Laboratory Manager at Mpala

About the Position

• Mpala Research Centre is seeking an experienced and dynamic Laboratory Manager to lead the effective, quality-driven and commercially sustainable operation of its laboratory facilities.
• The Laboratory Manager will be responsible for ensuring high standards of laboratory operations, quality assurance, researcher support and staff management, while developing the laboratory into a service-oriented and revenue-generating facility for researchers, academic institutions, government agencies, NGOs and private-sector clients

Key Responsibilities

Laboratory Operations & Technical Leadership

• Lead the day-to-day operation of the laboratory, ensuring efficient use of facilities, equipment and resources.
• Supervise, mentor and develop laboratory staff and coordinate work planning, training and performance.
• Coordinate access and support for researchers, students, visiting scientists and external laboratory users.
• Ensure laboratory safety, protocols and operational procedures are consistently followed.

Business Development & Resource Mobilization

• Develop and grow laboratory services for researchers, universities, government agencies, NGOs and private-sector clients.
• Identify opportunities for fee-for-service testing, contract research, technical training, consultancy and other revenue-generating services.
• Build strategic partnerships and support grant and funding proposals for laboratory infrastructure, equipment and capacity development.
• Monitor service uptake, client satisfaction and revenue performance and recommend improvements to strengthen the laboratory’s sustainability.

Quality, Compliance & Continuous Improvement

• Lead and maintain the laboratory Quality Management System in line with ISO 17025 or other relevant standards.
• Ensure SOPs, quality controls, audits, proficiency testing and corrective actions are effectively managed.
• Promote a culture of quality, safety, compliance and continuous improvement across the laboratory.
• Ensure laboratory activities comply with relevant research, regulatory and institutional requirements.

Stakeholder Engagement & Reporting

• Build effective relationships with researchers, research institutions, clients, funders and other laboratory partners.
• Represent the laboratory in relevant institutional meetings, stakeholder engagements and professional forums.
• Coordinate with Research Compliance and Administration on research approvals, material transfer agreements and other requirements affecting laboratory activities.
• Prepare regular operational, quality, financial and performance reports for senior leadership.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have:

• A Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree (Added Advantage) in Biology, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Life Sciences or a related field.
• Proven experience managing a research, analytical, diagnostic or similar laboratory.
• Strong knowledge of laboratory quality management systems, with experience in ISO 17025 or a comparable standard.
• Experience supervising technical teams and managing laboratory operations, equipment and resources.
• Experience in business development, resource mobilization, grant development or developing laboratory services will be an advantage.
• Strong communication, stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.
• A practical, commercially aware and solutions-oriented approach to laboratory management.