Laboratory Quality Manager (M/F), 12-month renewable fixed-term contract, based in Goma – DRC At Epicentre

Description of the organization

Created by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in 1986, Epicentre conducts field epidemiology, training and medical research activities in support of MSF’s humanitarian objectives. We have 3 research centres in France, Niger and Uganda and relocated epidemiologists. Our areas of expertise cover infectious diseases (malaria, TB, HIV, cholera, Ebola, etc.), neglected diseases (leishmaniasis, trypanosomiasis, etc.) and chronic diseases that are on the rise in African countries, such as diabetes and cancer.

Job Description

Epicentre is conducting several studies in Goma, mainly focused on cholera. The main objective is to better understand the modes of transmission of the disease in this endemic area and to assess the impact of mass vaccination campaigns. Since 2021, Epicentre has been collaborating with the INRB-Fondation Mérieux laboratory in Goma. This partnership makes it possible in particular to ensure the confirmation and characterization of cholera strains (by culture and multiplex quantitative PCR) as well as the performance of serologies (via Luminex technology.

Epicentre is recruiting a Laboratory Quality Manager responsible for implementing, maintaining and improving the laboratory’s quality management system (QMS). This position also aims to ensure that cholera-related laboratory procedures are carried out in accordance with Good Clinical Laboratory Practices (GCLP) and ISO 15189.

Mission :

Under the direct supervision of the laboratory research assistant in Paris and in close collaboration with the quality team on site, your mission will be to set up and guarantee the sustainability of an effective quality management program for the laboratory, while ensuring the drafting and updating of quality documentation.

Main responsibilities:

Preparation and monitoring of internal audits :

• Prepare internal laboratory audits, implement and monitor corresponding action plans.

Promotion of quality and user needs :

• Raise awareness within the organization of user needs and requirements to improve the quality of services.

Design and management of quality tools :

• Develop and update quality management tools, such as procedures, policies and guides.

Quality compliance monitoring :

• Supervise the compliance of quality controls applied to equipment and reagents.

Risk assessment :

• Participate in the identification and analysis of risks related to laboratory processes.

Hygiene and safety :

• Ensure compliance with hygiene and safety measures within the laboratory.

Training and skills development :

• Plan, organize and coordinate training on quality assurance and good laboratory practices (GCLP) required for staff.
• Identify internal training needs and support teams through mentoring and personalized training sessions.

Commitment to a quality approach :

• Foster a culture of quality within the multidisciplinary team and motivate employees to adopt this approach.

Qualifications

Training / Diploma

• Holder of a Master’s degree or equivalent certification in Medical Biology, Medical Laboratory Sciences, or a similar qualification issued by a recognized institution.

Professional experience

• Minimum of 2 years of experience as a Laboratory Quality Manager in a renowned establishment.
• Field experience in resource-limited environments, in research or within NGOs is an additional asset.

Required Skills and Qualities

• Solid knowledge and proven experience in implementing a laboratory quality management system, in accordance with the requirements of ISO/IEC 15189, COFRAC or other equivalent regulatory agencies.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Proven ability to:
  • Work in emergency situations with flexibility and adaptability to changing priorities and deadlines.
  • Anticipate risks, manage deadlines effectively and propose innovative and pragmatic solutions.
  • Create clear and professional presentations.
  • Write and edit reports and technical documents.

LANGUAGES

• Proficiency in French (minimum level C1).
• Fluency in English is a definite asset.

Additional information

What we offer you:

Duration : Full-time fixed-term position (12 months, renewable).

Location : The position is based in Goma, DRC.

Start date : As soon as possible.

Remuneration : level 10 of the Epicentre/MSF salary scale + other benefits.

You will work within a multicultural team in the field of clinical research.

You will evolve in the humanitarian environment.

Your contributions and ideas will be valued and greatly appreciated.

You will participate in the life of the association and your missions will evolve as your involvement progresses.