VACANCY
VETERINARY LABORATORY MANAGER
The Laboratory in Northern Kenya (LINK) is a Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) satellite laboratory based at Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
(LWC) to serve wildlife veterinary diagnostic and research needs in northern Kenya. It is an initiative of five organizations, including
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Northern Rangelands Trust (NRT), Kenya Wildlife Service, Wildlife Research & Training Institute (WRTI),
and San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (SDZWA). The laboratory has been established to enhance rapid veterinary diagnostics, wildlife
disease research, and disease surveillance capacity in northern Kenya. We are recruiting a Veterinary Laboratory Manager who will
be responsible for the day-to-day management and operations of the laboratory. This position reports to the KWS Mountain Region
Veterinarian.
Key Responsibilities:
The position holder will be responsible and in charge of the day-to-day management of the LINK based at LWC, specifically he/she
will have the responsibility to:
✓ Manage and supervise all the operations of the laboratory and be accountable to senior management, including:
o Train and supervise laboratory staff on new and existing laboratory techniques.
o Set up and organize regular meetings with the staff and key stakeholders.
o Prepare annual work plans and budgets to ensure the smooth running of the laboratory.
o Negotiate and maintain appropriate equipment service contracts.
o Maintain a database of collected, processed, analyzed, and banked samples.
o Participate in the development and formulation of the LINK strategic plan.
o Participate in writing joint research proposals.
o Participate in writing joint fundraising proposals.
o Generate weekly, monthly, and annual laboratory reports as required by KWS.
o Other duties as assigned.
✓ Prepare Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in collaboration with key stakeholders on sample collection, preservation,
submission to the LINK lab, and onward submission to other reference laboratories, including:
o Responsible for regular QA/QC and maintenance of laboratory equipment.
o Perform laboratory procedures as required. This includes but is not limited to hematology, urinalysis, parasitology,
chemistry, biobanking, molecular diagnostics, and disseminating results within the expected time frame.
o Coordinates sample transfers from other satellite labs in northern Kenya and is the point of contact with KWS
Headquarters and WRTI laboratories.
o Ensures laboratory safety during sample reception, handling, analysis, and disposal.
Qualifications:
✓ Experience
o At least five years’ experience working in a clinical laboratory.
o Minimum of one year of management experience.
o Veterinary laboratory experience preferred.
o Experience working in remote areas and the wildlife field preferred.
✓ Knowledge
o Knowledge of theories, concepts, and approaches relevant to veterinary diagnostic and research laboratory
management.
o Working knowledge of MS Office applications required.
o Fulfill the requirements of Chapter Six of the Constitution.
✓ Skills and Abilities
o Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
o Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies.
o Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals.
o Understands and complies with applicable laws e.g., Veterinary Surgeon and Paraprofessionals (VSVP) Act 2013.
o Participates as needed in audits for compliance.
o Collaborates in knowledge sharing with other professionals.
o A good understanding of KENAS regulation of veterinary laboratories in Kenya.
✓ Education
o A university degree in Medical Laboratory Science, Medical Laboratory Technology, or any other equivalent
qualifications from an accredited institution.
o Registration Certificate issued by the Kenya Medical Laboratory Technicians and Technologists Board (KMLTTB),
where applicable, or any other recognized regulatory body.
o Valid practicing license from Kenya Medical Laboratory Technicians and Technologists where applicable.
✓ Applications should include the following:
o Letter of Application.
o Current Resume or Curriculum Vitae with Telephone number and e-mail address.
o Three letters of reference with contact telephone numbers.
o Copies of Academic Certificates and Transcripts.
This role is offered on an annual contract, with the potential for renewal depending on performance and availability of funding.
If you meet the above requirements and are interested in joining a team of hardworking staff, please send your resume and
application letter to the E-mail address below indicating your current gross pay and salary expectation for this position. Provide your
daytime telephone contact and the contacts of three referees by 19th January, 2025.
Email: [email protected]
NB: ONLY SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES WILL BE CONTACTED
