Biorepository Management Officer

University of Zimbabwe - Clinical Trials Research Centre (UZ-CTRC) is seeking suitably trained, competent, talented, multi-task and qualified Biorepository Management Officer based at NMRL in Harare.

UZ-CTRC was established in 1994 and has conducted high impact observational studies, implementation studies and Phase I-IV clinical trials in HIV, TB, COVID -19 and associated co-morbidities funded by National Institute of Allery and Infectious Diseases, AIDS Malignancy Consortium, Bill, and Melinda Gates Foundation among others. UZ-CTRC has served as a center of excellence in the prevention and control of HIV and AIDS and have contributed to global understanding of HIV epidemiology and pathogenesis, global and Zimbabwean health policy, by providing scientific evidence through our highly equipped and resourced network of laboratories that operate in strict compliance with International best practices guided by GCLP and ISO 15189 standard.

UZ-CTRC is implementing a US Center for Disease Control and Prevention-US

President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (CDC-PEPFAR) funded Laboratory Systems Strengthening (LSS) program in Zimbabwe from 2023 to 2026 supporting the Ministry of Health and Childcare (MOHCC). The LSS program will enhance access to high quality testing towards achievement of the UNAIDS 95-95-95 goals.

Qualifications and Experience

•  Degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences or equivalent.
• Work experience in Laboratory QMS implementation is an added advantage.
• Prior experience in using LDMS system is an added advantage.
• Registered with the Medical Laboratory & Clinical Scientists Council of Zimbabwe
• At least 3 years’ experience in Clinical diagnostic Testing.
• Work experience in MoHCC Medical Laboratories is an added advantage.
• Computer literate.

Responsibilities

Reporting to the NMRL Chief Medical Laboratory Scientist, the Biorepository Management Officer (BMO) shall work closely with the Biobanking Advisor for the establishment and running of the biobank. He/she shall be responsible for the following,

• Perform LDMS data entries, sample storage and shipping of samples as required.
• Work in collaboration with surveillance officer to ensure relevant samples are stored appropriately and are retrievable according to laid out procedures when required.
• Maintain accurate biobank sample inventory.
• Collaborate with parties submitting samples for storage to resolve sample/ data discrepancies.
• Maintain accurate biobank equipment inventory.
• Work with biobanking advisor to develop SOPs for monitoring of biobank, including temperature monitoring and equipment service/calibration.
• Daily monitoring of environmental and storage equipment conditions in the biobank.
• Be the primary person to respond to and act on sensaphone alarm calls from biobank freezers.
• Maintain updated LDMS system to support biobank storage system.
• Through the NMRL coordinator/chief medical laboratory scientist, he/she shall collaborate with other stakeholders/partners feeding into or utilizing the biobank.
• Ongoing biobank storage capacity evaluation and initiating procurement of biobank equipment through consultations with biobank advisor.