Laboratory Technical Specialist at ICAP

Position Summary

• The Laboratory Technical Specialist will be responsible for providing technical laboratory leadership, including providing technical assistance and capacity building support, to Conduct of National (Population-Based) HIV/AIDS Impact Survey (NPHIA) in Nigeria.
• The Lab Technical Specialist will assist in the standardization and implementation of a laboratory agenda, and strengthening of country laboratory networks and quality management systems.
• In addition, s/he will provide capacity building for in-country laboratory partners. Note: this position is contingent on receipt of award and donor approval.

Major Acccountabilities

• Provides support and supervision to ICAP laboratory specialists
• Guides the development and/or refinement of laboratory-related policies, strategic plans, guidelines, manuals and standard operating procedures, training materials, quality management systems, referral testing systems, data management systems and the evaluation and establishment of new technologies.
• Lead the review and approval, ensuring consistency and quality, of all laboratory-related aspects of protocols and associated questionnaires once they have been adapted to specific context.
• Provides oversight and technical assistance in strengthening laboratory systems and networking, implementing quality management systems and pursuing local and international accreditation.
• Oversee the development and implementation of standard operating procedures for each laboratory component of the HIV impact survey, including specimen collection, storage, transport, and testing.
• Assists with development and writing of publications, including manuals and journal articles.
• Represents ICAP regarding laboratory issues with appropriate US government and host country government entities.
• Oversee the development and implementation of quality control measures that will monitor specimen quality and storage conditions, including temperature and time.

Education

• Ph.D (or professional equivalent) in Laboratory Sciences or related relevant scientific field required. Work experience may substitute for PhD if appropriate.
• Master's Degree in Public Health (in addition to PhD or equivalent) preferred.

Experience, Skills and Qualifications:

• Minimum eight (8) years of experience in laboratory services and laboratory management.
• Demonstrated technical expertise in laboratory management, quality assurance, quality control, biosafety, document development, specimen management, and use of electronic information systems within a laboratory context.
• Experience with HIV rapid test and laboratory-based HIV testing, as well as molecular and other HIV-related tests
• Demonstrated technical expertise in developing advocacy documents, operational plans, monitoring and evaluation and communication plans, and organizing and leading consultative meetings.
• Demonstrated experience in providing technical assistance and capacity building for international, regional and local/country laboratory partners.
• Proven ability to effectively mentor and advise multi-cultural laboratory professionals and national program managers.
• Previous experience in Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Fluency in English (speaking, reading and writing).
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (e.g., Outlook, Excel, Word, etc.).