Assistant Director, Laboratory Services (organic Chemistry), Kmfri Grade 4

Reference: KMF/EX/ADVT/AD-LAB/8

Job Description

• Overseeing implementation of policies, strategies and regulations for laboratory programs to achieve organizational objectives;
• Managing plans for maintaining and calibrating equipment, managing consumables and reagents, and ensuring efficient and cost-effective laboratory operations;
• Supervising senior staff in the department to ensure their qualification and training meet requirements for GLP and ISO/IEC 17025;
• Reviewing technical documentation, protocols, and reports, including policies and procedures for recording and storing experimental data;
• Implementing policies and procedures for managing reagents, consumables, samples, and specimens to ensure accuracy, reliability, and safety;
• Implementing policies and procedures to monitor and improve the accuracy, reliability, and repeatability/reproducibility of test results and data;
• Ensuring all laboratory activities adhere to the quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) system, particularly ISO/IEC 17025, and GLP standards where applicable;
• Leading internal audits to verify the effective implementation and maintenance of the laboratory management system (LMS);
• Establishing and implementing corrective actions to address discrepancies and prevent future issues, contributing to the continuous improvement of the QMS;
• Overseeing all analytical work and analysis, ensuring it adheres to set standards and turnaround times (TAT); and
• Establishing and maintaining robust systems for documenting all activities, including experimental data, protocols, and reports.

Person specification

For appointment to this grade, an officer must have:

• Cumulative period of twelve (12) years' relevant work experience, three (3) of which should have been at the grade of Principal Laboratory Analyst or in an equivalent or comparable position;
• Bachelor's Degree in any of the following disciplines: Applied Biology, Food Technology, Analytical Chemistry, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, or equivalent, from a recognized institution;
• Master's degree in any of the following: Applied Biology, Food Technology, Analytical Chemistry, Biotechnology, Microbiology, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, or equivalent, from a recognized institution;
• Membership to a professional body/association where applicable and in good standing;
• Certificate in Leadership course lasting not less than four (4) weeks, or equivalent, from a recognized institution;
• Proficiency in computer applications;
• Demonstrated results in work performance; and
• Experience in organic chemistry will be an added advantage.

Key competencies and skills

• Analytical skills;
• Computer proficiency;
• Strong communication and reporting skills;
• Strong managerial skills and ability to lead teams;
• Mentoring, coaching and leadership skills; and
• Interpersonal and negotiation skills.

Remuneration and benefits

• Basic salary scale: KShs. 148,634 - KShs. 193,225 P.M.
• House allowance: KShs. 50,000 P.M.
• Commuter allowance: KShs. 17,000 P.M.
• Annual leave allowance: KShs. 20,000 P.A.
• Medical cover and other allowances: As provided by KMFRI