Background

The University of Lusaka is inviting applications from suitably qualified candidates to fill the following position of Manager: Life Science Laboratories under the School of Medicine and Health Sciences.

Description

The Manager: Life Science Laboratories will lead, manage and modernize all life science laboratories to support Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Biomedical Sciences, Public Health and Biotechnology programmes. The Manager will be the custodian of quality, safety and compliance by ensuring that our labs meet HEA, HPCZ and ISO standards for training health workers and discoveries.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership and Laboratory Management: Provide strategic leadership for all laboratories, including Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Histology, and Parasitology. Oversee daily operations, develop SOPs, ensure laboratories are equipped and operational, and coordinate scheduling for teaching and research. Develop and implement laboratory policies, SOPs, budgets, and annual work plans. Contribute to strategic planning, prepare reports, advise Management, and keep abreast of emerging trends.
• Teaching and Learning Support: Provide technical support during practical sessions, prepare equipment and materials, assist in developing laboratory manuals, and support innovative teaching technologies. Support teaching practicals, student research, and faculty research projects.
• Research Support and Innovation: Support staff and students in research projects, maintain and calibrate equipment, and facilitate access to laboratory resources. Drive innovation and grant readiness for life science research.
• Health, Safety, and Compliance: Ensure full compliance with HEA accreditation, HPCZ, ZAMRA and biosafety requirements. Ensure compliance with safety regulations, conduct risk assessments, maintain MSDS, manage hazardous waste, and investigate incidents. Chair the Laboratory Safety Committee — enforce PPE, risk assessments and waste management.
• Equipment and Inventory Management: Manage the equipment lifecycle — procurement, calibration, maintenance, and asset register. Maintain inventory, coordinate procurement, ensure equipment maintenance and calibration, and monitor usage.
• Quality Management and Stock Control: Implement the Laboratory Quality Management System (LQMS), Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), and stock control — with zero tolerance to pilferage. Implement quality management systems, conduct audits, monitor KPIs, and drive continuous improvement.
• Staff Supervision and Development: Supervise and mentor Laboratory Technologists, Technicians, and Assistants. Supervise and appraise laboratory staff, identify training needs, and foster teamwork and accountability.
• Budgeting and Financial Management: Prepare and manage the laboratory budget, monitor expenditure, and ensure value for money in procurement.
• Collaboration and Liaison: Liaise with departments, external stakeholders, and professional bodies; collaborate with Procurement, Finance, and Estates.
• Other Duties: Perform any other duties as assigned by Management.

Requirements

• MSc in Biomedical Sciences / Microbiology / Molecular Biology / Biotechnology / Clinical Laboratory Sciences — PhD will be an added advantage
• BSc in Biomedical Sciences / Biological Sciences
• Minimum 5 years experience managing university or hospital laboratories, with at least 2 years at supervisory level
• Registered with HPCZ with a valid practicing certificate
• Knowledge of ISO 15189:2022, ISO 17025, GLP, and biosafety levels 1 & 2
• Experience with LIMS and equipment including PCR, spectrophotometer, centrifuge, autoclave and biosafety cabinet
• Knowledge of laboratory safety, quality assurance and good laboratory practices.
• Experience supporting research projects will be an added advantage.
• Candidates must have their qualifications certified by the Zambia Qualifications Authority (ZAQA).

Benefits

An attractive and competitive package will be offered commensurate with one’s qualification and experience.

• Strategic Leadership and Laboratory Management: Provide strategic leadership for all laboratories, including Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Histology, and Parasitology. Oversee daily operations, develop SOPs, ensure laboratories are equipped and operational, and coordinate scheduling for teaching and research. Develop and implement laboratory policies, SOPs, budgets, and annual work plans. Contribute to strategic planning, prepare reports, advise Management, and keep abreast of emerging trends.
• Teaching and Learning Support: Provide technical support during practical sessions, prepare equipment and materials, assist in developing laboratory manuals, and support innovative teaching technologies. Support teaching practicals, student research, and faculty research projects.
• Research Support and Innovation: Support staff and students in research projects, maintain and calibrate equipment, and facilitate access to laboratory resources. Drive innovation and grant readiness for life science research.
• Health, Safety, and Compliance: Ensure full compliance with HEA accreditation, HPCZ, ZAMRA and biosafety requirements. Ensure compliance with safety regulations, conduct risk assessments, maintain MSDS, manage hazardous waste, and investigate incidents. Chair the Laboratory Safety Committee — enforce PPE, risk assessments and waste management.
• Equipment and Inventory Management: Manage the equipment lifecycle — procurement, calibration, maintenance, and asset register. Maintain inventory, coordinate procurement, ensure equipment maintenance and calibration, and monitor usage.
• Quality Management and Stock Control: Implement the Laboratory Quality Management System (LQMS), Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), and stock control — with zero tolerance to pilferage. Implement quality management systems, conduct audits, monitor KPIs, and drive continuous improvement.
• Staff Supervision and Development: Supervise and mentor Laboratory Technologists, Technicians, and Assistants. Supervise and appraise laboratory staff, identify training needs, and foster teamwork and accountability.
• Budgeting and Financial Management: Prepare and manage the laboratory budget, monitor expenditure, and ensure value for money in procurement.
• Collaboration and Liaison: Liaise with departments, external stakeholders, and professional bodies; collaborate with Procurement, Finance, and Estates.
• Other Duties: Perform any other duties as assigned by Management.

• Experience with LIMS and equipment including PCR, spectrophotometer, centrifuge, autoclave and biosafety cabinet
• Knowledge of laboratory safety, quality assurance and good laboratory practices.

• MSc in Biomedical Sciences / Microbiology / Molecular Biology / Biotechnology / Clinical Laboratory Sciences — PhD will be an added advantage
• BSc in Biomedical Sciences / Biological Sciences
• Registered with HPCZ with a valid practicing certificate
• Knowledge of ISO 15189:2022, ISO 17025, GLP, and biosafety levels 1 & 2
• Candidates must have their qualifications certified by the Zambia Qualifications Authority (ZAQA).