Position Summary

• The senior laboratory expert will be responsible for the following outcomes through the implementation of the CDC/CARES project; (1) optimize operational capacity with support for strategic equipment procurement, (2) Strengthen and support stock management system to support a network of laboratories working in an emergency response mode, (3) Improve quality management throughout the laboratory network to ensure consistent, reliable quality testing, (4) Optimize current specimen transport and referral network used for HIV and TB to include COVID-19/respiratory specimens

Key Roles and Responsibilities 

• Provide technical support for stock management system development and data management
• Developing tools to monitor and evaluate near real-time testing quality and reporting throughout the laboratory network. 
• Provide training and technical assistance to national and regional laboratories for laboratory confirmation and reporting of reportable pathogens
• Work in coordination with EPHI’s Lab Capacity Team and Laboratories to provide training and mentorship to in-country laboratories
• Train and mentor staff for specimen collection and specimen management
• Train Postal Service agents/shipping agents and laboratorians on safe sample packaging and transport
• Procure, receive, and deliver priority lab supplies and critical equipment to ensure laboratory operations
• Support data collection, management, analysis, and reporting to improve understanding of baseline disease patterns and to better detect and respond to outbreaks.
• Provide technical support to Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) pertaining to national ILI and SARI surveillance program
• Promote coordinated workflow between the laboratories and each hospital
• Disseminate the weekly report to all relevant stakeholders
• Work with EPHI, RHB and FMoH to complete gap assessment of existing Laboratory capacity
• Identify reasons for the prolonged laboratory TAT (Evaluate vertical and horizontal integration of the tiered laboratory systems) by verifying functionality and accurately mapping existing transportation systems covering all networks
• Conduct regular supportive supervision and provide mentorship to facility staffs on ILI/SARI laboratory diagnosis and monitoring (evaluation, quality control, assessment, data quality, feedback, and recommendation)
• Provide trainings to laboratory technicians and technologists in each selected site.
• Develop and/or review ILI/SARI laboratory diagnostics, guidelines, and monitoring tools
• Catalogue supplies, equipment, and different technologies in use
• Collaborate with laboratories to conduct training and awareness activities
• Plan, monitor, evaluate and provide regular reports and updates regarding all laboratory related activities of the project
• Execute other responsibilities as required

Employment type – Full time one-year contract with a possibility of renewal

Line of responsibility – the senior laboratory expert will report directly to the project Director

Number required: two

Job Requirements

Qualification and work experience

Required Qualification and work experience

• MSc and/or PhD Degree in Laboratory Technology, Virology, Microbiology, Biomedical sciences or other related fields
• A minimum of 8 years of work experience in the field of laboratory science, microbiology, virology, or other related fields
• Relevant work experience in ILI/SARI laboratory diagnostics and surveillance
• Relevant work experience in conducting trainings, supervision, and mentorship in relation to ILI/SARI laboratory diagnostics and surveillance
• Experience in development and review of documents related to laboratory service and surveillance

Desired Qualification and work experience -

• Independence, meticulous attention to details, excellent written and oral communication skills, great team working skills, excellent analytical skills, excellent time management
• Experience in working with international organizations and projects

How to Apply

Interested and qualified applicants who meet the minimum requirements should submit the following;

• A CV with 3 references
• Copy of Diplomas
• Copy of official transcript
• Work experience
• Two letters of recommendation
• Other relevant documents

All these documents should be compiled as one pdf file to Abinet Kebede (kebede.24@osu.edu) with in 10 working days of the first day announcement. Applications coming after the deadline will not be considered. 

Application letters should be addressed to: The Ohio State University GOH LLC, Eastern Africa Regional Office,

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia