STRIDES Thailand Senior Laboratory Officer

Job Posting Organization:
FHI 360 is a nonprofit human development organization dedicated to improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions. Established with a mission to address interrelated development challenges, FHI 360 employs a diverse team of experts across various fields including health, education, nutrition, environment, and economic development. The organization operates in over 70 countries and all U.S. states and territories, making it a significant player in global health and development initiatives. With a commitment to fostering collaboration and innovation, FHI 360 aims to create sustainable solutions that empower communities and improve quality of life.

Job Overview:
The Senior Laboratory Officer will play a crucial role in providing technical leadership and guidance for the Department of State (DoS)-funded Strengthening Infectious Disease Detection Systems (STRIDES) Activity. This position focuses on enhancing laboratory and diagnostic capacities in Thailand and Southeast Asia. The officer will be responsible for developing, implementing, and monitoring strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening laboratory systems. This includes providing technical guidance on challenges and strategies for building laboratory capacity, improving access to quality diagnostic testing, and ensuring effective collaboration with project management teams and partners. The role requires a proactive approach to developing guidelines and policies for laboratory diagnostic network strengthening, contributing to project work plans, and ensuring high-quality laboratory services are delivered effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Laboratory Officer will be responsible for a wide range of duties including: providing overall technical leadership for laboratory and diagnostic services, coordinating with global health security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security technical areas, monitoring project protocols and data sets, collaborating with national and local counterparts to fulfill project objectives, developing technical briefs and reports, providing subject matter expertise for laboratory strengthening activities, supporting capacity building for project team members, conducting laboratory capacity assessments, promoting new diagnostic technologies, aligning laboratory activities with project goals, analyzing project implementation for improvements, building relationships with stakeholders, overseeing project timelines and budgets, preparing reports summarizing project results, and ensuring compliance with quality standards and donor requirements. The officer will also be expected to perform other duties as assigned, demonstrating flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic work environment.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess in-depth knowledge of laboratory and diagnostic-related concepts and practices. They should have experience in developing scopes of work for subcontractors and a broad understanding of laboratory quality assurance and biosafety standards. Proficiency in database management software and online search tools is required, along with sensitivity to cultural diversity and the ability to communicate effectively with clients and partners. Strong organizational, analytical, and project management skills are essential, as well as the ability to influence and collaborate with others. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite is mandatory, and candidates must be able to analyze and interpret data accurately.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree in microbiology or an equivalent international qualification in biological sciences within a medical laboratory discipline is required. Alternatively, a bachelor's degree in medical laboratory sciences with 8+ years of relevant experience will also be considered acceptable for this position.

Experience:
Typically, candidates should have at least 6+ years of relevant experience working with infectious disease diagnostics and/or in laboratory systems strengthening. Prior experience with DoS-funded projects and familiarity with DoS regulations and reporting requirements is preferred. Extensive knowledge of laboratory practices, diagnostic techniques, and quality assurance systems in various health sectors is essential. Demonstrated ability to design and manage laboratory strengthening initiatives and experience in capacity-building activities such as training and mentoring laboratory personnel are highly desirable.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, as candidates must be able to read, write, and speak the language fluently. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset but is not explicitly required for this position.

Additional Notes:
This position is open to Thai Nationals only. The role may require up to 30% domestic travel. The job posting outlines the main duties but does not restrict the exact tasks assigned. FHI 360 is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to safeguarding against abuse and exploitation in its work environments. All offers of employment will be subject to appropriate screening checks, including reference and criminal record checks. FHI 360 fosters a healthy work/life balance and offers a competitive benefits package.