Laboratory QA/QC Manager Joint Clinical Research Centre

The Joint Clinical Research Centre (JCRC) is an indigenous medical organization that was established in 1991 as a limited liability not-for-profit Joint venture between the Uganda Ministry of Health (MoH), Ministry of Defense and Makerere University Medical School (now Makerere University College of Health Sciences). JCRC is located on plot 101 Lubowa Hill Off Entebbe Road P.O. Box 10005 Kampala.

Joint Clinical Research Centre seeks to recruit a dynamic, motivated, and innovative candidate for the position of Laboratory QA/QC Manager.

Job Description.
Job Title: Laboratory QA/QC Manager
Job Status: Full Time
Reports to: Director Laboratory Services
Station: JCRC Head Quarters in Lubowa

Job Summary
As the Laboratory QA/QC Manager at the Joint Clinical Research Centre (JCRC), your primary mandate is to uphold the highest standards of quality assurance and quality control across our laboratory operations. You will play a pivotal role in ensuring the accuracy, reliability, and compliance of all testing and analytical processes within our research facility. You’ll be instrumental in enhancing existing Quality practices and upholding accreditations across all JCRC labs.

Your responsibilities will extend to supporting senior staff in imparting new requirements and Quality Management methodologies. Continuous monitoring of JCRC QA/QC Laboratories’ performance will also fall within your purview.

Key Responsibilities:
1. To manage the activities of the QAQC unit at the JCRC Laboratories and ensure that the Laboratories quality management systems are adhered to in accordance to both local and international regulations.
2. Coordinate and manage the development, review, document control, archiving of the JCRC Laboratory’s Standard Operating Procedures.
Oversee external Quality assessments surveys; proficiency testing programs (EQA) including but not limited to ordering EQA material, monitoring testing, submission and management of EQA results upon return.
Periodically assess the quality of the clinical laboratory services and identifying improvement projects for the laboratory.
5. Assist laboratory Department/Section heads with and/or performing validation/ verification where necessary for the new laboratory kits/assay or equipment.
Develop and produce regular reports for laboratory management and meetings and on all audits performed in the laboratory, as well as produce non-compliance reports as part of the laboratory audit process. Produce reports required by accrediting and compliance bodies.
7. Serve and act as the initial and senior point of contact for both local and international laboratory monitors.

Qualifications:
§ Bachelor of Laboratory Sciences or Medical Laboratory Technology
§ Master’s degree in a relevant scientific discipline will be an added advantage.
§ Must be a registered member of the Health Professional’s Council (AHPC).

Required Experience:
• At least 10 years of experience in QA/AC from a reputable organization.
• Proven experience in laboratory quality assurance and quality control management, preferably in a clinical research or healthcare setting.
• In-depth knowledge of regulatory requirements, accreditation standards (e.g., GCLP, CAP), and quality management principles applicable to laboratory operations.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail, with the ability to identify process improvements and implement corrective actions.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
• Certification in quality management (e.g., ASQ Certified Quality Manager) or relevant professional accreditation will be an added advantage.