Laboratory Advisor 102 views0 applications

ICAP at Columbia University is an international non-profit organization that aims to ensure the wellness of families and communities by strengthening health systems around the world.

In partnership with the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), ICAP will conduct Population-based HIV Impact Assessments (PHIA) in specific PEPFAR-supported countries. Each PHIA will define the status of the national HIV epidemic, guide allocation of resources based on evidence, and integrate capacity building of Country stakeholders in the design, conduct, analysis, and use of PHIAs.

ICAP, in partnership with the Ministry of Health (MoH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is planning to conduct a PHIA to estimate the population-level impact of the national HIV prevention, care and treatment programs in Malawi. In addition to providing important programmatic information to the MoH and relevant stakeholders, this assessment of the national HIV program is of great value to HIV researchers and public health experts around the world.

OVERALL JOB FUNCTION

Reporting to the ICAP Project Director for the Malawi PHIA, the Laboratory Advisor will be responsible for overseeing the laboratory component of the PHIA within Malawi. The Laboratory Advisor will also work closely with the in-Country sub-contracted/partner lab organization, CDC, MoH, and survey teams to ensure that laboratory samples are correctly collected, processed, and transported and that results are returned in a timely manner. This position is grant funded.

RESPONSIBILTIES:

· Assist with development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the implementation of all lab related aspects of the PHIA project;

· Hire, train and supervise a team of laboratory officers, as needed;

· Review the development and implementation of QA/QC procedures for point of care HIV rapid testing and PIMA CD4 point of care testing conducted by the laboratory subcontractor in the study;

· Review the development and implementation of QA/QC procedures for the collection, processing and storage of other study-related lab specimens by the survey subcontractor in the study including for HIV recency, HIV RNA, and HIV DNA PCR for EID;

· Ensure laboratory specimen data are correctly captured in the study database and assist with routine data analysis;

· Assist with the interpretation of laboratory results from the PHIA project and provide feedback on ways to improve/streamline lab procedures and systems;

· Assist the PHIA team to develop strategies to ensure timely reporting of results to study participants;

· Review weekly laboratory reports provided by the laboratory subcontractor, and assist the Project Director with preparing regular progress reports;

· Represent ICAP in discussions with national stakeholders and assess ways in which national capacity to process samples can be developed and strengthened;

· Liaise with laboratory technical staff in ICAP NY Headquarters (HQs), and CDC Malawi.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

· Master’s degree in a relevant scientific field strongly preferred

· Minimum 2 years of related experience in providing laboratory technical expertise in HIV surveys.

· Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with partners, staff, and colleagues with a high level of tact, diplomacy and confidentiality.

· Ability to prioritize, act independently, work under deadlines, and implement several tasks at once.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE AND OTHER SKILLS:

· 5+ years of experience managing a clinical or research laboratory;

· PhD in laboratory sciences

· Extensive knowledge and experience in design, implementation and management of laboratory services in HIV programs;

· Satellite lab QA and QI experience

· Knowledge/experience of procurement procedures and equipment/supply/stock tracking and inventory;

· Experience with lab-related data management systems;

· High level of proficiency in relevant computer applications, particularly Excel;

· Excellent interpersonal, management, and communication skills.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
May require periodic trips to partner sites, conferences and/or off site meetings within Malawi (requiring overnight stay of up to two days)