FHI 360 is a nonprofit human development organization dedicated to improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions. Our staff includes experts in health, education, nutrition, environment, economic development, civil society, gender, youth, research and technology — creating a unique mix of capabilities to address today's interrelated development challenges. FHI 360 serves more than 70 countries and all U.S. states and territories. We are currently seeking qualified candidates for the position of: Laboratory Specialist

JOB SUMMARY :    

Plans, conducts and reports assessments, audits, and accreditation-ready inspections of clinical laboratories performing services to FHI 360 research and programs. Prepares reports and leads the follow-up of those visits to include corrective actions and capacity building initiatives. Further assist with laboratory capacity building initiatives within the APRO and African region through preparing and delivering trainings. Co-ordinate and facilitate the clinical laboratory quality improvement program including preparing laboratories for ISO 15189, SLMTA and GCLP accreditation. Prepare and deliver laboratory trainings and training-related services to FHI 360 research program and to external agencies.  Provide technical assistance to diagnostic laboratories in Asia and Africa.  

DUTIES AND KEY RESPONSIBILITIES  :

Working closely with the Laboratory Sciences global team, APRO study specific research staff and APRO service delivery staff and others, conduct laboratory assessment and capacity building initiatives to ensure and enhance the quality of laboratory services. Specially, the key responsibilities are:

1. Responsible for the planning, conduct, and reporting of assessments, audits, and accreditation-ready inspections of clinical laboratories against ISO 15189, SLMTA and GCLP performing services to FHI 360 research and programs.
2. In close collaboration with laboratory management lead the follow-up of needed corrective and preventive actions following audits.
3. Responsible for developing and implementing continuous improvement initiatives upon request to build laboratory capacity and quality with reference to ISO 15189, SLMTA and GCLP standards and requirements.
4. Take active role in developing generic Quality Manual, SOPs, and work instructions with reference to ISO 15189, SLMTA, GCLP and other standards.
5. Provide technical assistance to laboratories and others as needed and requested as part of overall capacity building and continuous improvement schemes.
6. Preparation of training materials and deliver trainings to research program, laboratory staff and external agencies.
7. Provide technical assistance to set up (laboratory set up plan review) and quality operation (develop and review SOPs, develop instrument and supplies list and develop and review carry over contamination prevention plan) of diagnostic laboratories in Asia and Africa.  

CONTRIBUTION :

1. Plan, conduct, and report assessments, audits, and accreditation-ready inspections of clinical laboratories performing services to FHI 360 research and programs.
2. Following audits/assessments identify any needed corrective and preventive action to resolve critical areas of non-compliance and communicate this in writing to appropriate laboratory management staff and FHI 360.
3. In close collaboration with laboratory management develop and assist with the implementation of corrective actions and implementation of continuous improvement systems, procedures, and measures.
4. Assist laboratories with developing quality systems to include an overall Quality Management Plan, routine SOP development, quality control and quality assurance systems, staff training, and others as needed.
5. Provide technical assistance to laboratories as part of overall capacity building and continuous improvement schemes.
6. Assist with the preparation and delivery of trainings to laboratory staff to include general laboratory technician training and laboratory supervisor training.
7. Encourage and assist laboratories with preparing for and seeking accreditation through locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally accepted accreditation agencies.
8. Assist laboratories with setting up internal or participating in External Quality Assessment Schemes (EQAS).
9. Perform other duties as assigned.

TYPE AND NATURE OF CONTACTS:

Frequent interaction with others with in APRO, AFRO, FHI 360 generally (LSD corporate, APRO regional and country office staff) and external laboratory staff at all levels. These interactions to be performed with tact, diplomacy and based on knowledge, facts and experience.

SUPERVISORY AND BUDGET RESPONSIBILITY:

Supervisory responsibilities: None

Budget responsibilities: None

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL, ABILITIES, EXPERTISE AND COMPLEXITY:

1. Proven capability and direct experience in clinical laboratory functions and services.
2. Proven and excellent clinical laboratory auditing skills and experience with ISO 15189, GCLP or SLMTA.
3. Excellent attention to detail.
4. Resourceful and creative thinker with the ability to develop simple and efficient solutions and recommendations.
5. Working knowledge of quality assurance including pertinent national and international regulations and guidances.
6. Excellent knowledge in molecular biology of HIV and molecular diagnosis of HIV infection.
7. Excellent interpersonal skills, particularly diplomacy.
8. Good in both written and spoken English and report writing.
9. Direct experience developing and delivering trainings in scientific areas.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Usual office working conditions when in the APR office base location. Ability to travel within the Asia Pacific or Africa regions for up to 50% of the time.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Masters degree in biological or laboratory sciences within a clinical or diagnostic discipline or specialty. At least six years related work experience in laboratory quality assurance, quality control and audits or at least seven years in a senior laboratory management position required. Demonstrated ability and aptitude to perform quality assurance laboratory audits and assessments against accepted national and international standards and regulations. Demonstrated creative problem solving skills. Demonstrated excellent written and oral communication skills including experience in training and

NOTE:  Applicant must be eligible to work in Thailand. No expatriate benefits or allowances provided.

This job description 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.

We offer competitive compensation and an outstanding benefit package : : Health and dental insurance , 20 days of annual leave ,Flexible working hours etc.

Interested candidates, please apply online through FHI 360’s Career Center ;https://jobs-fhi360.icims.com/jobs/18405/laboratory-specialist/job

FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. FHI 360 is an equal employment and affirmative action employer whereby we do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information or any other status or characteristic protected under applicable law.