Core Laboratory Specialist - Clinical Microbiology & Immunology

Job Description

Job Purpose:

Additionally, the Clinical M&I Core Laboratory Specialist will foster a culture of continuous improvement to maintain excellent research user services within the Research Core Laboratories.

Operational Responsibilities:

• Drive practices and metrics which ensure that the Clinical M&I Core Laboratory operates in compliance with all aspects of Khalifa University's EHS policies

• Support the daily operation of the Clinical Microbiology & Immunology Core facilities in compliance with Biosafety Level (BSL) 2 and BSL 3 facilities requirements.
• Assist with the adherence to Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP) and international accreditation process for the facilities.
• Coordinate operational policies and procedures; Work with research staff on issues which impact laboratory services.
• Coordinate and supervise the performance of routine and specialized technical procedures in assigned laboratories.
• Assist with laboratory goals and operational procedures for quality, efficiency and waste reduction.

• Responsible for the laboratories daily operation, laboratory maintenance, user training, maintenance of the biorepository, developing of standard operating procedures under the supervision of the laboratory manager and performing laboratory tests as required/directed. This role includes working closely with faculty, students, and researchers to provide technical support in Clinical M&I Core Laboratory experiments, sample preparation, data collection, and analysis. The successful candidate will contribute to the research and educational mission of the university by enabling high-quality data generation and analysis.
• Provide a safe environment for the use of Clinical M&I Core Laboratory equipment.
• Ensure laboratory equipment is operational to the maximum extent possible and improve operations through efficient use of existing equipment.
• Proficiency in operating analytical instruments is essential, along with a strong understanding of sample preparation, calibration techniques, and detection methodologies, including QA/QC and SOP management.
• Maintain a detailed research study log, with associated study identifiers to ensure all study samples are processed, archived and retrieved with ease as required.
• Support the preparation of all protocols and standard operating procedures and rigorously apply agreed procedures throughout all experimental activities.
• Oversee the general operation, organization, tidiness and sterility and decontamination of the working environment and the management of hazardous wastes. Ensuring contaminated apparatus is dealt with in a safe manner in accordance with proper procedure. Enforcing proper procedures for the maintenance of the work area as necessary.
• Actively contribute to the design, development and use of in vitro and in vivo assays.
• Monitor the functionality of new equipment to ensure compliance.
• Improves lab operations through efficient use of existing equipment.
• Coordinate the installation of new equipment and maintaining the inventory of all laboratory equipment.

• Assist in the determination of fiscal requirements and in the preparation of budgetary recommendations, including recommending capital equipment expenditures, ensure appropriate resource levels, and comply with organizational expenditure requirements with the laboratory manager.
• Supervise and maintain the inventory of commonly used laboratory supplies, maintenance parts and any other items related to research lab operations.
• Evaluate technical requirements based on bids received from potential vendors for new laboratory equipment purchases with the laboratory manager.
• Ensure Clinical M&I Core Laboratory website is kept up to date, including all training schedules, equipment schedules and equipment descriptions.
• Guide the faculty and researchers on the purchase of required consumables and accessories for working with the equipment.

• Contribute to the continued innovation and development of the research program.
• Maintain liaison with investigators, research personnel and staff to solve specific operating problems and improve technical activities.

• Adhere to the University's information security and confidentiality policies and procedures, and report breaches or other security risks accordingly.
• Coordinate with other departments to facilitate the accomplishment of tasks and responsibilities related to the operations of the Research Laboratories Department.
• Demonstrate a strong commitment and practice to maintaining a safe and healthy work environment.
• Perform any other tasks assigned by the Line Manager

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in Biomedical Sciences or a related field with Masters or Doctoral degrees preferred.
• Preference will be given to candidates with previous dual clinical microbiology diagnostic laboratory BSL 2 and BSL 3 experience.
• Previous demonstrable experience in supporting ISO accreditation application for a BSL 2 and/or BSL 3 facility is preferred.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to connect and build commercial relationships in a university environment.
• A minimum of 5 years relevant experience.