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Quality Assurance Assistant (Core Lab)
- Blantyre
- Contract (Full-Time)
- Closing Date: 14/08/2026
Job Description
The Malawi – Liverpool – Wellcome – Programme (MLW) is an internationally recognized centre for research and training, funded by the Wellcome Trust in collaboration with our key partners, the Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KuHes), Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) and University of Liverpool (UoL) among others. We are committed to promoting research and training led by Malawian & International scientists, with the aim of improving the health of people in Malawi and elsewhere in the Region.
Our vision is to be Africa’s’ based beacon of excellence leading impactful research that drives innovation, policy and practice globally and our mission is to conduct high quality research and train the next generation of researchers and leaders to benefit health.
Responsibilities
1. To manage, coordinate, and orient new lab staff from projects and core and ensure that the staff list is updated in real-time, and that the conflict of interest, confidentiality forms, and the
signature logs are completed at all times.
2. To coordinate H&S and specific lab inductions to ensure full onboarding prior to staff member commencing work.
3. To be responsible for the stock checking process for the laboratory and ensuring it is done; including coordinating stocktaking with lab staff and stores team, conducting
the stock checks with a member of each section, and updating the stock inventory system.
4. Ensure that all local and international orders are physically received, verified, documented and archived as per relevant processes.
5. Coordinate the installation paperwork for new equipment and number each asset with a MLW unique identifier.
6. Ensure that equipment maintenance is coordinated and conducted as per schedule and all relevant documentation is filed and accessible within 2 weeks of receipt.
7. Ensuring that instrument verifications are done and completed after repairs or service.
8. Ensuring that all instrument documentation including but not limited to decontamination records, maintenance and verification records are complete and reviewed.
9. Coordinate the identification and transfer of laboratory records to the archivist in accordance with approved laboratory procedures and retention schedules.
10. Liaise with laboratory section heads to ensure records due for archiving are complete, accurate, and submitted on time.
11. Verify that all records sent to the archive are properly documented, indexed, and logged using approved laboratory records management tools.
12. Maintain oversight of records retention, traceability, confidentiality, and compliance, reporting any gaps or issues to laboratory management
Requirements
· Diploma in laboratory or health sciences or other relevant field.
· At least 1 year in relevant field with good recording keeping, time-management and organizational skills, excellent writing and IT skills (including MS Word, Publisher, Access and Excel)
· Exposure to a laboratory environment will be required
· Experience with main IT platforms (outlook, word, excel, etc) and ability to use databases are required
· Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
· Proactiveness
· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
· Leadership and ability to work with others
Remuneration and Benefits
MLW offers a competitive remuneration package aligned with the responsibilities of each position. The package includes a medical aid scheme, 24-hour insurance cover, a pension scheme, and an annual gratuity benefit. In addition, employees have access to training, career development opportunities, and scholarship programmes, subject to performance and other applicable eligibility criteria.
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, detailed curriculum vitae (CV), copies of relevant certificates, and the contact details of three traceable referees (including at least two professional referees) to vacancies@mlw.mw.
All documents must be combined into a single PDF file and named using the format: Firstname_Surname_RoleApplied. The email subject line should read: Quality Assurance Assistant.
MLW recognizes its responsibility in safeguarding and protecting communities, research participants and patients it works with. Successful candidates will be requested to undergo a safeguarding check prior to appointment and on regular basis throughout employment.
ONLY SHORT-LISTED CANDIDATES WILL BE ACKNOWLEDGED.