Laboratory Research Coordinator

UNC Project Malawi, a biomedical research, training and service organization based in Lilongwe, invites applications from suitably qualified and experienced individuals to fill the following position:

LABORATORY RESEARCH COORDINATOR

Job Summary

The Laboratory Research Coordinator is responsible for coordinating and supporting Laboratory research activities to ensure effective implementation of research protocols, timely processing and management of research specimens, and compliance with study requirements, Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP), Laboratory procedures, and UNC Project quality standards. The Laboratory Research Coordinator works closely with the Laboratory Manager, Laboratory Director, investigators, study coordinators, laboratory staff, and external collaborators to ensure smooth implementation of Laboratory research activities. The position serves as a key link between research teams and laboratory operations, supporting protocol implementation, specimen management, training, documentation, and Laboratory research workflows.

Duties

Administrative and Research Coordination

• Liaise with study coordinators, investigators, Laboratory Director, Laboratory Manager, and relevant staff to ensure Laboratory research activities are implemented effectively.
• Attend study team meetings and provide Laboratory updates on study progress, timelines, challenges, and requirements.
• Serve as a liaison between Laboratory teams, clinical teams, study teams, central Laboratories, and external collaborators.
• Prepare and submit Laboratory related study progress reports to Laboratory leadership and study teams.
• Maintain study-specific Laboratory documentation, including protocols, Laboratory manuals, manuals of procedures (MOPs), training records, and study files.
• Coordinate study-specific laboratory training activities and maintain documentation of staff training and competency.
• Coordinate Laboratory research activities, timelines, and workflows to support successful completion of study objectives.

Laboratory Research Operations and Compliance

• Coordinate receipt, processing, storage, tracking, and shipment of research specimens according to approved protocols and laboratory procedures.
• Maintain accurate specimen tracking records, including chain of custody documentation, sample logs, shipment records, and LDMS records where applicable.
• Monitor research sample workflows and provide updates on sample processing, testing progress, and operational challenges.
• Ensure Laboratory research activities comply with study protocols, GCLP standards, network requirements, and institutional policies.
• Coordinate preparation and shipment of biological specimens and related documentation.
• Support management of research reagents, consumables, and Laboratory resources.
• Monitor Laboratory research quality indicators, including specimen errors, protocol deviations, turnaround times, and documentation compliance.
• Support training in Competency and Technical skills

Technical Responsibilities

• Support implementation of new research protocols, assays, technologies, and Laboratory procedures.
• Assist with assay optimization, verification, validation, and troubleshooting activities.
• Ensure Laboratory research procedures are performed according to approved SOPs and study requirements.
• Support technical training of Laboratory research personnel.
• Maintain communication with Laboratory technical leads and collaborators regarding Laboratory research activities.

Quality and Safety Support

• Work with the Laboratory Quality Assurance Manager to support implementation of Laboratory quality requirements.
• Support documentation and resolution of research-related deviations and corrective actions.
• Ensure safe handling, storage, and transportation of research specimens.
• Promote compliance with Laboratory safety procedures and biosafety requirements

General Responsibilities

• Maintain confidentiality of participant information, Laboratory results, research data, and project operations.
• Demonstrate professional and cooperative relationships with Laboratory staff, investigators, collaborators, and study teams.
• Use Laboratory facilities, equipment, reagents, and supplies responsibly.
• Support continuous improvement of Laboratory research systems and processes.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Laboratory Manager or Laboratory Director.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in medical Laboratory Technology, Biomedical Science, or a related field, and a Master’s degree in a scientific discipline or related field.
• Registered with Medical Council of Malawi.
• Proficiency with Laboratory Information Systems (LIS) and Laboratory Data Management System (LDMS).
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience in a Laboratory setting.
• Experience supporting clinical research studies, Laboratory-based research projects, or clinical trials.
• Strong organizational, communication, and coordination skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively within multidisciplinary teams.

Please send your applications via email to:

The Country Director
UNC Project
Lilongwe
Email: administration@unclilongwe.org

Deadline for receiving applications: Tuesday, August 11, 2026.

Only shortlisted candidates will be acknowledged.