Research Scientist (Quality Assurance Officer at Kenya Medical Research - KEMRI

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee a quality control program appropriate for tests performed in the DLSP laboratories
• Ensures delivery against QA department goals and objectives i.e. Meeting commitment and Coordinating overall quality assurance schedules.
• Tie breaker- performs test; implementing statistics and process control tools; maintaining effective compliance and corrective actions procedures.
• Responsible and accountable of flagging the timing of interdepartmental deliverables and quality of their output i.e. time schedules and time plans or layout
• Implement improvements to laboratory testing procedures to improve efficiency, resource utilization, decrease turnaround time, etc., utilizing new and established laboratory policies and procedures.
• Work with project managers to develop project schedules and resource allocation models for QA related projects and other activities such as software deployment, customer integration, and professional services validation.
• In consultation with laboratory management, stop further processing of any work until the quality problem has been corrected
• 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.
• Perform scheduled and unscheduled checks on bench scientists.
• Administer the proficiency testing and EQA.
• Maintain current and accurate records of all relevant communications, audits, corrective action plans, and effectiveness monitoring.
• Maintain current and accurate records of all personnel qualifications, certifications and contact information.
• Review, track and communicate information regarding process variations and quality control samples as required by laboratory quality assurance procedures.
• Check validation systems for all pieces of equipment to ensure maximal function (service schedules, daily panel runs, etc)
• Train/supervise training of laboratory staff and document such trainings.
• Review and maintain all laboratory SOPs
• Review test results and reports for accuracy, completeness and compliance to requirements to ensure that quality assurance standards and regulatory requirements are met.
• Maintain familiarity with laboratory procedures in order to effectively perform laboratory quality assurance functions.
• Liaise with the KEMRI QA group in developing and implementing CDC/KEMRI QA GCP/GLP objectives
• Train staff on quality control/assurance issues.
• Plan and work towards ensuring DLSP Nairobi laboratory maintains ISO 15139 accreditation status.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the laboratory Director, laboratory manager or Principal Investigator.

Requirement Type

• At least two (2) years’ relevant work experience    
• Bachelor of Science degree in any of the following disciplines: Medical Laboratory Science, Medical Microbiology, Biomedical Science, Molecular Biology, Virology, Biochemistry or any other equivalent qualification from a recognized institution.    
• Registration Certificate issued by the Kenya Medical Laboratory Technicians and Technologists Board (KMLTTB) Where applicable    
• Valid practicing license from Kenya Medical Laboratory Technicians and Technologists Board where applicable;    
• Proficiency in Computer Application;    
• Good knowledge of GLP/GCLP    Skills & Competencies
• Trained in ISO 15189 implementation    Skills & Competencies
• Fulfil the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution.    Ethics & Integrity
• Fluency in both written and spoken English and Swahili    Skills & Competencies
• Ability to work and make decisions independently.