Principal Production Scientist at The Kenya BioVax Institute

Job Purpose:        

Responsible for provision of relevant technical support in planning, preparing, fill and finish of the vaccine for distribution in line with the relevant policies, procedures and regulations

Requirements:

• A minimum period of eight (8) years relevant work experience in the field of medical/ pharmaceutical production manufacturing, with at least three (3) years in a Supervisory position in the public service or in the private sector;
• Bachelor’s degree in the following disciplines: Pharmacy, Pharmacology, Microbiology, Biomedical Science, Biomedical Engineering, Biology, Biometry, Medicine, Virology, Immunology, Biotechnology and Veterinary Medicine, Chemical Engineering or Chemistry with emphasis in relevant area (analytical, industrial, organic, physical, biochemistry, materials science) or equivalent qualification from a recognized institution;
• Master’s degree in any of the following disciplines: Pharmaceutical Sciences, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, Bio/chemical engineering or equivalent qualification from a recognized institution;
• Membership to a professional body and in good standing, where applicable;
• Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), Good Laboratory Practices (GLP), Quality Management System (QMS) relevant legislation and regulations;
• Management course lasting not less than four (4) weeks from a recognized institution;
• Shown merit and ability as reflected in work performance and results; and
• Proficiency in computer applications.

Key Competencies and skills

• A clear understanding in manufacturing and production experience;
• Analytical and conceptual skills;
• Good communication and interpersonal skills;
• Decision making and problem-solving;
• Ability to work under pressure;
• Supervisory skills;
• Attention to details;
• Coaching and mentoring skills;
• Team player; and
• Results-driven.

Job Specification

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Review manual and digital SOPs, Batch Records, and logbook documentation with detail and accuracy in a timely manner;
• Coordinate the development of technical planning documents and production schedules;
• Develop work plans, budgets and performance targets;
• Identify complex problems and offering effective solutions through development or modification of test methodology with the production activities;
• Coordinate the review of test results in alignment with the section goals, identify causes of variances, and recommend solutions to achieve the goals;
• Day-to-day planning and assignment of the workload in liaison with relevant functional area;
• Ensure user-maintenance, cleanliness and calibration of production equipment and safe custody of chemicals;
• Coordinate the conduct of the production runs and prepare production reports;
• Coordinate the development of continuous improvement processes and procedures to meet production objectives for fill and finish;
• Ensure adherence to health, safety, environmental, and security regulations and SOPs, GMP, GLP for production activities;
• Coordinate the identification and management of potential risks within production;
• Provide technical support to scientific teams in production related activities;
• Check and manage inventories of supplies and raw materials; and
• Assist in developing appropriate specifications for laboratory chemicals, equipment, and machines.

Terms of Service

• The successful applicant will be appointed on permanent and pensionable terms.