About the Position
Mpala Research Centre is seeking an experienced and dynamic Laboratory Manager to lead the effective, quality-driven and commercially sustainable operation of its laboratory facilities.
The Laboratory Manager will be responsible for ensuring high standards of laboratory operations, quality assurance, researcher support and staff management, while developing the laboratory into a service-oriented and revenue-generating facility for researchers, academic institutions, government agencies, NGOs and private-sector clients
Key Responsibilities
Laboratory Operations & Technical Leadership
Lead the day-to-day operation of the laboratory, ensuring efficient use of facilities, equipment and resources.
Supervise, mentor and develop laboratory staff and coordinate work planning, training and performance.
Coordinate access and support for researchers, students, visiting scientists and external laboratory users.
Ensure laboratory safety, protocols and operational procedures are consistently followed.
Business Development & Resource Mobilization
Develop and grow laboratory services for researchers, universities, government agencies, NGOs and private-sector clients.
Identify opportunities for fee-for-service testing, contract research, technical training, consultancy and other revenue-generating services.
Build strategic partnerships and support grant and funding proposals for laboratory infrastructure, equipment and capacity development.
Monitor service uptake, client satisfaction and revenue performance and recommend improvements to strengthen the laboratory’s sustainability.
Quality, Compliance & Continuous Improvement
Lead and maintain the laboratory Quality Management System in line with ISO 17025 or other relevant standards.
Ensure SOPs, quality controls, audits, proficiency testing and corrective actions are effectively managed.
Promote a culture of quality, safety, compliance and continuous improvement across the laboratory.
Ensure laboratory activities comply with relevant research, regulatory and institutional requirements.
Stakeholder Engagement & Reporting
Build effective relationships with researchers, research institutions, clients, funders and other laboratory partners.
Represent the laboratory in relevant institutional meetings, stakeholder engagements and professional forums.
Coordinate with Research Compliance and Administration on research approvals, material transfer agreements and other requirements affecting laboratory activities.
Prepare regular operational, quality, financial and performance reports for senior leadership.
Qualifications
The ideal candidate will have:
A Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree (Added Advantage) in Biology, Molecular Biology, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Life Sciences or a related field.
Proven experience managing a research, analytical, diagnostic or similar laboratory.
Strong knowledge of laboratory quality management systems, with experience in
ISO 17025
or a comparable standard.
Experience supervising technical teams and managing laboratory operations, equipment and resources.
Experience in business development, resource mobilization, grant development or developing laboratory services will be an advantage.
Strong communication, stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.
A practical, commercially aware and solutions-oriented approach to laboratory management.
Minimum qualifications
BA/BSc/HND , MBA/MSc/MA
How to apply
Interested candidates should submit:
A cover letter explaining their suitability for the position; and
An updated CV, including contact details for three referees.
Applications should be submitted electronically to
jobs@mpala.org
with the subject line
Application Deadline: 29
th
October 2026.
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