Laboratory Technical Specialist

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN PUBLIC HEALTH

FHI 360 is an international, non-governmental organization that works with the Vietnam Ministry of Health and other national bodies, as well as provincial and district-level health services, to promote the health and wellbeing of the Vietnamese people, particularly vulnerable and marginalized populations. FHI 360 is currently implementing programs with government and private sector partners that address HIV prevention, care & treatment, clinical research, health system strengthening, maternal and child health and nutrition, diagnostics, and laboratory services.

We are currently seeking a qualified and highly motivated Vietnamese national candidate to serve as Laboratory Technical Specialist for The Fleming Fund Country Grant for Vietnam - Tackling Antimicrobial Resistance in Vietnam, based in Hanoi/HCMC.

Project Description:

The Fleming Fund Country Grant for Vietnam—Tackling Antimicrobial Resistance in Vietnam will address critical gaps in surveillance of antibiotic resistant bacteria in Vietnam. This grant supports implementation of national plans for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance, and will focus on selected number of AMR human and animal surveillance sites. We will work closely with local entities that are already involved in AMR surveillance, AMR/AMU oversight and improvement activities, local and national Technical Working Groups and national and regional reference laboratories for human and animal health, participating AMR/AMU surveillance sites, and other government and national and international non-government stakeholders, and UN agencies as well as Mott MacDonald, The Fleming Fund Management Agent.

Position Description:

The position will focus on laboratory activities related to strengthening the capacity and systems for AMR/AMU surveillance in human and animal health systems. Specific responsibilities may include but are not limited to:

• Provide technical assistance to collect, assemble, and review data related to AMR and AMU patterns.
• Provide technical assistance/participate in epidemiological investigations (e.g., source, antibiotic use, and spread of infection).
• Provide technical assistance/participate in mapping/investigating/assessing antibiotic distribution and use in human populations.
• Provide technical assistance for assessments and improvements of the human/animal health reference laboratory, and AMR/AMU surveillance sites.
• Provide technical assistance for sample collection, coordination, and transport.
• Conduct supportive supervision and monitoring of, and onsite coaching and mentoring to AMR/AMU surveillance sites, as well as renovation work of selected surveillance sites.
• Share the findings including AMR/AMU trends to AMR/AMU TWG quarterly and annually.
• Provide technical assistance to prepare and submit AMR/AMU-related data and report as per the national, regional and global standard and requirements.

Qualifications and requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in microbiology or other relevant subject and 5 years of experience in clinical/veterinary laboratory (preferably including microbiology, AMR/AMU or disease surveillance), or a related area. Medical Technologist with relevant work experience are preferred.
• Microbiology and related laboratory techniques
• Biosafety and biosecurity and how to apply principles
• Laboratory quality management
• Ability to communicate and coordinate with stakeholders
• Ability to work efficiently and effectively in an IT environment
• Strong coordination, communication, and interpersonal aptitudes
• Fluency in English
• AMR/AMU and disease surveillance and other relevant health programs (strongly preferred)
• Sensitivity to cultural differences and understanding of the ethical issues surrounding research and surveillance
• Frequent travel to field visits (around 50 percent) in different parts of Vietnam

FHI 360 offers a competitive compensation and excellent benefits.

Interested candidates are invited to visit FHI 360’s career page at https://www.fhi360.org/careers and apply the position ONLINE by August 28, 2019.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.