Head of Laboratory of Environment and Food Safety
- Career Category: Laboratory Work, Research / Development, Exec. / Management, Food Science
- Schedule:Full-time
- Salary: Negotiable
The lnstitut Pasteur du Cambodge (IPC) is recruiting a full-time Head of Laboratory of Environment and Food Safety, based in Phnom Penh.
Position Overview
The Head of the Laboratory of Environment and Food Safety at the Institut Pasteur du Cambodge (IPC) provides strategic leadership and scientific oversight to ensure the delivery of high-quality testing services in the fields of environmental, food and water safety. The position is responsible for managing laboratory operations, maintaining technical excellence, and ensuring compliance with national and international standards, including ISO/IEC 17025.
The Head of Laboratory leads a multidisciplinary team and promotes a culture of quality, continuous improvement and scientific integrity. The role includes oversight of the laboratory quality management system, method development and validation, staff development, resource planning and stakeholder engagement.
By supporting IPC’s mission to protect and improve public health through reliable laboratory services, applied research and evidence-based decision-making, the Head of Laboratory contributes to strengthening food safety, environmental monitoring and public health surveillance in Cambodia. The position also plays a key role in promoting innovation, operational efficiency and regulatory compliance.
The Head of Laboratory may be invited to participate in working groups established by various ministries in the field of food safety.
Recruitment conditions:
- Contract: 1-year contract (renewable)
- Start Date: Available to start on as soon as possible
- Remote Work: Possibility to work remotely, subject to job role and management approval Benefits:
The Head of the Laboratory of Environment and Food Safety is responsible for ensuring the scientific, technical, operational and quality management of the laboratory, in line with the objectives set by IPC Management and with applicable national and international standards, including ISO/IEC 17025.
- Ensure that the objectives defined by IPC Management for the Laboratory of Environment and Food Safety are achieved;
- Provide scientific and technical leadership for the laboratory’s activities in the fields of food safety, water quality and environmental testing;
- Supervise and monitor the laboratory’s technical activities and ensuring that analyses are performed according to validated methods and quality requirements;
- Review and validate test reports before their release;
- Develop, implement and validate new analytical methods according to institutional needs, client requests, public health priorities and regulatory requirements;
- Maintain participation in external quality assessment schemes and proficiency testing programmes;
- Monitor and improve the laboratory’s quality management system, in compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 and IPC quality policies;
- Ensure the proper management, planning and coordination of the laboratory’s technical, administrative and logistical activities;
- Ensure appropriate stock management through regular inventory follow-up and timely procurement of reagents, consumables and other laboratory supplies;
- Prepare and update the laboratory equipment plan, including equipment needs, maintenance, calibration, replacement and investment planning;
- Ensure that staff competencies are assessed, maintained and developed;
- Establish, implement and monitor training plans for laboratory staff;
- Contribute to the recruitment, integration, supervision and evaluation of laboratory staff;
- Promote a culture of quality, safety, scientific integrity and continuous improvement within the laboratory;
- Ensure good customer relations, including communication with clients, follow-up of requests, technical advice and management of complaints where applicable;
- Supervise projects, tenders, contracts and service agreements related to the laboratory’s activities;
- Ensure effective relationships with suppliers, partners, regulatory authorities and relevant ministries;
- Represent the laboratory, when required, in technical meetings, expert groups or working groups related to food safety, environmental monitoring and public health;
- Contribute to the development of the laboratory’s service activities, visibility and financial sustainability;
- Ensure compliance with biosafety, chemical safety, waste management and occupational health requirements applicable to the laboratory.
- Private health insurance including family coverage and life insurance
- NSSF (Health Care, Occupational Risk, Retirement).
- Khmer New Year, Pchum Ben and End-of-Year Bonus
- Annual leave plus an additional day every three years.
- Multicultural environment with staff from different nationalities.
- Opportunities for growth and career advancement.
- English - Fluent is required
- Khmer - Fluent is required
- French is preferred
- Master's Degree in Food microbiology or Food chemistry or a related field,
- Experience of working in an accredited laboratory with ISO17025
- Expertise in Food Microbiology or Chemistry
- Mastering informatics tools (MS word, excel, access, power point, …)
- Influence in English (reading, writing and speaking)
- Strong in management skills
- Strong in organization skills, synthesis capacity, initiative, flexibility and communication
