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We are currently seeking qualified candidates for a proposed position of Diagnostics Technical Director for TB diagnostic network strengthening project in Bangladesh. This position will be based in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Position Description
The Laboratory and Diagnostics Advisor will be responsible for leading diagnostic network strengthening activities of the project in the country. S/he will provide technical support to the Ministry of Health, National TB Program and stakeholders on developing or updating diagnostic strategies and will take the lead in planning and implementing activities to improve quality and performance of laboratory services. The Advisor will be based in Dhaka, Bangladesh and will report to the projectโs Chief of Party.
Responsibilities
- Serve as the Activityโs technical diagnostics expert leading the technical approach of this Activity, introducing globally recognized methodologies, approaches and standards to ensure a high functioning and quality assured TB diagnostic network
- In close collaboration with national counterparts, provide strategic and policy level technical guidance on laboratory policy reforms, laboratory network planning, and the development of technical strategies and guidelines for the NTP.
- Provide advisory services to the national TB reference laboratory (NTRL) and regional TB reference laboratories (RTRLs) as well as other stakeholders on the development and implementation of continuous improvement initiatives to build laboratory capacity and quality with reference to ISO 15189 or other standards and requirements.
- Provide technical support and mentorship in the planning, conduct, and reporting of assessments, audits for management systems as per national policies.
- Provide technical and coordination support as needed for implementation of a quality assurance program on TB diagnostics for clinical laboratories.
- Provide technical guidance in the implementation of diagnostic network strengthening activities such as specimen referral and transport system, laboratory information management system, data management and reporting, diagnostic connectivity and expansion and optimization of molecular diagnostic tools.
- Work with NRL leadership to enhance and oversee the TB diagnostic network, update the diagnostic algorithm and improve culture and drug susceptibility testing.
- Provide technical expertise regarding infection prevention control policies and biosafety and biosecurity measures in the laboratories.
- Provide onsite and on-the-job technical assistance to laboratories and others as required and requested as part of overall capacity building and continuous improvement schemes.
- Provide expert advice in preparation of training materials, SOPs, job aids and deliver trainings to the laboratories.
- Work with project management and technical teams in developing work plans, presentations and reports, and represent the project wherever required.
Minimum Requirements
- Masterโs degree in medical laboratory sciences, microbiology, public health or an equivalent diagnostic field.
- A minimum of 8-10 years of professional experience in infectious disease diagnostics and laboratories, particularly as it pertains to the field of TB.
- Extensive experience in the management of laboratory systems with substantial experience working with tuberculosis laboratory technologies and equipment.
- Demonstrated experience working within the field of tuberculosis, with a particular emphasis on diagnostic networks (inclusive of laboratories).
- Demonstrated success working at a policy level with TB or other infectious disease diagnostics and/or in laboratory systems strengthening, with direct experience in policy reforms and providing technical guidance on the development of technical strategies and guidelines.
- Ability and aptitude to perform quality assurance laboratory audits and assessments against accepted national and international standards and regulations.
- Demonstrated creative problem-solving skills.
- Experience in private sector laboratory and diagnostics is preferred.
- Ability to travel in country 20-25% of the time.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills in English; fluency in Bangla required.
This job posting summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.
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