Deputy Director, Laboratory Services at Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute (KMFRI)

Remuneration and Benefits

• Basic Salary Scale: KShs. 192,034 – KShs. 249,644 P.M.;
• House Allowance: KShs. 60,000 P.M.
• Commuter Allowance: KShs. 21,000 P.M.
• Annual Leave Allowance: KShs.12,500 P.A.
• Medical Cover and Other Allowances: As provided by KMFRI
• Terms of Service: Permanent and Pensionable.

Job Specifications

Duties and responsibilities of the officer will entail:

• Ensure that all activities are carried out in compliance with the laboratory’s quality assurance/quality control system and more especially ISO/IEC 17025. In addition, ensure Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) compliance where applicable;
• Ensure that set Turnaround time (TAT) for every sample submitted is adhered to and that clients’ testing requirement are fully met including application of correct methods/standard;
• Efficient and cost-effective Lab Materials management, to achieve the required TAT, accuracy of results with effective materials cost;
• Ensure that the results and test data produced are accurate, reliable and within acceptable repeatability/reproducibility;
• Ensuring the implementation of the standard operating procedures in specialized laboratories;
• Ensuring validation and application of new analytical techniques and kits;
• Overseeing analytical work and analysis;
• Overseeing management and safe disposal of samples and specimen;
• Ensuring the maintenance and preservation of specimens and cultures;
• Ensuring that the department has sufficient policies and procedures for recording and safe custody of experimental data;
• Ensuring that the laboratory has sufficient policies and procedures for management of reagents and consumables;
• Ensuring that the department has sufficient plans and procedures for the maintenance and calibration of laboratory equipment;
• Author, review, and approve technical documentation, protocols, and reports;
• Ensures equipment is maintained and calibrated, reporting all deficiencies (equipment malfunctions) in an appropriate manner. Keep and update regular maintenance log for all equipment under their control;
• In-house Laboratory Training;
• Training and supervision of subordinate personnel and analysts while keeping abreast with the latest development of analytical standards techniques to continuously develop new methods and capabilities for validation and final adoption;
• Organize workload and assign resources aligned to workload;
• Commitment to continuous improvement through adherence to ISO/IEC 17025 quality systems;
• Assisting the Nominated representative in coordinating and conducting internal audits as per the requirements of ISO/IEC 17025:2017 for continuous improvement of the system;
• Follow up on the non-conformance raised for effective closer and ensuring the proposed corrective action taken are sufficient to prevent recurrence;
• Prepare reports, write technical papers, and give technical/usage presentations as appropriate; and
• Any other duties assigned to you from time to time by Management.

Person Specification

For appointment to this grade an officer must have at least:

• A minimum of ten (10) years of relevant work experience, three (3) of which must be in the position of Assistant Director, Laboratory Services/Managerial position in an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratory, or its equivalent in the public or private sector;
• Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) with a minimum grade of C Plus (C+) or equivalent;
• 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;
• Published a minimum of three (3) peer reviewed publications in ISI-indexed journals;
• Excellent knowledge of ISO/IEC 17025:2017, ISO 9001:2015, GLP and HSE standards;
• Training on quality and risk management;
• Work with minimum supervision;
• Experience of supervision of a team;
• Satisfactory capability in application of the relevant testing protocols;
• Proficiency in computer applications;
• Management course lasting not less than four (4) weeks, or equivalent, from a recognized institution; and
• Meets the requirements of Chapter 6 of the Constitution

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.