and ensure mechanisms for continuous quality improvement
• Must work safely in the presence of human specimens including blood, urine, and other clinical samples, body fluids or tissues.
• May be assigned to 24-hour emergency on-call rotation schedule (including weekends). 

 

Laboratory Practice (20% of duties)

• Demonstrate knowledge and skills related to the scientific and technical components of laboratory processes including specimen processing for PBMC and routine assays like ELISA, ELISpots and Neutralisation, to oversee the policies, processes and procedures related to the required QA activities
• Comply with regulations and guidelines governing laboratory assays, ensuring staff compliance and evaluating method validation and performance verification results

Management and Leadership (15% of duties)

• Ensure sound management of laboratory operations and the development, implementation and review of internal policies
• Ensure effective management of human resources and model leadership behavior

Communications (10% of duties)

• Deploy formal written and oral communication strategies, display active listening skills, and demonstrate comprehension of written documents and directions
• Ensure professionalism in communication and prepare professional written reports and oral presentations
• Speak clearly and persuasively in order to effectively present information and respond to questions from both technical and non-technical staff

Ethics (5% of duties)

• Adhere to policies and principles governing professional and scientific ethics and rules of conduct, exemplifying integrity and serving as a role model of ethical behavior
• Ensure strict adherence to UVRI Research and Ethics Committee standards and UNCST regulations, oversee protocol compliance, and ensure all staff align with ethical and regulatory guidelines governing the studies

 

Minimum Requirements

Essential Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a biological science, medical or clinical laboratory science, medical technology, microbiology, biochemistry, molecular biology, biology, immunology, quality from an accredited university. An advanced degree may be substituted for experience.
• Minimum of 2-3 years of recent related laboratory work experience in a busy GCLP certified/compliant clinical trial-oriented laboratory with direct oversight experience in specified tasks preferred, including work with quality management systems.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office package; basic statistical knowledge is a plus.
• Demonstrated competencies in personal integrity, emotional resourcefulness, and forward thinking.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills, with a proactive and results-oriented mindset.
• Be able to achieve proficiency in GCLP regulations compliance within three months
• At least a credit in Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry and Biology at UCE and UACE

 

Desirable qualifications

• Experience in laboratory safety, regulatory compliance and project management.
• Quality improvement training

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and other characters

• Extensive knowledge of quality management systems and quality improvement tools and techniques
• Working knowledge of accreditation standards, practices and guidelines sufficient to advise and guide laboratory managers and supervisors as they implement and maintain accreditation.
• Working knowledge of computer and analytical software programs sufficient for evaluation of electronic data, data interpretation, and report development.
• A strong understanding of the principles, practices, and techniques of the analytical areas of the Immunology laboratory.
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills necessary to effectively collaborate in a team environment, present and explain technical information, and provide advice to management.
• Excellent organization skills allowing the coordination of multi-faceted QA activities.
• Ability to manage complex projects independently and in a team environment, maintaining good working relationships with multi-cultural and multi-discipline staff.
• Ability to analyze and interpret written information and scientific data, compare against established requirements, identify potential discrepancies, and make suggestions for improvement.
• Ability to conduct and report quality assurance audits and reviews to determine compliance status and recommend corrective action plans.Ability to identify risk areas. 

• Ability to design standard operating procedures, method detection limits and data quantification. 
• Knowledge of statistical methods related to laboratory performance and regulation. 
• Knowledge of laboratory operations and workflows including pre-analytic, analytic and post-analytic phases of testing. 
• Knowledge of and the ability to effectively utilize Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS). 

Application Process:

To apply for this position, please submit your CV, copies of all your academic credentials and national ID along with a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and why you believe you are suited for this role, and recommendation from two professional referees. Applications should be sent to vmirembe@uvri.go.ug

Application Process:

To apply for this position, eligible Ugandans are encouraged to submit the following: a comprehensive CV, copies of academic credentials, a valid national ID, and a compelling cover letter outlining your relevant experience and why you are the ideal candidate for this role. Additionally, please include recommendations from two professional referees who can attest to your suitability for the position. Applications should be sent to vmirembe@uvri.go.ug.

Deadline for Applications:

30th September 2024

CEPI-UVRI CLN is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We encourage suitable applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences.

We maintain a strict merit-based recruitment process. Any attempt to influence the selection process through bribery, solicitation, or any other form of undue influence will result in immediate disqualification of the candidate. We do not entertain or condone any external pressures or influence peddling during our recruitment process.