Medical Research Council Unit - The Gambia - The MRC Unit The Gambia at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) is one of two research units established in sub- Saharan Africa by the Medical Research Council UK and is the MRC Unit The Gambia at LSHTM’s single largest investment in medical research in a low and middle-income country. MRC Unit The Gambia at LSHTM represents a unique concentration of scientific expertise and high-quality research platforms in the West African region.
Grade: 2a
Accountability: The post-holder will be accountable to the Head of Laboratory Management
Purpose of the job
- The post-holder will play a pivotal role in overseeing all aspects of biobanking operations at the MRC Unit, The Gambia.
- This includes the strategic management of biological sample archiving, transfers, data integration, and compliance with international biobanking standards such as ISO 15189 and ISO 20387.
- The role requires a dynamic leader with strong technical expertise, a deep understanding of laboratory information systems and cold storage, and the ability to foster collaborative research both locally and across the West African sub-region.
- The ideal candidate will also have experience in managing staff, budgets, training, and quality assurance processes, while actively contributing to the Unit’s scientific mission.
Key Responsibilities
Technical Responsibilities:
- Maintain a fully functional Biobank, ensuring accredited systems and software (e.g., ItemTracker) are operational and compliant.
- Develop, implement, and enforce Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and user guides for sample collection, storage, archiving, and disposal.
- Provide or coordinate user training and ensure competency in Biobank policies, SOPs, and systems.
- Establish systematic communication channels with Principal Investigators (PIs) regarding sample disposal and related actions.
- Oversee support systems for laboratory operations.
- Organize and monitor the shipment and reception of biological samples for internal and external research projects.
- Ensure compliant transport of biological samples from Fajara clinics to laboratories, adhering to international quality standards.
- Manage the dry ice production system, including CO₂ Plant and Pelletizer operations.
- Oversee cold chain logistics for biological sample and reagent transportation to and from field stations.
- Make strategic and operational decisions aligned with international laboratory standards and quality assurance frameworks.
Managerial Responsibilities:
- Develop and maintain policies and procedures in compliance with ISO 15189, ISO 20387, GRP, and GCLP standards.
- Ensure visibility and accountability through regular written updates and stakeholder engagement.
- Expand and manage the Unit’s DNA bank, facilitating access for internal and external collaborators.
- Drive integration of new and ongoing projects to ensure steady inflow and utilization of DNA samples.
- Ensure strict compliance with Material Transfer Agreements (MTAs).
- Lead quality assurance and quality improvement programs, including the identification and mitigation of operational risks.
- Develop and implement a cost recovery system to ensure sustainability of Biobank services.
- Provide leadership in staff management, including appraisals, probation reviews, workload distribution, and leave schedules.
- Manage up to six staff members and coordinate with field site lab managers to align biobank practices with established procedures and policies.
- Conduct regular field visits to ensure compliance, provide on-site support, and strengthen collaboration with field station teams.
- Offer Biobank training to all laboratory staff across the main campus and field stations to ensure standardization and competency.
- Oversee the timely reporting and investigation of accidents, near-misses, or ill-health incidents, and implement corrective actions.
- Ensure monthly performance reporting and KPI tracking to meet overall laboratory service objectives.
Research:
- Contribute to research aligned with the Unit’s strategic objectives.
- Dedicate up to 25% of effort to research that adds value through cost recovery or strategic benefit.
Training:
- Deliver training on relevant lab software and techniques (e.g., processing, nucleic acid extraction).
- Mentor interns and early-career biomedical students.
Communication:
- Maintain effective communication with internal and external stakeholders.
- Represent and promote the Biobank at seminars, in publications, and at conferences.
Finance:
- Manage the Biobank’s budget with spending authority up to £1,000.
- Develop annual budgets and forecasts for operational sustainability.
- Oversee cost recovery systems for storage, retrieval, and shipping.
Relationships
- The post-holder is a full-time member of the MRC staff.
- The post-holder will report to the Head of Laboratory Management, Dr Ousman Secka.
- The Director of Operations is Dr Davis Nwakanma.
- The Unit Director is Professor Umberto D’Alessandro.
Appraisals:
- Appraisals are held at least annually.
Length of appointment:
- The appointment is up to 31st March 2027 in the first instance and is subject to a probationary period of 6 months.
Qualifications and Experience
Essential:
- Master’s in Biomedical Sciences, Laboratory Medicine, or a related field.
- 3–5 years of experience in biobank or laboratory management with proven leadership.
- Proficiency with LIMS and cold storage systems.
- Familiarity with ethical frameworks and international biobanking standards.
Desirable:
- A PhD in Biomedical Sciences, Laboratory Medicine, or related field.
- Experience in regional collaborations in sub-Saharan Africa.
- Expertise in ISO accreditation and quality assurance.
- Track record in training, teaching, or mentorship.
Core Competencies:
- Leadership and staff development
- Communication and stakeholder engagement
- Operational planning and project management
- Research collaboration and scientific integrity
- Budget and resource control
- Quality assurance and risk management.