PHIA Project - Regional Laboratory Advisor (South Africa)

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

Reporting to the PHIA Project Director and the Associate Director of Laboratory Services & Malaria in New York, the Regional Laboratory Advisor, PHIA Project provides support to ICAP PHIA Project country teams including: assisting in the standardization and implementation of a laboratory agenda, strengthening of laboratory networks and quality management systems, and supporting the development and implementation of management plans and QA/QC procedures for laboratory components of ICAP’s multi-country Population–based HIV Impact Assessments (PHIAs).

More details on ICAP’s PHIA Project may be found at:
http://icap.columbia.edu/news-events/detail/icap-to-lead-large-populatio...

This position is grant funded.

NOTE: This is a local hire position and the successful candidate will be an employee of ICAP in South Africa and subject to the local terms and conditions of employment which includes a competitive salary and benefits package.

Location: Pretoria, South Africa

Major Accountabilities

• Participates in the development of a comprehensive laboratory strategy and annual work plans for ICAP PHIA projects, studies and programs in supported countries
• Provides technical assistance for the design of the PHIA Toolkit, including leading technical inputs related to all laboratory-related aspects of the standardized tools and operational manuals to be adapted by each focus country
• 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 country contexts
• Provides technical support for the development and implementation of management plans and QA/QC procedures for the collection, processing and storage of laboratory specimens for multi-country PHIA
• Design and oversee the implementation of strategies to strengthen and enhance laboratory systems, infrastructure and capacity within each PHIA focus country, including strategies to strengthen testing capacity and specimen repositories in national reference labs
• Represents ICAP regarding laboratory issues with appropriate US government and PHIA focus countries government entities
• Supervise a team of highly skilled laboratory specialists in PHIA project focus countries
• Assists with development and writing of publications, including reports and journal articles
• Performs other duties as assigned

Education

• Requires a minimum of a Masters’ degree in laboratory sciences or related relevant scientific field
• PhD in laboratory sciences or related scientific field, and a Masters’ degree in public health (MPH) preferred

Experience, Skills, and Minimum 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
• Demonstrated experience serving as a technical resource and in supervisory roles
• Demonstrated experience in laboratory techniques such as: CD4 enumeration, ELISA and HIV rapid testing, HIV incidence assay, PCR-based assays such as HIV RNA and HIV DNA diagnostics, etc.
• Prior experience in training, mentoring, and supervision of multi-cultural laboratory professionals
• Previous experience in Sub-Saharan Africa
• Proven ability to effectively train and build capacity of local/country partners
• Fluent English oral and written communication skills; ability to interact professionally in English
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (e.g., Outlook, Excel, Word, etc.)

Experience, Skills, and Preferred Qualifications

• Prior implementation and management experience in laboratory component of population level surveys
• Demonstrated experience in public speaking on laboratory issues in a manner which reflects subject matter expertise
• Fluency in Swahili, French or Portuguese language is preferred

Travel Requirements

• Approximately 50% travel to supported countries throughout Africa. Occasional travel within the United States and/or other countries for business meetings, conferences, etc.

HOW TO APPLY:

Please send an application letter and CV by email with a subject title “PHIA Project – Regional Laboratory Advisor” to icap-jobs-southafrica@columbia.edu

Please do not attach any certificates when submitting on line. Only short listed applicants will be contacted.