PHIA Project – Laboratory Manager (Local hire) | - 2015

ICAP at Columbia University works in partnership with the Ministries of Health and Social Welfare (MOHSW) in Tanzania to support the implementation of high-quality comprehensive family-focused HIV Prevention, Care and Treatment services with funding from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) through PEPFAR. A key aspect of the program is to build the capacity of the MOHSW, at the national and sub-national levels, and indigenous CBO/NGOs to manage HIV programs, including financial, administrative, program management and technical advisory skills. The organization has employed talented, dynamic individuals with strong clinical backgrounds and public health management expertise to achieve its programmatic objectives.

ICAP is currently implementing a large Combination Prevention project in Kagera and a Key Populations friendly clinic in Mwanza, as well as providing technical assistance to improve pediatric HIV testing and counseling. In 2016, ICAP will implement a household population survey (PHIA) countrywide to analyze HIV prevalence and incidence. Additionally, ICAP aims to expand and diversify its current portfolio of activities by implementing innovative strategies, incorporating and piloting new technologies and promoting scientific research that will guide Tanzania health decision makers.

Reporting to the Tanzania PHIA Project Director, the Laboratory Manager, PHIA Project will be responsible for overseeing the laboratory component of the PHIA Project within Tanzania. Works closely with the in-country sub-contracted lab organization, CDC, MoH, and survey teams to ensure that laboratory samples are correctly collected, processed, and transported and that results are returned in a timely manner.

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.

Location: Tanzania

Major Accountabilities

Assist with development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the implementation of all lab related aspects of the PHIA Project
Hire, train and supervise a team of laboratory officers
Review the development and implementation of QA/QC procedures for point of care HIV rapid testing and PIMA CD4 point of care testing conducted by the laboratory subcontractor in the study
Review the development and implementation of QA/QC procedures for the collection, processing and storage of other study-related lab specimens by the survey subcontractor in the study including for HIV recency, HIV RNA, and HIV DNA PCR for EID
Ensure laboratory specimen data are correctly captured in the study database and assist with routine data analysis
Assist with the interpretation of laboratory results from the PHIA Project and provide feedback on ways to improve/streamline lab procedures and systems
Assist the PHIA team to develop strategies to ensure timely reporting of results to study participants
Review weekly laboratory reports provided by the laboratory subcontractor, and assist the PHIA team with preparing regular progress reports
Represent ICAP in discussions with national stakeholders and assess ways in which national capacity to process samples can be developed and strengthened
Liaise with laboratory technical staff in ICAP NY Headquarters (HQs), and CDC Lesotho
Perform other related duties as directed

Education

Master’s degree in a relevant scientific field

Experience, Skills & Minimum Required Qualifications

Minimum five (5) years of experience managing a clinical or research laboratory
Extensive knowledge and experience in design, implementation and management of laboratory services in HIV programs
Demonstrated experience and knowledge of procurement procedures and equipment/supply/stock tracking and inventory
Demonstrated experience with lab-related data management systems
High level of proficiency in relevant computer applications, particularly Excel
Excellent interpersonal, management, and communication skills

Travel Requirements

May require periodic trips to partner sites, conferences and/or off site meetings within Tanzania (requiring overnight stay of up to two days)

How to apply:

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

To apply, send an application letter and CV by email with a subject title “PHIA Project – Laboratory Manager” to icap-jobs-tanzania@columbia.edu.

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