ThaiNGO

Job Summary

We are seeking a Technical Lead (Sampling) to work for the USAID-funded Discovery and Exploration of Emerging Pathogens – Viral Zoonoses (DEEP VZN) project. DEEP VZN is a five-year project that will build scientific capacity in partner countries to safely detect and characterize unknown viruses which have the potential to spill over from wildlife and domestic animals to human populations. With up to twelve (12) countries, the project will carry out large-scale animal surveillance programs focusing on finding previously unknown pathogens from three viral families that have a large potential for viral spillover from animals to humans: coronaviruses, the family that includes SARS-CoV-2 the virus that causes COVID-19; filoviruses, such as the Ebola virus; and paramyxoviruses which includes the viruses that cause measles and Nipah.

The Technical Lead will have a background in medical/veterinary field epidemiology, in order to direct and coordinate all field components of the DEEP VZN project in Thailand, with a strong emphasis on directing and facilitating the sample collection and transport activities. The selected candidate will take a leading role in the coordination and implementation of all aspects of the DEEP VZN field program, providing technical oversight to finalize selection of sampling sites, implement epidemiologically rigorous recruitment and sample collecting strategies according to DEEP VZN Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and to coordinate multiple field teams that will be responsible for the safe and ethical collection of wildlife, domestic animal, human and environmental samples using a One Health methodology. Additionally, this individual will work closely with the in-country laboratories to ensure effective curation, preparation, and safe transport of all samples to laboratories and will work with data management teams to ensure safe, confidential, and appropriate entry, storage and curation of project data related to sampling. 

Responsibilities include

• Serve as technical point of contact at the country level for the sampling component of the DEEP VZN project. This includes providing overall technical leadership during planning, development, implementation, and monitoring of the DEEP VZN sample collection, transport, and storage, and associated data
• Support the design, planning, and implementation of the overarching country-specific sampling approach that adheres to the Thailand and global work plans, procedures, and SOPs, including recruitment and retention of cohort members and acquisition of necessary permits and approvals
• Identify and determine priority locations for sampling and initial sampling number targets in year one and support the revision and refinement of sampling number targets and strategies in subsequent years. This includes reviewing and refining outputs from local risk assessments and engagement with stakeholders and communities
• Coordinate outreach and engagement with in-country biobanks to identify relevant samples collected as part of non-DEEP VZN projects for retrospective analysis. Support local requests to access associated metadata and/or transport of samples to laboratories as appropriate, and support securing MTA/DTAs in-country as necessary
• Facilitate access and transfer of prioritized bio-bank samples in which access is granted to the DEEP VZN project
• Perform in-depth data collection related to sampling activities using standardized tools and protocols with respect for animal and human welfare, environmental integrity, and research ethics
• Participate/lead in-country sampling capacity assessments with relevant stakeholders
• Develop and implement a capacity strengthening plan for sampling based on the outputs of the aforementioned standardized assessments of country sampling capacity
• Develop and/or adapt standardized sample collection training materials to local needs including translation as necessary
• Recruit, train, and supervise all in-country sample collection staff and teams
• Familiarize and ensure compliance with appropriate DEEP VZN plans and SOPs including data management and biosafety/biosecurity as they pertain to sampling activities
• In collaboration with global technical teams, develop safe and efficient strategies to collect and transport samples from point of collection to laboratory/point of storage

• Work collaboratively with in-country laboratory teams to ensure the proper receipt, curation, and storage of samples in compliance with the DEEP VZN’s biosecurity/biosafety plan

• Supervise and manage all in-country inventory of sample collection equipment, supplies, and vehicles
• Liaise with in-country finance and administration teams to develop and manage annual budgets for sampling activities

• Ensure all data are collected, managed, and stored appropriately and in adherence to project plans, procedures, and protocols

• Understand and ensure compliance with IRB/IACUC and other approvals
• Work collaboratively with the Monitoring Evaluation and Learning (MEL) team and associated technical staff to develop and implement MEL plans related to sampling activities
• Work collaboratively with the Biosafety and Biosecurity (BSBS) team to conduct periodic audits of sampling activities to ensure compliance with the project BSBS plan. Promptly report any BSBS incidents related to sampling activities to the relevant BSBS point of contact

• Prepare and/or contribute to routine (monthly, quarterly, and annual) and ad hoc project reports for sample collection activities

Qualifications 

• Master’s degree in relevant biological science, public health, medical or veterinary related field
• Working knowledge of key areas such as epidemiology of infectious diseases, One Health programs, etc.

• At least eight years of demonstrated relevant experience in implementation of field-based sample collection activities 
• Prior experience working in global health security or surveillance of infectious disease
• Excellent written and spoken English and Thai
• Strong writing skills; demonstrated experience writing reports for USAID or other international donors and/or scientific publications highly preferred
• Willingness and ability to travel in country, including to remote areas, with occasional regional or international travel as needed
• Must have legal authorization to work in Thailand

Travel Requirements:

• Up to 30-50% national and/or international travel

To apply for this position, please submit your cover letter and resume by clicking HERE.

This job posting summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.

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