Job summary
Reports to Technical Manager. The incumbent will be responsible for the day-to-day oversight of the CIDRZ Histopathology Laboratory. This role is responsible for ensuring the smooth functioning of the Histopathology and immunohistochemistry lab by coordinating personnel, maintaining equipment and supplies, troubleshooting nonconformances, instigating CAPA, validating test results, ensuring compliance with safety, GCLP, and ISO15189 standards, and supporting the advancement of scientific research activities. The incumbent should have strong laboratory technical skills, supervisory experience, and a deep understanding of laboratory procedures for Histopathology and immunohistochemistry, including preparation, processing, and analysis of tissue samples to support patient diagnosis and treatment. The incumbent should have technical skills in research and experience working in histopathology laboratories.
Main Duties:
- Supervises daily laboratory operations to ensure a safe, organized, and efficient working environment.
- Oversees the setup, calibration, operation and maintenance of laboratory equipment.
- Oversees tissue processing, embedding, microtomy, staining (H & E and special stains), and immunohistochemistry (IHC).
- Manages sample tracking and timely release of test results and respond to any queries from Laboratory users
- Coordinates inventory management, including procurement and proper storage of reagents, consumables, and equipment for the specialised lab under his or her supervision.
- Maintains accurate and up-to-date laboratory documentation, including SOPs, and review records such as temperature logs, equipment logs, and maintenance records, e.t.c.
- Provides specialist training on histopathology and immunohistochemistry techniques (manual and automated), troubleshooting and method optimization.
- Conducts staff competency assessments, performance reviews and continuing development (CPD) in diagnostics and research protocols.
- Supervises, mentors, and coordinates schedules for Biomedical Scientists, Biomedical Technologists, interns, and students.
- Conducts performance evaluations and appraisals and recommend professional development plans.
- Develops new or reviews existing SOPs and other technical and quality management documents.
- Works with the laboratory manager to assist researchers and principal investigators with the planning and execution of experimental protocols.
- Works with the laboratory manager to calculate measurement of uncertainties for quantitative assays.
- Ensures lot-to-lot validations are performed for any new lots of reagents.
- Ensures accuracy, reliability, and reproducibility of experimental results.
- Implements and monitors internal quality control and external quality assurance procedures in accordance with research or clinical guidelines (e.g., GLP, GCLP, ISO).
- Maintains sample integrity and chain-of-custody documentation for biological samples.
- Work with data management team to generate packing lists and coordinate Tb isolates/sample shipments.
- Ensures strict compliance with CIDRZ, national, and international biosafety, biosecurity, and ethical regulations.
- Conducts safety risk assessments and update safety records
- Participates in internal and external audits, inspections, and accreditation processes.
- Prepares reports, data summaries, and presentations for research investigators, sponsors, or regulatory authorities.
- Contributes to grant applications and project proposals where applicable.
Qualifications
- Grade 12 Certificate
- Bachelor’s degree in biomedical science or related field, master’s degree is an added advantage.
- Professional certification (e.g., HCPZ).
- Minimum of 5 years’ laboratory experience, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or senior role.
- Sound technical experience and hands-on in histopathology and immunohistochemistry laboratories.
- Experience in implementing quality management systems (QMS)
- Experience in clinical trials or translational research.
- Solid knowledge and experience of developing and compliance with laboratory safety policy, especially BSL-3 laboratory, GLP/GCLP standards, and research methodologies.
- Experience with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and digital data reporting tools.
- Prior experience with responding to external GCLP and accreditation audits, and regulatory inspections.
- Strong leadership and people management skills.
- Excellent organizational and time-management abilities.
- High attention to detail and problem-solving aptitude.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment.
- Commitment to maintaining high scientific and ethical standards.
- Familiarity with ISO 15189 or CAP accreditation processes.
- Knowledge of emerging technologies in histopathology and immunohistochemistry.
Working Conditions:
- Primarily working in a highly infectious laboratory
- May involve handling biohazardous materials, chemicals, and infectious agents with appropriate PPE.
Suitably qualified candidates are invited to apply. However, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
