TB Diagnostics Specialist Recruitment, Applications Invited

TB Diagnostics Specialist Recruitment, Applications Invited

TB Diagnostics Specialist Recruitment, Applications Invited. Microbiology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology job opening. Interested and eligible applicants can check out all of the details on the same below.

Name of the Post – TB Diagnostics Specialist

Location – New Delhi, India

Req ID – R2201131

Infectious Disease Detection and Surveillance (IDDS) is a five-year United States Agency for International Development (USAID)-funded project with the following overall objectives: (1) Improve the detection of diseases of public health importance and identification of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in priority infectious diseases including Tuberculosis (TB) through an accessible, accurate, adaptable, timely, and integrated diagnostic network system; (2)Improve the quality of real-time surveillance systems for pathogens of greatest public health concern, including AMR and zoonotic diseases, and; (3) Generate evidence-based guidance and innovative solutions to strengthen in-country diagnostic networks and surveillance systems.

Job description

In India, the IDDS project will focus on activities and interventions to strengthen the TB diagnostics network and build on previous USAID and US Government’s investments and activities for improved TB diagnostics including multi-drug resistant (MDR) TB, and AMR activities. IDDS activities will enhance the impact of TB support provided by the Global Fund and other

donors to the Government of India’s TB strategic plan objectives and achieve the UN high-level meeting targets.  IDDS will focus on activities to achieve three key results:

(i) Strengthen the public-sector network of TB laboratories to improve quality and efficiencies of the TB diagnostics cascade in NTEP, (ii) Improve the private sector laboratories engagement for TB/DR-TB diagnostics, and (iii) Design and implement research on new TB diagnostic tools to inform policies and best practices.

ICF is seeking a TB Diagnostics Specialist to support the diagnostics systems capacity building activities for the IDDS project activities. The position will be based in New Delhi, India and will involve frequent in-country travel. The work will focus primarily on public health systems but will also include private sector involvement, TB diagnostic research and other non-governmental diagnostic facilities (laboratories and point-of-care facilities). Key technical responsibilities include strengthening and maintaining the TB diagnostic network, technical support to the six NRLs and 34 IRLs, designing innovative models and frameworks to strengthen the TB diagnostic cascade in the public and private sector and mentorship to key national stakeholders.

This position reports to the Senior TB Diagnostic Specialist with close coordination with counterpart(s) based in New Delhi, India.

Responsibilities -The TB Diagnostic Specialist has the following responsibilities:

• Support development of national diagnostic network strategic plans, supervision, monitoring and evaluation (SME) framework, SOPs and policies.
• Implement TB-focused technical assistance, diagnostic network and facilities strengthening, and quality improvement interventions in line with NTEP priorities.
• Provide technical guidance and work closely with the Central TB Division to improve TB diagnostic cascade in 6 NRLs and 34 IRLs through technical guidance, innovative models, and frameworks.
• Review adherence to diagnostic algorithms, best practices, national and international standards in 6 NRLs and 34 IRLs.
• Conduct assessments of diagnostic in public and private sector facilities and the follow-up of corrective and preventive actions and initiatives.
• Provide technical oversight for private sector engagement and contribution to India TB diagnostic network.
• Provides technical oversight for data management and reporting of MDR TB and monitor and report progress with diagnostic network enhancement activities as per the approved country work plan.
• Work collaboratively and coordinate with other technical staff as well as project partners on the development and implementation of the project work plans.
• Build human resource capacity in 6 NRLs, 34 IRLs and private sector facilities to scale-up TB diagnostics in India.
• Provide technical assistance and mentorship to TB diagnostic facilities and the overall diagnostic network as part of overall capacity building and continuous improvement programs.
• Support strategies to ensure functional TB diagnostic equipment including systems to maintain laboratory equipment, securing maintenance contracts, and establish a cadre of trained biomedical engineers.
• Assist TB laboratories in improving the overall Quality Management System through locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally accepted accreditation agencies based on NTEP demand.
• Support the development of a forecasting tool to assist NRLs, IRLs and TB C&DST laboratories to estimate the requirement of laboratory consumables
• Support CTD and NRLs to develop a comprehensive TB laboratory biosafety manual and its monitoring mechanisms
• Support the design and development of TB diagnostic research protocol and initiatives in close collaboration with the India TB research consortium.
• Work closely with the IDDS team to define and adjust annual work plans as well as implement technical activities.
• Coordinate and work with a diverse group of national organizations including the Government and other diagnostic network leaders, development partners, other regional and global IDDS staff and USAID.
• Follow established processes to guarantee the technical and programmatic quality of IDDS work in India.
• Conduct data analysis and reporting
• Develop work plans, monitor implementation of planned activities, evaluate the outcome of the implementation and conduct timely reporting

Required –

• Advanced level (Master’s degree or above) in Microbiology, infectious diseases, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology or related discipline.                                                                              
• At least 5 years of progressive professional experience in TB-focused diagnostic strengthening and capacity building in the country.
• Demonstrate experience in setting up, managing and strengthening microbiology laboratory services
• Technical competency in the diagnosis of infectious diseases (TB and DR-TB) including specific hands-on diagnostics experience.
• Ability to work with multiple partners on collaborative projects.
• Competent in current diagnostic methods for tuberculosis including point-of-care tests.
• Understanding of emerging technologies and molecular methods in TB diagnostics
• Proven skills in writing technical reports, scientific publications
• Fluency in written and spoken English.
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 30% including regionally.
• Authorization to work in India.

Preferred –

• PhD, MD or DrPH in clinical diagnostics, infectious disease epidemiology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Biotechnology, Molecular Biology or related field
• Postgraduate training in clinical microbiology
• Familiarity with Global Laboratory Initiative standards.
• Strong interpersonal skills in facilitation and stakeholder engagement/coordination.

The selection of the final applicant is subject to USAID approval.

Working at ICF

Working at ICF means applying a passion for meaningful work with intellectual rigor to help solve the leading issues of our day. Smart, compassionate, innovative, committed, ICF employees tackle unprecedented challenges to benefit people, businesses, and governments around the globe. We believe in collaboration, mutual respect, open communication, and opportunity for growth.

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