Laboratory Experts

    Number Required: One (3) 

 CONTRACT DURATION AND REMUNERATION

.  The contract will be for one year but extendable depending on satisfactory performance and the need of business continuity.

.  The laboratory experts will be based at the Ethiopian Public health Institute in Addis Ababa.

      Objective of the Assignment

The objective of the assignment is to strengthen the capacity of the t) National Reference Laboratories at the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) to deliver specialized diagnostic testing services on specimens collected from patients referred to the institute or submitted by research or public health emergency management directorates. The plan is to recruit three (3) qualified and competent laboratory experts to execute the assignment. The experts will play a pivotal role in bolstering the capacity of the Reference Laboratories for the timely investigation, accurate identification and characterization of infectious and non-infectious diseases to effectively support improved patients’ care and treatment services and informed response to public health emergencies. As such, the experts  will significantly contribute to the laboratories’ mission of generating reliable info/data that would help the Ministry of Health (MOH) and EPHI including all national health programs to better understand  the epidemiology of communicable and non-communicable diseases and implementing targeted  clinical and public health interventions, thereby advancing the objectives of the pandemic preparedness and response project (PPRP) and other initiatives aimed at strengthening the national health system and security. While  the core responsibility of the experts will be conducting essential laboratory investigations for the diagnosis and confirmation of communicable and non-communicable diseases, they will also be engaged in and contribute to the NRLs’ efforts towards sustainable implementation of Laboratory Quality Management System (LQMS) and accreditation to international quality standards. Their effectiveness in this regard will be demonstrated through the creation, implementation, and maintenance of various LQMS tools such as quality policies, guidelines, manuals, and standard operating procedures (SOPs_ as aligned with national regulations, directives and international laboratory quality requirements or standards.

      Job Summary

The laboratory experts will support the day to day operations of the National Reference Laboratories by conducting tests and timely reporting results, properly managing equipment and other laboratory commodities while   strictly adhering to appropriate SOPs and biosafety and biosecurity requirements. They are expected to significantly contribute to the introduction and implementation of innovative testing methods and technologies at the NRLs, analyze data meticulously, and prepare comprehensive reports for both internal and external stakeholders. Through meticulously implementing the principles and requirements of LQMS across all work processes of the NRLs, the experts will enable the NRLs to excel the expectations of their customers by providing accurate and reliable test results in a timely manner at all times.  The laboratory experts will closely work with other colleagues as a team for the successful achievement of the NRLs’ mission.  

    Duties and Responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities of the laboratory experts will include, but not limited to the following:

.  Conduct a wide range of routine and complex laboratory tests to diagnose and monitor various infectious and non-infectious diseases;

.  Perform laboratory testing using various techniques such as PCR, serological assays, sequencing and other methods/techniques to identify infectious and non-infectious disease agents in patient samples;

.  Perform confirmatory testing and second opinions for complex cases referred from other laboratories nationwide;

.  Ensure compliance with standard operating procedures (SOPs) and quality assurance measures to maintain the accuracy and reliability of laboratory testing;

.  Ensure accurate and timely reporting of test results to support clinical decision-making and guide public health actions;

.  Operate and maintain proper functionality of laboratory equipment through strictly adhering to scheduled preventive maintenance and calibration services;

.  Participate in studies to evaluate and validate new diagnostic methods. protocols and technologies;

.  Maintain accurate records of laboratory activities, including sample processing, internal quality control and test results, and research findings;

.  Provide training and mentorship to junior staff members and interns to enhance their technical skills and adherence to laboratory protocols;

.  Stay updated on advancements in laboratory techniques, diagnostic technologies, and emerging infectious diseases through continuous learning and professional development;

.  Analyze laboratory data to identify trends, patterns, and emerging threats, and contribute to scientific publications and reports;

.  Implement and maintain biosecurity and biosafety protocols to prevent accidental release or intentional misuse of dangerous pathogens;

.  Ensure compliance with regulatory guidelines and standards for handling infectious materials;

.  Establish and maintain quality assurance procedures to ensure the accuracy and reliability of laboratory testing;

.  Participate in proficiency testing programs and continuous quality improvement initiatives to enhance laboratory performance;

.  Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams including epidemiologists, clinicians, and public health experts to coordinate outbreak response efforts;

.  Communicate laboratory findings, recommendations, and risk assessments to stakeholders and the broader community as directed by the immediate supervisor;

.  Provide training and mentorship to laboratory staff on laboratory techniques, safety protocols, and best practices for pandemic preparedness and response;

.  Execute other activities as assigned and directed by the immediate supervisor.

.  A minimum of Master’s degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences or related fields;

.  Six (6) years and above experience in diagnostic or clinical laboratory setting;

.  Previous experience working in a clinical or research laboratory, preferably with a focus on infectious diseases;

.  Proficiency in molecular biology techniques such as PCR, nucleic acid extraction, amplification and detection methods;

.  Familiarity with laboratory instrumentations, latest methods and technologies used in diagnostic testing and investigations of emerging and re-emerging infectious pathogens;

.  Strong attention to details, organizational skills, and ability to work independently and as part of a team;

.  Knowledge of laboratory safety practices, biohazard containment, and infection control measures;

.  Excellent communication skills and ability to interact professionally with colleagues, healthcare providers, and external stakeholders;      METHODOLOGY

The laboratory experts will work under the National Reference Laboratories Directorate of the National Health Laboratory Services of EPHI. While the main assignment of the laboratory experts is to conduct routine and complex laboratory tests strictly following and meticulously adhering to laboratory quality management principles and practices including biosafety and biosecurity requirements, they will collaborate with all Directorates, Divisions, Service Departments and Work Units of the institute to contribute to the successful implementation of all laboratory programs and services in an integrated and harmonized manner.

    REPORTING ARRANGEMENT

The Laboratory Experts will directly report to the Director of the National Reference Laboratories Directorate of the Ethiopian Public Health Institute. The main reporting requirements and key deliverables include, but not limited to, the following:

·         Monthly work plans and;

·         Daily reports, Weekly reports, Quarterly reports and Annual Reports;

·         Any other reports as required.