Laboratory Technical Specialist

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN PUBLIC HEALTH

FHI 360 is an international non-governmental organization that, in Vietnam, promotes the health and well-being of the Vietnamese people, particularly vulnerable and marginalized populations. It works with the Vietnam Ministry of Health and other national bodies, as well as provincial and district-level health services to achieve project aims. FHI 360 is currently implementing programs to address HIV prevention, testing, and treatment; combatting trafficking in persons; COVID-19; tuberculosis case finding and treatment; clinical research; anti-microbial resistance; health system strengthening; non-communicable diseases; maternal and child health and nutrition; and diagnostic and laboratory services.

We are currently seeking qualified and highly motivated Vietnamese candidates to fill in the Laboratory Technical Specialist position for the Fleming Fund Country Grant for Vietnam - Tackling Antimicrobial Resistance in Vietnam, based in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.

Pr?ject Description:

FHI 360 seek Laboratory Technical Specialist for The Fleming Fund Country Grant for Vietnam - Tackling Antimicrobial Resistance in Vietnam. The Country Grant 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.

Job Summary / Responsibilities:

This position will focus on laboratory activities related to strengthening the capacity and systems for AMR/AMU surveillance in human and animal health systems. This position is based in Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh City with frequent field visits to animal health and human health labs at around 30 percent in different parts of Vietnam. Specific responsibilities may include but are not limited to:

• Provide technical assistance, including onsite mentoring, coaching, training on microbiology techniques for animal health laboratories in implementing surveillance
• 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
• Provide technical assistance/participate in epidemiological investigations (e.g., source, antibiotic use, and spread of infection) with focus on animal health laboratories.
• Provide technical assistance/participate in mapping/investigating/assessing antibiotic distribution and use in animal and human populations.
• Provide technical assistance for sample collection, coordination, and transport with focus on animal health laboratories
• Provide technical assistance for assessment and improvements of the human/animal health surveillance laboratories when required
• Support operation of the national referral network to collect and transfer the specimens and isolates for AMR testing from surveillance sites to the national AMR references laboratories.
• Provide technical assistance to prepare and submit quarterly/semi-annually/annually reports and other AMR/AMU-related data and report as per the donors’, national and global requirements

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in microbiology or other relevant subject and minimum 3 years of experience in clinical/veterinary laboratory (preferably including microbiology, AMR/AMU or disease surveillance), or a related area. Masters’ degree or Medical Technologist with relevant work experience are preferred. This combination of education and work experience would provide the following relevant specialized knowledge and skills in areas associated with animal health and/or human health.
• 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 language
• AMR/AMU and disease surveillance or other relevant health programs (biostatics, quality management)
• Sensitivity to cultural differences and understanding of the ethical issues surrounding research and surveillance

FHI 360 offers 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 September 21, 2022. Selection and interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis and candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.