Laboratory Director – Uganda Virus Research Institute

About US:
The Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) is one of the constituent research institutions under the Uganda National Health Research Organization (UNHRO). The Institute’s broad mission is to carry out scientific investigations concerning communicable diseases of public health importance and to advise the Uganda Government on strategies for their control and prevention. The Institute has signed a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to strengthen Institute capacity through the management and coordination of laboratory surveillance, epidemiology, public health evaluations and training in Uganda under the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).

Job Summary: The Laboratory Director takes the overall responsibility for scientific, professional, consultative, advisory, organizational, administrative and educational activities relevant to the services provided by this laboratory

Key Duties and Responsibilities:
1. General:
The incumbent must be available to the laboratory staff at all times to provide onsite, telephone or electronic consultation as needed.
Provides effective and efficient management of the laboratory services including the delegation of duties, budget planning and accountability through responsible financial management in accordance with institutional assignment of such responsibilities.
Ensures that the laboratory space and environment is safe from physical, chemical and biological hazards
Plans and directs research and staff development appropriate to a national referral laboratory.

2. Technical:
Ensures that test methods selected have the capability of providing quality results and that testing by laboratory personnel is performed according to approved procedures.
The incumbent ensures that reports of test results are correct and timely, provides consultation for interpretation of results and is responsive to customer complaints.
Demonstrates skill and knowledge on all applicable laboratory test systems.
Chairs the Quality Improvement Committee.
Work in liaison with the Project Manager and Laboratory Manager, to ensure that the laboratory maintains its international (CAP) accreditation status
Takes a lead in collaborations for publications of critical laboratory findings and advice the Project PI and Project Manager

3. Personnel:
Ensures laboratory staff have the necessary qualifications, competence, experience and career opportunities to perform both the technical and management duties assigned to them.
Ensures that written policies and procedures are established and reviewed periodically.
Ensures staff undergo regular performance appraisals and assists in identifying training needs and reviewing position descriptions.
Chairs weekly laboratory management meetings with section heads and distributes minutes to UVRI senior management.

4. Planning:
Actively seeks new opportunities for laboratory service provision.
Renders support in the development of the Institute’s Training Plan for UVRI staff, national and international laboratory
Performs planning for goal-setting and developing and allocating appropriate material and human resources.
Encourages staff participation in continuing education programs.

5. Safety:
Implements a safe laboratory environment in compliance with good practice and applicable regulations.
Ensures all laboratory procedures are followed including safety guidelines, the use of personal protective equipment and awareness of blood-borne pathogens and safe disposal of laboratory waste.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
The applicant must hold a PhD in a science field, with a bias in laboratory medicine
Qualified to assume the professional, scientific, consultative, organizational, administrative and educational responsibilities for the services provided.
Broad knowledge of clinical medicine, basic medical sciences especially molecular biology/virology, clinical laboratory sciences and operations
The director should have the appropriate training and background to discharge the responsibilities

How to Apply:
All candidates are strongly encouraged to send their applications together with copies of academic certificates, transcripts, a CV, including names of at least two work-related referees indicating their contacts with e-mail and telephone numbers to:

The Director,
Uganda Virus Research Institute
P. O. Box 49 Entebbe,

Hand deliver to our office on Plot 51-59 Nakiwogo Road, Entebbe Municipality.

Deadline: 29th February 2016 by 5:00 pm