SUMMARY:
A Laboratory Supervisor vacancy is available at our Client, Wits Health Consortium's Vaccines and Infectious Diseases Analytics Research Unit (VIDA) in Soweto, Johannesburg - Gauteng.

POSITION INFO:

Background

The Vaccines and Infectious Diseases Analytics (VIDA) Research Unit of the University of the Witwatersrand, formerly RMPRU (Respiratory and Meningeal Pathogens Research Unit) has for over 20 years conducted numerous studies to assess the burden of and to prevent vaccine-preventable diseases (VPD).

Current studies and projects include infant rotavirus and BCG trials, immunizing pregnant women to protect their infants against disease (including influenza, Group B streptococcus, and respiratory syncytial virus), and the Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance (CHAMPS) initiatives.

In 2020, VIDA commenced two international trials on COVID-19 vaccines amongst several other COVID-19 studies. World Health Organization position papers directly refer to the work conducted by RMPRU and have used such data generated to inform policy and recommendations for vaccine implementation globally and here in South Africa.

By combining clinical, microbiological, and epidemiological expertise in an African setting, the unit has made significant contributions in vaccine development against the leading respiratory and enteric pathogens contributing to under-5 childhood morbidity and mortality in Africa and other low and middle-income countries.

VIDA aims to continue to save lives, especially children, across Africa and low and middle-income countries, through leading and pioneering research in the field of vaccines and infectious diseases.

Main purpose of the job

• To support the Laboratory Manager to supervise the team and coordinate the processing and storage of an extensive samples repository across multiple long and short term studies, ensuring quality, operational compliance and good laboratory practice

Location

• VIDA - Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital

Key performance areas

• Manage the laboratories LIMS system
• Oversee the sample repository, ensuring detailed organization and proper storage of all clinical trial specimens according to GCLP guidelines
• Supervise and coordinate sample receipt and access
• Ensure cold chain specifications are met
• Co-ordinate regular freezer checks
• Oversee specimen handling
• Ensure samples are processed according to applicable SOP’s and Protocols
• Ensure all shipments adhere to IATA regulations
• Coordinate with lab assistant to ensure all shipments are completed timeously and adhere to protocols and deadlines
• Manage the correct application of quality assurance processes and SOPs to ensure corrective actions are taken as required
• Manage the review process of SOPs and implement appropriate changes in order to ensure the laboratory is constantly able to provide high-quality, cost-effective and correct results
• Evaluate and QC the results from trials thereby ensuring accuracy and identifying trends in order to address skills gaps
• Ensure that RMPRU Laboratory is compliant with GCLP
• Inspect, verify and check delivered goods and stock as per orders
• Oversee the management and storage of biohazardous waste and toxic materials
• Oversee the transport and shipping of clinical specimens
• Supervise and manage the duties of subordinates to ensure optimal staff utilization and maintenance of sound labor relations

Required minimum education and training

• National Diploma in Biomedical Technology

Desirable additional education, work experience and personal abilities

• Knowledge of and certification in Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP)
• Sound knowledge of laboratory information system and Microsoft Office at an intermediary level
• Orderly and systematic
• Exceptional organizational and administration skills
• Able to work under pressure and adhere to deadlines
• Assertive and confident
• Above average attention to detail
• Self-motivated and able to work as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Able to make independent decisions
• Knowledge of clinical trials would be an advantage

Required minimum work experience

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in appropriate/relevant laboratory

TO APPLY

• Only if you do meet the minimum job requirements and experience as mentioned above, you may submit a detailed updated CV - Please Apply Online
• Please take note that the applicants who do not adhere to the above criteria will not be considered for the respective position.
• The closing date for all applications is 08 March 2021.
• Wits Health Consortium will only respond to shortlisted candidates.
• Candidates who have not been contacted within two weeks of the closing date can consider their applications to be unsuccessful.
• In accordance with our Employment Equity goals and plan, preference will be given to suitable applicants from designated groups as defined in the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998 and subsequent amendments thereto.

Please note that AJ PERSONNEL is only responsible for the advertising of the advertisement on behalf of their client Wits Health Consortium.

AJ Personnel does not have any salary or other information regarding the position. 

NB! This job is now closed. You can apply for other jobs by uploading your CV.