PHIA Project - Laboratory Manager, Lilongwe, Malawi

In partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC), ICAP will conduct Population-based HIV Impact Assessments ( PHIAs) in specific PEPFAR-supported countries. Each PHIA will define the status of the national HIV epidemic, guide global and local allocation of funding and resources based on evidence, and integrate capacity building of country stakeholders in the design, conduct, analysis, and use of PHIAs.

Reporting to the ICAP Project Manager for the Malawi PHIA, the Laboratory Manager will be responsible for overseeing the laboratory component of the PHIA. The Laboratory Manager will also work 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-population-based-hiv-surveys-in-20-african-countries

This position is grant funded.

Location: Lilongwe, Malawi

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 HIV rapid 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
• 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 Project Manager with preparing regular progress reports
• Represent ICAP in discussions with national stakeholders, such as the National Referral Laboratory, 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 Malawi
• 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 knowledge and/or experience 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

• Periodic international travel to Zimbabwe to support the ZIMPHIA project staff, as needed

Application Instructions

NOTE

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

To apply, please send a cover letter and CV to: icap-jobs-malawi@columbia.edu.

Please indicate 'Laboratory Manager – Malawi PHIA' in the subject line.

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

Columbia University is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. It does not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on the basis of race, color, sex, gender, religion, creed, national and ethnic origin, age, citizenship, status as a perceived or actual victim of domestic violence, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, status as a Vietnam era or disabled veteran, or any other legally protected status.