Founded in 1898 and the oldest of its kind in the world, the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) is an internationally recognised centre of excellence for teaching and research in tropical diseases. Through the creation of effective links with governments, NGOs, private organisations and global institutions and by responding to the health needs of communities, LSTM aims to promote improved health, particularly for people of the less developed/resource poorest countries in the tropics and sub-tropics.
MLW is a highly active and respected research organisation conducting internationally excellent science to benefit human health with a focus on sub-Saharan Africa. It is an affiliate of the College of Medicine in Blantyre and is funded (via LSTM) by a GBP 27 million core and capital grant from the Wellcome Trust Asia / Africa Programme which runs until 2023 - this includes provision for an additional 640m2 Laboratory floor as part of its CREATOR new building project expected to be in use in 2021. MLW is built around excellent laboratories, strategically located in the largest hospital in Blantyre, Malawi, closely linked with the community and an integral part of the medical school. These relationships provide a unique opportunity replicated in few centres in Africa to study major health issues spanning both community and hospital and train the next generation of researchers. The MLW laboratories are managed as the Laboratory Research Support Unit (LRSU) and provide core diagnostic services as well as offer expertise to Research Groups managing complex equipment and developing novel assays.
The LRSU is recruiting for a Lead Laboratory Microbiologist to drive the development, feasibility, and implementation of new, cutting-edge techniques to ensure MLW remains at the forefront of microbiological science. The post holder will be an integral part of a vibrant laboratory, supporting training, ensuring quality and expanding laboratory capacity in Microbiology. This will span diagnostics, host response and studies of pathogenesis, linking with both the Laboratory Research Support Unit (LRSU), the Data Research Support Unit and the Research Group Heads. You will also take lead in the implementation of the Lab Quality Management Program to achieve, and then retain, ISO 15189:2012 accreditation, drive regular internal audits and develop the Lab staff members.
To apply to the post, you must hold a degree in Biomedical Science with relevant experience at a senior level in a high quality microbiology laboratory. Demonstrable experience in areas of administration and resource management, writing SOPs, quality assurance and independent assay development and troubleshooting new techniques is essential to your application. Excellent organisational, interpersonal and communication skills are important to your success. In addition, your ability to take initiative, problem solve and work well within diverse teams and with colleagues, is crucial to the post.
Closing Date: 21st January 2019
Please note:
1. Take up of the role is conditional on the Malawian Immigration authority granting the successful candidate the relevant employment permit
2. Applicants should note that this appointment will be subject to Malawi tax regulations but will benefit from relevant allowances including relocation where applicable.
3. Applications received only via the LSTM website will be accepted.
4. LSTM will close on 19th December 2018 and will not re-open until 2nd January 2019. We will be unable to respond to any queries during this period.
Take a look at some of the great work we have achieved over the past year 2017-2018 by viewing our annual report:
https://www.lstmed.ac.uk/about/publications/lstm-annual-report-2017-2018 or learn more about MLW by visiting the MLW website at https://www.mlw.mw
LSTM actively promotes Equal Opportunities and Safeguarding Policies
To read the full Job Description & Person Specification, please click here