APHL Senior Laboratory Specialist Jobs in Kenya
APHL Senior Laboratory Specialist Jobs in Kenya
Position SummaryThe Senior Laboratory Specialist will support the laboratory systems strengthening work of the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) in meeting the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA) goals.
APHL, through a cooperative agreement (CoAg) with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Division of Global Health Protection (DGHP) is supporting CDC Kenya and the Ministry of Health (MoH) Kenya to strengthen human, environmental and animal laboratory systems coordination of biosafety, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and other laboratory testing activities, workforce development, sample referral and transportation, data management and quality management systems.
The candidate will possess an advanced degree and extensive laboratory experience in Kenya, including molecular testing.
The candidate will serve as a full-time APHL staff member for the first CoAg year, contracted thru September 29, 2021; contract renewal subject to funding availability, scope of work and individual’s performance.
APHL Headquarters is located in Silver Spring, Maryland and this is an in-country position located in Kenya. This position requires traveling within Kenya for work and must follow COVID-19 travel and safety guidelines provided by both Kenya and APHL.
APHL is seeking a Senior Laboratory Specialist with a background in laboratory sciences experience in molecular diagnostic testing (specifically real time RT-PCR) and public health to support Kenya’s public health laboratory system.
The scope may include private laboratories and other health facilities that may be engaged in diagnostic molecular testing.
The scope of work will primarily focus on supporting GHSA activities with an emphasis on strengthening the public health laboratory network.
This individual will liaise with CDC, MoH/National Public Health Laboratories (NPHL), county laboratory coordinators and other collaborating partners in Kenya and implement agreed upon strategies to enhance the public health laboratory network and improve overall surveillance systems.
The individual will have a strong understanding of the laboratory systems in Kenya with relevant experience.
The candidate will demonstrate excellent communication and organizational skills.
Duties & Responsibilities
Provide technical assistance in the design, implementation and monitoring of strategies to strengthen the public health laboratory network, aligned with the national laboratory strategic plan.
Provide laboratory trainings and mentorship on molecular diagnostics (real time RT-PCR both automated systems and manual platforms) testing/ NPHL and selected regional labs.
Contributes to developing staff skills and knowledge by individual and group mentoring and training, especially in the area of priority diseases and specimen handling as well as development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Assist with the procurement of laboratory equipment, supplies and quality assurance materials needed for quality diagnostics.
Provide training and mentorship on ISO 15189 quality management systems in accordance with internationally accepted standards of practice.
Support implementation of public health laboratory network enhancement activities including, but not limited to, sample referral and transport mechanisms, quality management systems, data management, workforce development, and biosafety and biosecurity.
Represent APHL at national and regional meetings (as appropriate).
Work with APHL Kenya Informatics Technical Manager to assess Kenya’s specimen referral system and transportation network for priority diseases.
Coordinates and work with diverse groups or
organizations and stakeholders including MoH, Ministry of Livestock, laboratory leaders and laboratory facility staff, international development organizations, APHL HQ and CDC.
Other duties as assigned and requested.
Employment Standards- Education and Experience
Advanced degree in medical laboratory technology.
A graduate degree in medical laboratory science is preferred.
Six years plus experience in clinical diagnostic testing or research labs including two years supervisory experience in a clinical diagnostic laboratory.
Candidate must be registered with Kenya Medical Laboratory Technician and Technologist Board (KMLTTB).
Demonstrated interest in and an appreciation for quality laboratory service and strong QMS knowledge, skills and experience.
Knowledgeable of current developments in diagnosis of infectious diseases including molecular methods.
Experience/knowledge strengthening laboratories to achieve international quality standards including ISO 15189 or in-country standards.
Experience engaging with stakeholders.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively and collaboratively within a team and across multiple partners.
Detail-oriented with strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
Excellent work record that shows self-motivation.
Skill in use of Microsoft Office software (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
Ability to travel within Kenya to work for short-term (1-2 week) assignments at laboratories that may be outside commuting distance to home.
Fluent in written and spoken English.
Knowledge
Knowledge and experience on molecular diagnostics testing (e.g., real time RT-PCR), antimicrobial resistance (AMR), diagnostic microbiology (bacteriology), antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST), and confirmatory and specialized testing for priority communicable diseases.
Knowledge of laboratory networks and quality management systems.
Familiarity of the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005).
Knowledge of and ability to interpret international standards documents related to quality in laboratories.
Knowledge of and ability to evaluate laboratory operations according to national and international standards including ISO 15189.
Skills
Synthesize information and translate into action. Skilled in laboratory techniques, including molecular testing, quality management system, accreditation, mentorship, publications/ manuscript development, strong verbal communication and presentation skills are required (English).
Abilities
Ability to maintain an approachable attitude, act consistently and provide realistic advice in the context of resources.
Ability to effectively engage and collaborate with partners and stakeholders with varying priorities.
Ability to work with stakeholders to prioritize the needs and guide the planning process.
Special Requirements
Preferred Knowledge
Knowledge and experience within public health programs in Kenya.
Knowledge of laboratory information systems including but not limited to electronic systems.
Knowledge of current sample referral system within Kenya.
Familiarity of GHSA and strategies being used in Kenya and/or elsewhere to support GHSA, emerging infectious diseases and AMR.
Managerial experience.
Experience working with U.S. Government grants and programs preferred.
How to Apply
For more information and job application details, see; APHL Senior Laboratory Specialist Jobs in Kenya
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