Lab Manager

The National Commission on Research, Science and Technology (NCRST) is seeking a suitably qualified and experienced Lab Manager, Grade D2, for a three-year fixed-term contract in Windhoek, Namibia. The Lab Manager will support NCRST's national research, science and technology mandate through the effective management, coordination and oversight of laboratory operations, scientific resources and technical activities. This laboratory management position is suited to a professional with experience in laboratory operations, scientific or research environments, laboratory quality systems, equipment management, technical documentation, health and safety and laboratory resource coordination. The successful candidate will help ensure laboratory facilities and scientific resources are managed efficiently and are available to support research and technical activities. Key Responsibilities: - Manage and coordinate day-to-day laboratory operations and scientific activities - Support efficient delivery of laboratory services and research-related technical activities - Coordinate laboratory workflows, schedules, resources and operational priorities - Ensure laboratory facilities, scientific equipment and technical resources are appropriately managed - Monitor laboratory equipment and coordinate servicing, calibration, maintenance and operational readiness where required - Support implementation and maintenance of laboratory procedures, protocols and operational standards - Promote laboratory quality assurance and consistent application of scientific and technical procedures - Maintain accurate laboratory records, reports, technical documentation and equipment information - Support appropriate management of laboratory materials, supplies, consumables and inventory - Monitor laboratory resource requirements and support effective procurement and stock-control processes - Promote compliance with laboratory health, safety, environmental and quality requirements - Maintain a clean, organised, safe and professionally managed laboratory environment - Coordinate laboratory personnel and support effective technical-team performance - Work collaboratively with researchers, scientists, technical personnel and relevant institutional stakeholders - Support research, science and technology projects requiring laboratory facilities or technical resources - Identify operational risks, equipment issues and laboratory constraints and support timely corrective action - Contribute to laboratory planning, budgeting and resource-management activities - Promote continuous improvement in laboratory systems, workflows, quality and operational efficiency - Support NCRST's broader objective of strengthening scientific research, technology development and innovation capacity in Namibia Required Competencies: - Knowledge of laboratory management and scientific laboratory operations - Understanding of laboratory equipment, technical resources and maintenance requirements - Knowledge of laboratory quality assurance and quality-control principles - Strong laboratory health and safety awareness - Ability to coordinate scientific and technical workflows - Strong organisational, planning and resource-management skills - Ability to maintain accurate laboratory and technical documentation - Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities - Good leadership, supervision and team-coordination skills - Excellent attention to detail and accuracy - Good written and verbal communication skills - Ability to work collaboratively with scientists, researchers, technical personnel and other stakeholders - Professional approach to laboratory governance, safety and scientific integrity Position Details: - Grade: D2 - Contract duration: Three-year fixed-term contract - Location: Windhoek, Namibia - Enquiries: +264 (61) 431 7099