Technical Officer, Laboratory Services (High Tech) at FHI 360

FHI 360 is a nonprofit human development organization dedicated to improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions. Our staff includes experts in Health, Education, Nutrition, Environment, Economic Development, Civil Society, Gender, Youth, Research and Technology; creating a unique mix of capabilities to address today's interrelated development challenges. FHI 360 serves more than 60 countries, all 50 U.S. states and all U.S. territories.

We are currently seeking qualified candidates for the position of:

Job Title: Technical Officer, Laboratory Services (High Tech)

Job ID: 14859
Location: Nigeria-Abuja
Supervisor: Associate Director, High Tech

Basic Function:
Provide technical support to implementation of program interventions that will support the provision of high quality molecular laboratory services as part SIDHAS effort to build state and national capacity for the provision comprehensive HIV/AIDS and TB prevention, care, treatment and support services.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Working under the Associate Director High Tech, the Laboratory Technical Officer supports implementation of high tech work plan activities comprising implementation of HIV molecular diagnosis e.g. Early infant diagnosis, viral load and TB molecular testing according to national and international standards;
• Directly supporting FHI 360 high technology lab staff in respective states to improve and maintain high standards of performance in high tech laboratory testing activities;
• Provides technical assistance and trainings in molecular techniques and laboratory management relevant to high tech. laboratory to facility staff and core lab team;
• Provides technical leadership and support related to the high tech laboratory services particularly in HIV and TB.
• Provides leadership in the development and implementation of guidelines, tools, SOPs to assure and maintain total quality management in a high tech laboratory;
• Work closely with National level stakeholders and partners in overall implementation of laboratory strategy for molecular labs in Nigeria.
• Remains informed on new findings and technologies in the field of molecular diagnosis as relevant to a clinical laboratory;
• Performs other duties assigned.

Job Summary / Responsibilities:

• Provides technical support and guidance to staff and partners in the region and in country offices. Implements and monitors technical strengthening initiatives. Develops adoption and/or training strategy, designs and conducts training or adoption activities for a specific technical area. Creates scientific and technical material in area of expertise. Assists and gives guidance with development of proposals. Works with communities and partners to maximize local capacity. Evaluates programmatic effectiveness and provides technical assessment reports.
• Provides technical support in the development and dissemination of tools, materials, reports, papers, and intervention for research projects.
• Works closely with assigned team to ensure activities are implemented according to standard operating procedures (SOP’s).
• Writes and edits technical reports and documents. Assists with publications, web pages, and presentations.’
• Conducts searches of published literature on evolving issues in assigned technical area.
• Monitors and maintains protocols, instruments, data sets, manuals, training materials and reports.
• Responds to requests and inquiries from internal and external staff.
• Develops or writes technical briefs, reports, or other necessary materials to facilitate research, best practices, policies and procedures.
• Assists with the implementation of research studies by monitoring and documenting processes.
• Conducts analysis of program implementation to identify areas for improvement and propose appropriate technical strategy and guidelines.
• Prepares reports and papers summarizing project results.
• Delivers presentations at professional meetings and conferences.
• Ensures project implementation adheres to company strategy and remains technically sound.
• Provides leadership and team building at the task level.

Knowledge, Skills & Attributes:

• In-depth knowledge in nucleic acid manipulation and applications through extensive experiments on DNA extraction, PCR, genotyping, sequencing, cloning and expression.
• In-depth Knowledge of HIV and TB molecular quantitative and qualitative determination using both manual and automated methods including real time PCR.
• Extensive knowledge in running ELISA and Thermocycler machines including trouble shooting.
• Knowledge of bioinformatics to enable gene analysis with genotyping software
• Outstanding organizational skills and the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines
• Must be able to work independently, and as part of a management team
• Self-starter approach to work, with an eagerness to consistently meet and exceed objectives
• Ability to work well with others and develop and maintain excellent relationship with facility staff, SMOH and the state team.
• Knowledge of health and development programs in developing countries
• Knowledge of health system and clinical setting, in both government and non-government settings.
• Experience in the management of laboratory services, particularly health facility-based services, including quality management, laboratory analysis interpretation and reporting techniques based on best practices, quality management practices and safe work practices.
• Sensitivity to cultural differences and understanding of the social, political and ethical issues surrounding HIV infections
• Well-developed written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to travel within Nigeria.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• B.Sc in biomedical field or medical laboratory science or equivalent field with 5-7 years post national youth service experience.
• Or Master degree in biomedical field or medical laboratory science or equivalent field with 3-5 years post national youth service experience.
• Evidence of training / certification in Molecular diagnostic techniques.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in molecular/PCR laboratory is required
• Knowledge of advanced laboratory procedures, diagnosis and management related to HIV/AIDS care and treatment is required with some experience in an international development area preferred.
• Certification of license to practice as a medical laboratory scientist is required.
• Experience in Laboratory TB services is an advantage.
• Familiarity with Nigerian public sector health system and NGOs and CBOs highly desirable.

Application Closing Date
Not Stated

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online