Organization: International Center for AIDS Care and Treatment Programs
Country: United States of America
Closing date: 30 Jun 2015
POSITION SUMMARY:
Reporting to the PHIA Project Director and the Associate Director of Laboratory Services & Malaria in New York, the Laboratory Advisor provides support to ICAP country teams on the PHIA Project as well as laboratory systems strengthening activities more broadly. Assists in the standardization and implementation of a laboratory agenda, strengthening of country laboratory networks and quality management systems, and supporting the development and implementation of management plans and QA/QC procedures. Provides capacity building for in-country laboratory partners.
More details on ICAP"s PHIA Project may be found at:
This position is grant funded.
NOTE: Please note that the job title is listed as an “Associate Research Scientist – ICAP” on the Columbia University Job Posting Site.
Major Accountabilities:
- Participates in the development of a comprehensive laboratory strategy and annual work plans for ICAP PHIA Project, 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.
- Leads 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.
- Designs and oversees 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 host country government entities.
- Provides support and supervision (in collaboration with other ICAP NY and ICAP Regional Office Laboratory staff) to ICAP laboratory specialists in PHIA project focus countries.
- Provides oversight and technical assistance in strengthening laboratory systems and networking, implementing quality management systems and pursuing local and international accreditation.
- Guides the development and/or refinement of laboratory-related policies, strategic plans, guidelines, manuals and standard operating procedures, quality management systems, human resource capacity building, referral testing, data management systems and the evaluation and establishment of new technologies.
- Assists with development and writing of publications, including manuals and journal articles.
- Actively participates in the preparation of grant proposals and renewals and preparation of donor reports.
- Performs other duties as directed.
Travel Requirements:
- Approximately 35% travel to supported countries throughout Africa. Occasional travel within the United States and/or other countries for business meetings, conferences, etc.
Education:
MD, PhD, EdD, or professional equivalent
Experience, Skills & Minimum Required Qualifications:
- Minimum five (5) 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, TB 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 & 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.
How to apply:
To apply, please click on link below (or copy and paste) onto your web browser.
https://academicjobs.columbia.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=60921
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