Laboratory Management

Departmental Laboratory Management Teams, also known as Laboratory Management Committees or Laboratory Operations Committees, are responsible for overseeing the management and operations of laboratories within a department. Their primary role is to ensure the effective and efficient functioning of laboratory facilities, promote safety practices, and facilitate the achievement of research and teaching objectives. Here are the responsibilities and tasks of a Departmental Laboratory Management Team:

1. Facility Management: The team is responsible for the overall management and maintenance of laboratory facilities within the department. They ensure that the laboratories are well-equipped, clean, and organized. This includes managing equipment inventory, coordinating repairs and maintenance, and ensuring proper disposal of hazardous materials.
2. Safety and Compliance: The team focuses on promoting a safe laboratory environment and ensuring compliance with safety regulations and protocols. They develop and enforce safety policies, conduct safety inspections, and implement training programmes to educate laboratory personnel on safe practices and procedures. They also maintain records and documentation related to safety compliance.
3. Resource Allocation: The team manages the allocation and utilization of laboratory resources, including equipment, consumables, and supplies. They establish protocols for equipment sharing, prioritize resource requests, and ensure equitable access to resources among researchers and students within the department.
4. Laboratory Training and Education: The team provides training and education to laboratory users, including researchers, technicians, and students. They develop training programmes on laboratory techniques, instrument operation, and safety protocols. They may also organize workshops or seminars on emerging technologies or best practices in laboratory management.
5. Procurement and Budgeting: The team is involved in procurement activities for laboratory equipment, supplies, and services. They assess the needs of the laboratories, identify suitable vendors, obtain price quotes, and make recommendations for purchasing decisions.
6. Inventory Management: The team oversees the management of laboratory inventory, including chemicals, reagents, and consumables. They maintain accurate records of inventory, monitor stock levels, and coordinate the ordering and restocking of supplies.
7. Research Support: The team provides support to researchers including students utilizing the laboratory facilities. They may assist in experimental design, protocol development, troubleshooting, and data analysis. They also collaborate with researchers to optimize laboratory workflows and ensure smooth operations.
8. Regulatory Compliance: The team ensures compliance with relevant regulatory requirements, such as biosafety regulations, animal care and use protocols, and ethical guidelines for research involving animals and human subjects. They may assist researchers in obtaining necessary approvals, maintaining appropriate records, and adhering to regulatory standards.
9. Collaboration and Communication: The team promotes collaboration and communication among laboratory users. They facilitate regular meetings or forums to discuss laboratory-related matters, share best practices, and address any concerns or issues raised by laboratory personnel. They also serve as a liaison between laboratory users and the departmental administration.
10. Continuous Improvement: The team strives for continuous improvement in laboratory operations and management. They actively seek feedback from laboratory users, conduct surveys or assessments to identify areas for improvement, and implement measures to enhance efficiency, safety, and user satisfaction.

 

Departmental Laboratory Management Teams

• Abubakar Hoza -Overall lead

 

1. Bacteriology/Mycology Laboratories

• Alexanda Mzula – Lead
• Mikidadi Rashid

2. Parasitology Laboratories

• Jahashi Nzalawahe – Lead
• Mwita Wambura

3. Molecular Biology Laboratories

• Elisa Mwega – Lead
• Hashimu Matimbwa

4. Virology and Immunology Laboratories

• Christopher Kasanga – Lead
• Jonas Fitwangile