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 experts across various fields including health, education, nutrition, environment, and economic development. The organization operates in more than 70 countries and all U.S. states and territories, showcasing a diverse workforce committed to making a positive impact globally.

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 capabilities 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, ensuring access to quality diagnostic testing, and collaborating with project management teams and partners to deliver effective laboratory services. The role also involves leading the creation of guidelines and policies for laboratory diagnostic networks, contributing to project planning and evaluation, and ensuring high-quality technical assistance is provided throughout the project lifecycle.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Laboratory Officer will be tasked with several key responsibilities, including:

• Providing overall technical leadership and strategic guidance for laboratory and diagnostic services, ensuring coordination with other global health security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security technical areas.
• Monitoring and maintaining project protocols, instruments, data sets, manuals, training materials, and reports related to diagnostic services.
• Collaborating closely with national, regional, and local counterparts to deliver necessary technical assistance for project objectives.
• Leading the development of technical briefs, reports, and other materials to promote best practices and policies.
• Offering subject matter expertise for laboratory and diagnostic network strengthening activities, including quality assurance and biosafety measures.
• Supporting the scale-up of new diagnostic tools and mentoring project team members.
• Conducting assessments of laboratory capacity and reporting findings.
• Promoting the integration of new diagnostic technologies based on project needs.
• Developing and monitoring project work plans and budgets related to laboratory activities. 1
• Building relationships with stakeholders and representing the project in various forums. 1
• Ensuring project activities align with work plans and managing timelines and budgets effectively. 1
• Preparing reports summarizing project results and maintaining tracking systems for budgets and scopes of work.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess in-depth knowledge of laboratory and diagnostic concepts, practices, and procedures. They should have experience in developing scopes of work for subcontractors and a broad understanding of quality assurance and biosafety standards. Proficiency in database management software and online search tools is required. Candidates should demonstrate sensitivity to cultural diversity and possess excellent organizational, analytical, and project management skills. Strong communication abilities, both written and verbal, are essential, particularly in English. The ability to analyze data, identify errors, and prepare comprehensive reports is also necessary.

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 or its equivalent, combined with 8+ years of relevant experience, will be considered sufficient for this position.

Experience:
Typically, candidates should have at least 6+ years of relevant experience in infectious disease diagnostics or laboratory systems strengthening. Experience with DoS-funded projects and familiarity with related regulations is preferred. Candidates should have extensive knowledge of laboratory practices, diagnostic techniques, and quality assurance systems across various health sectors. Proven experience in capacity-building activities, such as training and mentoring laboratory personnel, is also essential.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not specified as requirements.

Additional Notes:
The role is expected to involve up to 30% domestic travel. The expected salary range for this position is THB 1,183,333 - 1,800,000 annually, with considerations for experience and education. FHI 360 is committed to providing a safe work environment and adheres to safeguarding principles to protect vulnerable populations. The organization is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including those with criminal histories, in compliance with applicable laws. FHI 360 also emphasizes the importance of a healthy work/life balance and offers a competitive benefits package.