African Clinical Research Network (ACRN)

Location: Harare, Zimbabwe

Employment Type: Fixed Term

Reporting to: Laboratory Director

The African Clinical Research Network stands at the forefront of medical innovation, dedicated to improving health outcomes across the continent through rigorous scientific inquiry and high-quality clinical trials. We are currently inviting applications from suitably qualified and experienced professionals to fill the critical role of Clinical Laboratory Quality Officer. Based in our Harare facility, this position is essential for maintaining the integrity of our diagnostic and research outputs. We seek an individual who is not only a technical expert but also a champion of excellence, ensuring that every result generated within our walls meets the most stringent international standards.

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Role Overview

The Clinical Laboratory Quality Officer carries the primary responsibility for the oversight and continuous improvement of the laboratory’s quality management systems. In the context of clinical research, where patient safety and data validity are paramount, this role serves as the ultimate safeguard. You will be tasked with orchestrating a culture of compliance, ensuring that all laboratory operations align with both national regulations and international benchmarks. As the Clinical Laboratory Quality Officer, your influence will extend across all departments, fostering an environment where precision is the standard and safety is never compromised.

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Detailed Key Responsibilities

1. Quality Management System (QMS) Implementation

The successful candidate will take the lead in developing, implementing, and sustaining a robust Quality Management System. This system must be meticulously designed to comply with ISO 15189 and other relevant standards. The mandate involves ensuring that every laboratory process, from the initial phase of sample reception to the final archiving of results, is fully documented and executed according to approved Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). By conducting regular reviews of these practices, you will identify areas for optimization, ensuring the laboratory remains at the cutting edge of quality assurance technology and methodology.

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2. Regulatory Compliance and Audit Management

Operating within the African Clinical Research Network requires a deep commitment to regulatory excellence. The Clinical Laboratory Quality Officer must ensure that the facility remains in constant compliance with local and international bodies, including CLIA, CAP, and the World Health Organization (WHO). This involves staying current with evolving regulatory requirements and translating these changes into actionable internal policies. You will be the primary coordinator for all audit activities, preparing the team for internal assessments and external certifications, ensuring that the laboratory is always “audit ready” and capable of demonstrating its commitment to high-standard research.

3. Quality Control and Proficiency Testing

Accuracy is the foundation of our work. You will oversee all Quality Control (QC) processes for the various tests and assays conducted in the laboratory. This involves a daily, systematic analysis of QC data to detect any shifts or trends that could indicate equipment malfunction or procedural errors. When discrepancies are identified, you will be expected to act decisively, ensuring errors are corrected before they impact research outcomes. Furthermore, you will coordinate participation in external proficiency testing programs, benchmarking our performance against global peers to ensure we consistently meet the high-quality expectations of our sponsors and stakeholders.

4. Risk Mitigation and Corrective Actions (CAPA)

A proactive approach to risk is vital in a clinical setting. It is the duty of the Clinical Laboratory Quality Officer to facilitate thorough root cause analyses whenever laboratory errors occur. By understanding the “why” behind an incident, you will develop and monitor Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) plans that prevent recurrence. This role involves the creation of comprehensive risk management strategies, identifying potential points of failure within the laboratory workflow and implementing safeguards to protect the validity of our clinical data.

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5. Staff Training and Competency Assessment

The strength of our quality system is directly linked to the competence of our staff. You will design and lead regular training sessions focused on quality management, safety protocols, and Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP). Beyond initial training, you will be responsible for the ongoing assessment and documentation of staff competencies. By developing clear, accessible educational materials, you will empower the technical team to take ownership of quality in their daily tasks, ensuring that the laboratory maintains a high level of operational excellence and technical skill.

6. Strategic Documentation and Reporting

In the realm of clinical trials, comprehensive documentation is a mandatory requirement. You will maintain meticulous records of all quality-related activities, including audit findings, QC logs, and training records. These data points are not just for compliance; they are tools for strategic improvement. You will prepare high-level quality performance reports for senior management at the African Clinical Research Network, providing data-driven insights that inform resource allocation, equipment procurement, and long-term strategic planning for the laboratory.

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Qualifications and Experience

To excel as the Clinical Laboratory Quality Officer, candidates must bring a blend of academic achievement and practical experience:

• Education: A Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences, Biomedical Sciences, or a related field is mandatory.
• Specialized Training: Demonstrated certification or advanced training in Quality Management Systems (QMS) or GCLP is highly desirable for the Clinical Laboratory Quality Officer post.
• Work History: A minimum of 5 years of experience in a clinical or research laboratory environment is required. We are looking for candidates who have a proven track record of managing quality systems or overseeing regulatory compliance in a complex setting.
• Knowledge Base: A profound understanding of GCP, ICH guidelines, and the specific regulatory frameworks governing clinical research in Zimbabwe and the broader African region is essential.
• Technological Literacy: Modern laboratory quality management relies on digital tools. You must be comfortable utilizing Clinical Trial Management Systems (CTMS), digital tracking tools, and sophisticated reporting software to manage laboratory data.

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Essential Skills and Attributes

The African Clinical Research Network seeks a professional who possesses an analytical mind and a meticulous eye for detail. The ideal Clinical Laboratory Quality Officer is a problem solver who can navigate complex regulatory environments with ease. You must be an effective communicator, capable of explaining technical quality requirements to diverse stakeholders, from laboratory technicians to international auditors. Agility is also key; you should be able to adapt quickly to new SOP updates, sponsor requirements, or changes in international laboratory standards.

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Why Join the African Clinical Research Network?

This is more than a job; it is an opportunity to contribute to life-saving research on the African continent. As a Clinical Laboratory Quality Officer, you will be part of a collaborative and innovative team that values intellectual honesty and scientific excellence. We offer a work environment that encourages professional growth through continuous learning and development. By joining us, you help ensure that the research conducted in Harare meets global standards, ultimately benefiting patient populations across Africa and the world.

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Application Procedure

If you are ready to take on the challenge of being our Clinical Laboratory Quality Officer, we look forward to hearing from you. Please submit a covering letter that details how your specific skills and prior experience align with the core responsibilities of this vacancy.

Application Deadline: 30 January 2026

Web: www.acrnhealth.com

Please Note: Only candidates shortlisted for the Clinical Laboratory Quality Officer position will be contacted for further assessment. The African Clinical Research Network is committed to diversity and is an equal opportunity employer.

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