Вакансія: Laboratory Specialist

ICAP at Columbia University, a global health leader situated within the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health in New York City, seeks the services of a Laboratory Specialist in Ukraine. 

ICAP seeks to fill this key position of Laboratory Specialist which will be based in Kyiv, Ukraine by June 2023. The ideal candidate should possess a graduate degree in Medicine, Microbiology or Clinical Laboratory with specialty training in microbiology and/or infectious diseases. Previous work experience in an NGO is ideal for this role.  The job incumbent should also have experience of and be able to work in a conflict zone.

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Project Director, the Laboratory Specialist will support the laboratory technical requirements of the CDC-funded Ukraine Recovery Project. The Laboratory Specialist will work closely with the Project Director, Regional Director, and Senior Technical Advisor for Laboratory Surveillance from ICAP NY, and other relevant ICAP and Columbia University staff to ensure that all laboratory technical matters related to implementation and reporting for the project are addressed

MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Provide leadership and provide technical input to the microbiology laboratory and clinical microbiology aspects of the project.
• Attend/Coordinate AMR, surveillance and laboratory technical working groups with CDC and other implementing partners.
• Provide technical input to the establishment of regional referral diagnostic laboratories at three oblast pilot hospitals with specimen transport. This will include, but is not limited to:
  • Introducing high throughput rapid diagnostic capability and interpretation using MALDI-TOF testing
  • Establishing an efficient referral network articulation and transport network support
  • Establishing an electronic test-order and results return system.
  • Supporting regional multidisciplinary teams to analyze samples of wound infections from healthcare facilities for antibiotic resistance.
• Support inter-professional workforce development and training for multi-disciplinary teams within hospitals and above-site level.
• Support AMR prevention, detection, and control at the national level, including oversight of the national AMR reference laboratory systems and services.
• Contribute to the development of relevant training curricula.
• Contribute to the development of annual program workplans.
• Performs other related duties as directed.

EDUCATION

• A graduate degree in Medicine, Microbiology or Clinical Laboratory with specialty training in microbiology and/or infectious diseases.

EXPERIENCE, SKILLS & MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Excellent communication, writing and presentation skills in both English and Ukrainian, including the development of objectives, operational plans, and measurable targets for public health programs and projects.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to use data for decision making.
• Knowledge and hands-on experience with the latest clinical microbiology diagnostic technologies, tools and approaches and antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
• Able to travel to hospital labs to provide hands-on technical assistance as the Ukraine security situation allows.
• Knowledge and understanding of the World Health Organization’s Global Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance System (GLASS) and the Global Health Security Agenda
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills in facilitation and stakeholder engagement/coordination.
• Ability to create and maintain effective working relations with host country governments, international organizations, and US Government Agencies
• Ability to work in a complex project environment, set realistic priorities, and plan project implementation activities based on agreed upon priorities.
• Demonstrated skills in capacity building through technical assistance, training, mentoring and coaching.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects.
• Demonstrated experience in supporting providing technical assistance and capacity building for national laboratory programs.
• Demonstrated technical expertise in developing advocacy documents, operational plans, monitoring and evaluation and communication plans, and organizing and leading consultative meetings.
• Demonstrated experience in strengthening laboratory systems, antimicrobial resistance, and biosecurity and biosafety in relation to the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA)
• Demonstrated experience in supporting laboratory-based surveillance of diseases of public health importance.
• Demonstrated technical expertise in laboratory management, quality assurance, quality control, biosafety, document development, specimen management, and use of electronic information systems within a laboratory context.
• Proven ability to effectively mentor and advise multi-cultural laboratory professionals and national program managers.
• Demonstrated experience in laboratory techniques such as: serology, immunology, bacteriology, and molecular assays including Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) for GHSA priority and public health important pathogens.
• Minimum five (5) years of experience in laboratory services and laboratory management.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

• Domestic travel to project sites when necessary.

The position is contingent upon availability of grant funding. 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.

Interested applicants should submit their CV and a cover letter by email to [email protected] by April 29, 2023
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.