About FHCRC:
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (FHCRC), home of three Nobel laureates, is an independent, non-profit research institution dedicated to the development and advancement of biomedical research to eliminate cancer and other potentially fatal diseases. Recognized internationally for its pioneering work in bone-marrow transplantation, the Center’s five scientific divisions collaborate to form a unique environment for conducting basic and applied science.

About HCRI:
The Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI)/Hutchinson Center Cancer Alliance is a collaborative venture to establish a state-of-the-art cancer treatment facility located in Kampala, Uganda. The aim of this joint effort between the Program in Global Oncology (PiGO) at the Hutchinson Center, and the Uganda Cancer Institute, is the development of new low-cost prevention and treatment strategies for ameliorating the high burden of infection-related cancers. Clinicians and scientists work together to enhance patient access to care, diagnosis, and research-based treatment. The UCI/Hutchinson Center Cancer Alliance seeks to develop effective prevention and treatment strategies for infection-associated cancers to benefit the millions of people in Uganda, the United States, and worldwide who suffer from these malignancies. The PiGO is additionally planning expansion into several countries worldwide, with the goal of conducting high-quality research and capacity-building on an international scale.

Job Summary: The Laboratory Director will assume program leadership for the program’s laboratory needs and operations, as well as supporting the oversight of the UCl/HCCA Laboratory Program in Uganda. Currently, the UCl/HCCA results more than 25,000 lab tests annually in Uganda and collaborates with at least three different laboratories in Kampala to provide results for observational and translational studies on infection-related cancers. Future research also includes clinical trials evaluating the prevention and treatment for Burkitt’s Lymphoma. A new state-of-the-art cancer training, research, and outpatient treatment facility in Kampala will open in May 2015. This facility will contain specialized diagnostic laboratories, specifically a Clinical, Molecular Diagnostics, Immunology, Histopathology, and BSL-2 laboratories. The Laboratory Director will ensure the successful start-up of the new labs, including hiring personnel, organizing projects and processes, sourcing equipment as necessary and overseeing its installation, and establishing a first-rate set of laboratories compliant with GCP/GCLP, and CAP guidelines. This person will work closely with the Program Head and the Research Director to evaluate the laboratory program needs and establish priorities. The Laboratory Director will manage the overall operations in Uganda, as well as ensure quality. This position will also direct all day-to-day research laboratory activities, administer laboratory policies, and manage laboratory staff.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Laboratory Activities and Projects:
Work closely with the investigators and US-based lab team to prepare the Uganda-based laboratory for research studies to be run at the site. Assist with establishment of new technologies in the lab.
Support investigators with grant writing to ensure that lab operations are adequately considered and budgeted for.
Evaluate laboratory program growth needs and establish priorities. Work with leadership to create comprehensive strategic plans for short-term, mid-term, and long-term research goals.
Identify, prioritize, and coordinate establishment of new techniques and assays in the laboratories.
Actively participate in both formal and informal sharing of data amongst collaborating researchers and funding agencies.
Provide leadership/mentorship and training of visiting researchers/post-docs within the lab.
Serve as a bridge between senior managers and directors in the US and Uganda for on-going research activities.

2. Operations Management:
Mentors and oversees laboratory staff in accordance with FHCRC and Ugandan employment laws and regulations. Responsibilities will include oversight of hiring, training, daily responsibilities, performance management, etc.
Develop and administer laboratory policies. Oversee SOP and process development. Create new procedures and manuals according to protocol, IRB, grant/contract, collaborators, and FHCRC specifications.
With the technical assistance of FHCRC administrative staff, prepare, submit, and manage annual lab operating budget.
Manage the direction of workflow in the laboratory and execution of tasks of lab and ancillary staff.
Oversee the management of annual maintenance and service contracts and ensure compliant and smooth operations of laboratory equipment.
Oversee the coordination of other vendor/collaborator contract/agreements and renewals (e.g. standing orders, annual quotes from major suppliers, etc.) for reagents, consumables, PPE, and other lab supplies.
Manage and oversee all Laboratory Service Agreements with vendor laboratories/institutions.
Manage laboratory based research collaborations with outside institutions (new business development).
Obtain CAP accreditation in all HCRIU relevant research laboratories.

3. Relationship Building:
Build and grow strong working relationships with key stakeholders, including program investigators and other local laboratory directors in Uganda.
Publicly represent the UCI/HCCA laboratory program with external constituency groups, including community, government, and private organizations.
Develop working relationships with key vendors supporting the program’s work.
4. Capacity Building:
Establish strong working relationship with HCRIU laboratory staff and provide guidance on laboratory expectations and function. Provide mentorship in laboratory leadership, as well as laboratory management.
Establish policies and procedures to enable systematic workflow to allow growth of all laboratories in function and volume.
Perform any other duties as assigned.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
The ideal candidate should preferably hold an Advanced degree (M.D. or Ph.D) with a concentration in Pathology, Hematopathology, Molecular Biology, Virology, Immunology, and/or Laboratory Medicine or a related field with at least two years postdoctoral research experience.
Expertise in human clinical trial development and implementation.
At least five years of management or supervisory experience.
Prior experience successfully setting up new laboratories.
Prior experience achieving laboratory accreditation.
Past CAP and/or GCLP/GCP experience.
Previous experience managing large, interdisciplinary groups.
Possess the ability to determine appropriate course of action in more complex situations.
Ability to work independently, exercise creativity, be attentive to detail, and maintain a positive work attitude.
Ability to manage multiple and simultaneous responsibilities and to prioritize scheduling of work.
Ability to maintain confidentiality of all medical, financial, and legal information.
Ability to complete work assignments accurately and in a timely manner.
Ability to communicate effectively, both oral and written.
Ability to handle difficult situations involving staff, participants, physicians, and others in a professional manner.
Ability to legally work in the country of Uganda (without sponsorship).

NB: HCRI-Uganda is committed to non-discriminatory hiring practices without consideration, distinction, exclusion or preference on the basis of race, colour, gender, religion, political opinion, national extraction or social origin, HIV status, handicap, or disability.

How to Apply:
All suitably qualified and interested candidates should send their applications to: juliek@fredhutch.org and enter “Laboratory Director- 5293” in the subject line.