Main purpose of the job:

• To support Laboratory Management to supervise the laboratory services 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 clinical laboratory practice

Location:

• Wits VIDA Research Unit Laboratory, 1st Floor, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Chris Hani Road, Diepkloof, Soweto and other VIDA sites as required

Key performance areas:

Samples Management

• Supervise and coordinate sample receipt and access
• Oversee specimen handling
• Ensure samples are logged and prepared for processing or storage according to applicable SOPs and research protocols
• Ensure cold chain specifications are maintained
• Coordinate regular freezer checks and trackers/reports
• Oversee the samples repository, ensuring detailed organisation and proper storage of all research specimens according GCLP guidelines and applicable SOPs
• Sample shipping: Oversee the transport and shipping of clinical specimens
• Ensure all shipments adhere to IATA and other relevant regulations
• Coordinate with lab assistant to ensure all shipments are completed timeously and adhere to protocols and deadlines

Staff Management

• Resource planning: Attend to all staffing requirements and administration, interviews, and plan ahead for staffing needs to ensure workflow and productivity
• Supervise and manage the duties of subordinates to ensure optimal staff utilisation and maintenance of sound labour relations
• Perform and facilitate performance development and assessments
• Identify and manage substandard performance by team members and take necessary corrective action
• Coach and train subordinates and team members to ensure the acquisition of knowledge and skills required by the organisation
• Promote harmony, teamwork and sharing of information

Quality Assurance

• Manage the correct application of quality assurance processes and SOPs and ensure corrective actions are taken as required
• Supervise, evaluate and QC the results from studies and trials, to ensure efficient process flow and reporting
• Support the management team to ensure that the Wits VIDA Laboratory is compliant with GCLP, and that industry standards, applicable licences and technical requirements are maintained

Customer Service

• Act in a professional, transparent and friendly manner in all dealings with internal stakeholders
• High level of customer-centricity at all times (internal and external stakeholders)

Effective Self-Management and Performance Ownership

• Take ownership and accountability for tasks & activities and demonstrate effective self-management
• Follow through to ensure that personal quality and productivity standards are consistently and accurately maintained
• Maintain a positive attitude and respond openly to feedback
• Take ownership for driving own career development

Required minimum education and training:

• National Diploma in Biomedical Technology or equivalent relevant qualification

Required minimum work experience:

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in appropriate/relevant laboratory
• Supervisory experience would be an advantage

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 processes and experience with a laboratory information system
• Confidence using Microsoft Office in particular Excel at least intermediate level
• Orderly and systematic
• Exceptional organisational and administration skills
• Able to work under pressure and adhere to deadlines
• Assertive and confident
• Above average attention to detail
• Sound interpersonal skills
• Self-motivated and able to work as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Able to make independent decisions
• Able to manage high volumes and flow of work
• Results-driven
• Self-motivated and proactive with strong work ethic, values and integrity
• Knowledge of clinical trials is preferred

Demands of the job:

• Able to work in a pressurized environment and consistently achieve stringent turnaround times and performance targets
• Required to utilize all resources cost effectively
• Operate in a laboratory where GCLP and general health/safety rules must be adhered to at all times
• Exposure to hazardous and potentially infectious samples
• Working after hours or on standby required

Communications and relationships:

• Liaise and maintain effective working relationships with team members and management
• Liaise effectively with Laboratory staff and other health/research workers

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 and complete your registration on Ditto Hire (our application tracking system) to enable and protect you as a candidate to accept the new POPIA terms and conditions. This will then create your permanent profile with which you can apply for all jobs as advertised by AJ PERSONNEL. However, you may remove your profile from AJ PERSONNEL when you are no longer in the job market.
• 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: 19 November 2024.
• Note WHC, in accordance with their Employment Equity goals and plan, will give preference to suitable applicants from designated groups as defined in the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998 and subsequent amendments thereto.

Please note:

• AJ PERSONNEL is only responsible for the advertising of the advertisement on behalf of their client Wits Health Consortium.
• 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.
• AJ Personnel does not have any salary or other information regarding the position.