Senior Laboratory Specialist

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Position Title: Senior Laboratory Specialist
Location: Ulaanbaatar
Country: Mongolia
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
FAO Mongolia is dedicated to ensuring nutrition" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food and nutrition security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security for the population. The organization coordinates various projects and programs focusing on research, capacity building, natural resource management, technology transfer, food and agriculture policy, livestock production systems management, emergency and post-crisis management, forestry information, statistics, food security and nutrition, emergency response operations, crop production system management, and food quality and safety. FAO Mongolia aims to be a credible and responsive partner in these areas, working collaboratively with various stakeholders to achieve its mission.

Job Overview:
The Senior Laboratory Specialist will play a crucial role in enhancing the capacity of laboratories in Mongolia through the development and implementation of advanced laboratory procedures and standards. This position involves working closely with the FAO Representative in Mongolia and the Lead Technical Officer to ensure that laboratory practices meet international standards. The incumbent will focus on capacity building in Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (AST) methodologies, develop standardized laboratory procedures, and oversee AMR surveillance in the food chain. The role requires a proactive approach to training and quality assurance in laboratory testing, ensuring that national and local laboratories are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to perform effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including reviewing existing AST laboratory protocols and procedures, developing comprehensive training modules that cover sampling techniques, AST methodologies, result interpretation, and quality control measures. They will conduct hands-on training sessions, including practical demonstrations and simulations, and prepare detailed training reports documenting key activities, outcomes, and recommendations. Additionally, the Senior Laboratory Specialist will develop MNS serial standards for AST in compliance with MNS/ISO17025 accreditation requirements, lead pilot AMR surveillance in the food chain, and perform other related tasks as required to support the FAO's mission in Mongolia.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in microbiology, molecular biology, biological sciences, or a related field. A minimum of 10 years of experience in veterinary and/or public health is required. Proficiency in English at a C-level is essential, and candidates must be nationals of Mongolia or residents of the country with a valid work permit. The role demands strong technical and functional skills, including experience in developing laboratory training programs, familiarity with international and national laboratory standards (MNS, ISO17025), and the ability to analyze and interpret AST results for AMR surveillance. Strong report-writing and documentation skills are also necessary.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in microbiology, molecular biology, biological sciences, or a related field is mandatory for this position. This educational background is crucial as it provides the foundational knowledge required to understand complex laboratory processes and methodologies relevant to the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in veterinary and/or public health. This extensive experience is necessary to ensure that the incumbent has a deep understanding of laboratory practices, public health issues, and the ability to implement effective training and quality assurance measures in laboratory settings.

Languages:
Proficiency in English at a C-level is mandatory for this position. This level of proficiency is essential for effective communication, report writing, and collaboration with international partners. While English is the primary language required, knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The job does not specify a deadline for applications, which may indicate that the position is open until filled. The role is likely to be full-time, and candidates should be prepared to engage in both national and international collaboration. Compensation and benefits details are not provided in the job description, but candidates can expect a competitive package commensurate with their experience and qualifications.