Clinical Laboratory Lead

Zambart is an independent Zambian research organization whose headquarters is at the University of Zambia’s Ridgeway Campus in Lusaka. Zambart is globally renowned for its interdisciplinary research on HIV and Tuberculosis and has contributed to HIV and TB policy and practice at national and global levels. Zambart’s research portfolio now includes a broader scope of urgent public health issues. Zambart staff form an interdisciplinary team with a range of expertise including epidemiology, clinical science, social science, laboratory, operations research, health systems and services research, health policy analysis, health economics, health communication and counselling.

Zambart’ s vision is to conduct quality interdisciplinary health research on issues of public health importance Zambia and contribute to improving health policy and practice leading to better health for all.

Our mission is to contribute to global public health policy and practice through the generation of an evidence based by conducting high-quality health research in Zambia.

To support our wide range of research activities, we are looking for an ambitious, suitably qualified candidate to fill the following exciting position that has arisen:

Position: Clinical Laboratory Lead

Reporting To: Head of Laboratory Services and Clinical Medical Officer (for clinical oversight activities)

Job Location: Lusaka

Key Responsibilities include and not limited to

1. Leadership & Management

Lead and coordinate clinical laboratory operations across studies.
Create and manage team schedules to ensure adequate coverage and efficiency.
Lead regular lab management meetings to review operations, quality issues, and team performance.
Serve as the primary liaison between Zambart and external institutions, regulatory bodies, and health authorities.
Ensure adherence to safety, good housekeeping, and ethical standards, including participant confidentiality.

2. Laboratory Certification and Accreditation

Lead Zambart’s application process for SADCAS accreditation
Develop and implement a clear SADCAS accreditation roadmap with timelines, milestones, and measurable targets.
Coordinate gap assessments and ensure corrective actions are implemented to meet ISO 15189:2022 requirements.
To follow through with the HPCZ certification process
Work closely with laboratory staff to implement and monitor compliance with the Quality Management System (QMS)
Responsible for organizing, coordinating, and documenting all Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) and External Quality Assurance (EQA) programs
Coordinate, develop and review standard operating procedures (SOPs), monitor compliance, and maintain records and documentation
Develop, present, and document quality assurance (QA) training programs for laboratory staff
Maintain databases and computer programs for the compilation and statistical analysis of quality assurance (QA) data
Maintain and update records of laboratory equipment, maintenance, and service in accordance with ISO 15189:2022
Hold weekly meetings at lab management level to review quality issues

3. Technical Oversight and Data Quality in the Clinical Unit

Manage workflows and coordinate laboratory activities for the clinical laboratory unit
Creating and managing team schedules in the clinical unit
Design systematic plans of action for problem solving as a build-up to practical and timely decision-making
Ensure proper adherence by lab staff to regulations as required by research ethics and public health guidelines
Laboratory data validation for all studies and ensuring results released are of high quality with acceptable turnaround time
Routine reviewing of laboratory equipment monitoring logs
Develop and maintain appropriate working relationships between Zambart and client institutions and health authorities
Coordinating sample transportation between collection site and laboratory
Participate in and supervise sample testing to guarantee accurate and reliable results
Monitoring and reviewing data entry procedures for laboratory databases
Reviewing laboratory supplies reports inventory, monitoring stocks of laboratory supplies and reagents, preventing shortages
Ensure that ethical guidelines are always adhered to concerning confidentiality of participant and project data and information
Ensuring safety and good housekeeping standards in the laboratory (or designated unit) are in place and adhered to
Participate in writing and updating laboratory SOPs, and ensure proper adherence to policies and SOPs
Attend scientific meetings and conferences to stay updated on industry developments
Maintain and update professional knowledge, taking responsibility for continuing professional development (CPD)
Be willing to work flexible hours, including late hours or weekends when required
Perform any other duties or responsibilities deemed necessary by the organization to ensure efficient and timely implementation of lab operations

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Essential Requirements:

Minimum BSc Biomedical Sciences
Minimum 5 years’ experience in a clinical or research laboratory setting
Experience working in a laboratory that has been accredited
Strong interpersonal and team leadership skills.

Desirable:

At least 2 years in a leadership role.
Experience in developing a laboratory for accreditation with ISO 15189:2022, HPCZ certification, and QMS implementation.

How to Apply
Applicants meeting the criteria for the above jobs should send their latest CVs, their qualifications and relevant Certificates, three traceable references contacts, and a cover letter outlining clearly how they meet the above criteria to: The Head of Human Resources, Zambart Head Office, Ridgeway Campus, P.O Box 50697, Lusaka or send your application via email to jobs@zambart.org.zm

Closing Date:

The closing date for the receipt of the applications will be 5th September 2025.

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.