Technical Advisor, Laboratory Systems

MSH seeks a Laboratory Systems Technical Advisor for a potential 5-year Rapid Outbreak and Response (ROR) project funded by the Bureau of Global Health Security and Diplomacy (GHSD) of the U.S. Department of State. The program aims to advance timely, effective responses to infectious disease outbreaks by supporting immediate response actions during the earliest stages of an outbreak when rapid intervention can significantly limit transmission and reduce morbidity and mortality.

The program capitalizes on existing country capacities and partnerships to support swift activation of outbreak response activities, complementing national leadership and established response frameworks.

Activities support countries to 1) Rapid Activation and Surge Response, 2) Early Detection, Containment, and Mitigation, 3) Coordinated and Operationally Effective Response Support, and 4) System Reinforcement and Transition from emergency surge to recovery. MSH is a global health nonprofit that works with local partners from the Ministry to the community to build strong, resilient, and equitable health systems in more than 150 countries.

This position is subject to project award and funding. The job location is flexible to candidates in the U.S. and other countries where MSH can hire. Candidates can be remote or on-site.

Overall Responsibilities Laboratory Systems Technical Advisor provides technical leadership and oversight for all laboratory strengthening activities, ensuring high-quality implementation and compliance with USG and MSH standards. S/he works closely with Ministries of Health, national public health laboratories, USG experts, and other health system actors to improve diagnostic capability, quality management systems, biosafety/biosecurity, and integration of laboratory data into surveillance and early warning systems.

The Laboratory Systems Technical

Advisor contributes to planning, documentation, coordination, and reporting across the project. They will also contribute to business and resource development activities as requested.

Specific ResponsibilitiesTechnical Strategy and Implementation
• Lead design, technical assistance, and implementation related to national laboratory system strengthening activities across diagnostics, biosafety, biosecurity, QMS, and laboratory networks.
• Support MOHs, national laboratories, and regional laboratory networks to improve detection, diagnostics, and sequencing capacity for threats.
• Strengthen laboratory information systems (LIS), reporting pathways, and integration with surveillance systems.
• Improve sample transport and referral systems, including protocols, logistics, and data tracking.
• Provide technical direction on implementation of laboratory assessments, gap analyses, and improvement plans.

Quality Assurance and Biosafety/Biosecurity
• Lead activities to improve quality assurance, capacity strengthening, proficiency testing, and adherence.
• Support development and maintenance of biosafety and biosecurity protocols, facility assessments, and mitigation plans.

Capacity Strengthening
• Facilitate the development of capacity strengthening activities and programs for laboratory staff and local experts.
• Provide mentorship to improve diagnostic accuracy, speed, data management, and adherence to SOPs and standards.

Coordination and Representation
• Facilitate coordination with surveillance teams, emergency response units, and GHSD technical staff to ensure a cohesive detection and response strategy.
• Represent the project with MOHs, regional laboratory networks, implementing partners, and technical working groups.
• Contribute to high-quality documentation, assessments, technical reports, and lessons learned.

Project Management and Collaboration
• Participate in the development of annual work plans, MERL processes, and technical reporting.
• Support cross-cutting GHS work, including outbreak investigations, rapid response, and preparedness exercises.

Qualifications
• MPH, MS, MD, PhD, or other advanced degree in laboratory sciences, microbiology, molecular biology, public health laboratory science, or related field.
• Minimum of 8+ years of experience strengthening laboratory systems in low- or middle-income countries.
• Demonstrated expertise in diagnostic testing, laboratory network development, QMS, biosafety/biosecurity, and laboratory information systems.
• Experience working with Ministries of Health, government and regional bodies, national reference laboratories, USG agencies, and global laboratory partners.
• Familiarity with IHR, WHO laboratory frameworks, and USG laborator

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