The Lab Advisor will provide technical support in the planning and implementation of high quality laboratory services required for HIV / AIDS prevention, care and treatment services within facilities supported by ICAP-Columbia University (ICAP) in coordination with the Tanzania Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (MoHSW) and ICAP staff in Tanzania.
KEY RESPONSBILITIES:
KEY RESPONSBILITIES:
- Assist with the planning and implementation of laboratory activities required for CU-supported HIV/AIDS prevention, care and treatment program in Tanzania, including baseline assessment and laboratory capacity development at sites in assigned regions.
- Provide technical assistance to facility-level lab personnel, including regular and systematic observation of testing procedures and ongoing level supportive supervision and instruction.
- Provide technical assistance to facility level lab managers, including: establishing routine workflows; developing/refining SOPs, job aids, log books, and referral forms as needed; planning of lab activities to improve tests performance and decrease turnaround time; and developing and implementing an equipment maintenance program.
- Provide technical assistance in specific techniques like: PCR, CD4 Enumeration, HIV Rapid Tests, HIV Genotyping, drug resistance and mutation, hematologic, clinical chemistry and microbiology tests.
- Provide technical assistance on the roll out of the accreditation ISO 15189 for the zone laboratories and for regional and district laboratories with the WHO criteria.
- Provide technical assistance to the MoHSW in evaluation and validation new technologies related to the medical laboratories.
- Work closely with MoHSW, CDC and other implementing partners on the roll out of the laboratory component of the EID program.
- Represent ICAP on laboratory related issues at donors and MoHSW meetings as well as work closely with both the donors and the MoHSW in harmonizing lab services.
- Help implement and monitor efficient documentation of laboratory results at the sites, as well as effective linkage between laboratories and clinical services.
- Other related duties, as assigned.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Candidates should hold at least a bachelor degree in Biomedical Sciences with experience of 5 years or a master degree in Medical Biotechnology with at least 2 years experience in a practical setting.
- Candidate must have a large experience in techniques like: PCR, CD4 Enumeration, ELISA, HIV RT, Haematology and Biochemistry.
- A valid certificate to practice as a medical laboratory scientist mandatory.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Knowledge and experience in the design, implementation and management of laboratory services especially for HIV / AIDS
- Good written and verbal communication skills in English and Kiswahili
TO APPLY: Please send a Cover Letter and CV with LABORATORY ADVISOR in the subject line to Bernard Lema at bl2357@columbia.edu.
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.
