Laboratory Advisor (Central Lab) at Maryland Global Initiatives Corporation

The University of Maryland Baltimore with funding from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) will conduct the Zambia National Population HIV Impact Assessment (ZAMPHIA 2020).

ZAMPHIA 2020 will assess progress towards achievement of the UNAIDS 90-90-90 targets on national and subnational levels.    The data will be used to focus HIV services and resources to the areas of greatest need and help move Zambia closer to HIV epidemic control.

The University of Maryland Baltimore affiliate, Maryland Global Initiatives Corporation Zambia (MGIC Zambia) is currently inviting applications from interested persons, who meet the minimum requirements to apply to the key positions advertised. Project Duration is scheduled for eighteen (18) months and successful candidates will be offered employment for that period.

Laboratory Advisor (Central Lab)

The Lab Advisor (Central Lab) will be responsible for the testing, transportation, and storage of high-quality biologic specimen to measure specific HIV seroprevalence, incidence and other HIV biomarkers for project. He/ She will be based in Lusaka but having occasional travels to the satellite and to the field for supervision and will requires 100% commitment in the laboratory.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Coordinate the development of quality control materials and panels, shipment, distribution and analysis for the survey
• Conduct HIV Incidence test, HIV RNA, and HIVDNA PCR for EID, HIV DR test
• Ensure laboratory specimen data are correctly captured in the study database and assist with routine data analysis
• Assist with the interpretation of laboratory results from the ZAMPHIA project and provide feedback on ways to improve/streamline lab procedures and systems
• Assist the ZAMPHIA team to develop strategies to ensure timely reporting of results to study participants
• Ensure that lab staff receive and accession each specimen into a Laboratory Data Management System (LDMS) and process as per ZAMPHIA standard operating procedure
• Coordinate and facilitate the transport of specimens from the Central laboratory to designated reference laboratories for further testing
• Liaise with ZAMPHIA lab Advisor (Satellite and Field) periodically
• Liaise closely with the data team to ensure accurate and well tracked testing and analysis of biological samples

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in a relevant scientific field strongly preferred
• Proficiency in VL and EID testing and specialized biomarkers for the survey
• Minimum 5 years of related experience in providing laboratory technical expertise in HIV activities
• Ability to prioritize, act independently, work under deadlines, and implement several tasks at once
• Experience in working on the laboratory bench for at least 3 years
• Experience in QMS and Data management
• Experience in HIV programs; participation in proficiency testing
• Experience in shipping of samples. Having AITA certification is an added advantage
• Ability to write clear and concise SOPs, reports for internal and external audiences
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Must be a National
• Ability to work for long hours
• Ability to pay attention to details
• Ability to work with your hands and will need dexterity to work with small vials, test tubes, and delicate lab equipment
• Ability to work as part of a team as well and cooperate with team members in the field.
• Ability to troubleshoot equipment and routine equipment maintenance
• A systematic approach to tasks and the ability to follow instructions and set procedures
• A high level of flexibility in performing the responsibilities of the position