QA/QC Specialist

It’s a complicated process, but Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ) is uniquely positioned to guide it. Using our strong technical expertise and years of experience in the field, our strong relationships with the Zambian government, and our ability to leverage funding from multiple international donors, we are uniquely positioned to identify and address health problems in the country and the African region. The CIDRZ approach is effective. We conduct intensive needs assessments to understand the ongoing challenges for the local health systems. We engage relevant partners to design and implement realistic solutions. We monitor our progress towards improved health outcomes, both at the individual and population level. The interplay between each step is critical and the result is a continuous loop that allows us to take past experiences to inform future decisions. Through this process, we have steadily expanded access to care and improved healthcare quality across a range of services. In addition, because our sole focus is on Zambia, we have a nuanced understanding of health systems on the ground and are able to nimbly respond to priorities identified by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Community Development Mother and Child Health.

Responsibilities

QA/QC Specialist – Ref: QA/LB/30/11/17 – Lusaka

Reporting to the QA/QC Manager, the Medical Laboratory Technologist (QA/QC Specialist) will be required to provide support to several protocol/research teams

S/he will also work closely with Research Coordinators and bench supervisors in developing procedures and ensuring that all procedures are ready in time for start of any study/research protocol

Ensure that Laboratory’s documented policies and procedures are reviewed and are up to date as required

Ensure that all laboratory SOPs are written and maintained as per the writing of quality systems documents and document control procedures

Work with bench supervisors to carry out periodic reviews of documents at the benches to ensure that only valid documents are in circulation

Provide support to the Assistant QA/QC Manager in timely testing and submission of External Quality Assurance samples and compilation of evaluation results to effect instrument to instrument and staff comparison data

Participate in the designing of an internal audit process, including checklists, schedule of implementation, reporting of findings, resolution action plans, implementation of corrective and preventive actions and subsequent documentation

Work with the Assistant QA/QC Manager to collect cumulative quality key indicator data from QC records, analyze and report trends in the QC process that may result in the generation of inaccurate reports or delayed TAT turnaround times, and generate monthly reports on QC trends to report to the QA/QC Manager

Stand in for the Assistant QA/QC Manager in his/her absence and carry out all duties as required. Work with the Research Coordinator in investigations and documentation of corrective and preventative actions, tracking, trending, and maintenance of historical files

Work closely with the Research Coordinator and the protocol team and support new protocols by ensuring that SOPs and other documents required by the protocol teams are approved. Provide necessary over site on the benches to ensure that all protocol related activities are carried out in accordance with respective protocols and regulations

In a number of times the Medical Laboratory Technologist (QA/QC Specialist) will be required to attend protocol/study meetings to represent the QA/QC Manager

Work hand in hand with the Research Coordinator to monitor laboratory testing for all assigned protocols/studies report any deviations to the QA/QC Manager

May be required to perform LDMS reviews, storage verification, discrepancies resolutions, assay applications (DNA & RNA & data exportation)

Any other responsibilities as may be assigned by the QA/QC Manager

Qualifications

A Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Science discipline or recognised equivalence. At least 2 years’ experience with medical laboratory instruments and processes

Diploma in Biomedical Science with three (3) years experience with medical laboratory instruments and processes

Two 2 years working in a laboratory that involves daily analysis of DAIDS or other related protocol. In-depth knowledge of GCLP and ISO 15189

Mathematical skills, including calculations and statistics

Ability to operate a computer, Microsoft software applications and other equipment necessary to collect and analyze QC data

Demonstrated leadership/management skills

Demonstrate quality transcription work with little or no errors

Advanced knowledge of laboratory terminology and interpretation of laboratory values

Excellent written and oral communication skills, including grammar, punctuation, and style, to provide consistent quality documents and updates to laboratory management

Proficient in referencing, researching, reporting, tracking, and monitoring

Ability to multi-task with multiple priorities and time frames

Ability to work independently with minimal or no supervision

Possess good organizational skills for file management

Ability to communicate QA concerns/questions effectively with clients, management and all staff.

How to apply

Suitably qualified candidates are invited to apply; however only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Please send application letter quoting the reference number above, relevant academic and professional certificates, and detailed CV with day-time telephone number(s) to:

The CIDRZ Human Resources Director,

PO Box 34681,

Lusaka.