VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Position: Lab Reception and Biorepository Coordinator

Organization: Malawi Liverpool Wellcome Research Programme (MLW)

Location: Blantyre, Malawi

Contract Type: Renewable one-year contract (Full-Time)

Reporting to: Assistant Lab Manager

Application Email: vacancies@mlw.mw

Subject Line: Lab Reception and Biorepository

Deadline: 18th June 2026

About MLW

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 and International scientists, with the aim of improving the health of people in Malawi and elsewhere in the region.

We are seeking a professional and experienced Lab Reception and Biorepository Coordinator to join the Core Lab department. The successful candidate will be working full time under the direction and supervision of the Assistant Lab Manager.

Responsibilities

1. Staffing

• Be responsible for ensuring that their laboratory section is appropriately staffed at all times. This will include generating staff rotas and coordinating leave as appropriate, as well as ensuring when staff are on leave their duties are covered by another team member
• Ensure that staff within their sections adhere at all times to lab SOPs and policies

2. Biorepository

• Be responsible for ensuring that biorepository users adhere at all times to SOPs
• Manage the MLW specimen archiving systems and associated systems. The archiving and record keeping will include both manual and electronic data
• Maintain the retention and disposal schedule ensuring compliance with minimum retention periods
• Ensure that records (paper or electronic) which have met their required retention requirements and are not subject to legal or other audit holds are destroyed according to well-documented SOPs and procedures
• Ensure user-friendly, accessible, retrievable computer archives and databases, incorporating current advances in electric information storage technology
• Be actively involved in the writing and review of all Laboratory Archiving and Shipping related SOPs, policies, and documents as required
• Ensure adequate allocation of space in all -80 freezers, -20 freezers, fridges, and cold room to research studies as required
• Ensure that freezer and fridge maps are clearly placed on each piece of equipment and kept up to date
• Be responsible for controlling access to all Core managed fridges and freezers as required by keeping keys or knowing who has keys for this equipment
• Liaise with all lab staff to ensure the smooth transfer of archived specimens from any holding freezers to the Freezer Archive, and to document these transfers as required
• Ensure accurate records (box layouts) of Core laboratory managed/stored specimens stored in the Freezer Archive

3. Specimen Reception

• Monitor all activities covering the sample reception components of core laboratory to comply with ISO standards and other relevant regulatory body requirements
• Ensure that samples are being transported to the laboratory as per agreed timeframes, and all documentation (e.g., sample receipt logs) are being completed as required
• Ensure that reception is being staffed at all times during the scheduled working hours, including lunchtime cover
• Ensure that reception staff understand the importance of good customer service and are held to a high standard
• Take part in the weekend rota as required

4. Expected Leadership Behaviours

• Provide strategic and effective leadership by guiding the laboratory team in setting clear goals, priorities, and performance standards in alignment with institutional values and objectives, while fostering a culture of accountability and professionalism
• Actively and continually supervise, mentor, and develop laboratory personnel through regular coaching and individualized professional development plans
• Ensure continuous performance management by conducting regular performance evaluations, providing constructive feedback, and implementing corrective actions and performance improvement measures when necessary
• Ensure conflict resolution by addressing personnel issues honestly, promptly, and professionally, mediating conflicts between team members, and fostering a positive, respectful, and inclusive workplace culture
• Recruit, train, and retain qualified staff, ensuring appropriate onboarding, continuous skills enhancement, and cross-training
• Plan and manage workloads and resources, allocating tasks effectively to meet deadlines while maintaining high-quality standards
• Lead regular team meetings to communicate updates and critical information, review ongoing tasks, address challenges, and reinforce alignment with institutional values
• Promote staff engagement and well-being by recognizing achievements, addressing concerns proactively, and fostering a positive, inclusive, and safe working environment
• Support interdisciplinary collaboration by coordinating with other research groups, departments, and external partners
• Drive succession planning and leadership development by identifying potential future leaders within the team and providing opportunities for growth and advancement

Requirements

• BSc in Biomedical Science or equivalent
• On-the-job training can be provided for the right candidate. Previous experience is desirable but not essential

Remuneration and Benefits

MLW offers an attractive remuneration package which includes:

• A competitive salary package commensurate with the position
• A medical aid scheme
• 24-hour insurance cover
• Pension scheme
• Gratuity benefits redeemable once every year, among others

MLW also offers opportunities such as scholarships, upgrading, and training opportunities to employees. These are based on successful job performance and other set criteria.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should apply by sending:

• A cover letter
• Copies of relevant certificates
• Detailed CV with 3 traceable referees (including at least 2 professional referees)

All documents should be submitted in one PDF file named as: firstname_surname_role applied

Send to: vacancies@mlw.mw

Subject line: Lab Reception and Biorepository

Deadline

18th June 2026

Safeguarding Commitment

MLW recognizes its responsibility in safeguarding and protecting communities, research participants, and patients with whom MLW is working. Please note that successful candidates will be requested to undergo a safeguarding check prior to appointment and at regular time points during employment.

Only shortlisted candidates will be acknowledged.