$29,560 - $39,665 USD annually

APHL is seeking a northern Regional Laboratory Scientist with a background in laboratory sciences to support Botswana’s public health laboratory system. The Regional Laboratory Scientist will assist in the laboratory systems strengthening work of APHL in support of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) initiatives through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). They will liaise with the CDC-Botswana Office, CDC-HQ, Ministry of Health (MoH)/National Public Health Laboratories (NPHL), Botswana National Quality Assurance Laboratory (BNQAL), University of Botswana, county laboratory coordinators, and other collaborating partners in Botswana to implement agreed-upon strategies to enhance quality management systems and improve overall laboratory capacities.

 

The candidate will possess an advanced degree, strong understanding of the laboratory system in Botswana, and experience supporting laboratory initiatives along with excellent communication and organizational skills. The candidate will serve as a full-time contracted employee to APHL through September 29, 2025, with annual renewal subject to satisfactory performance and continued availability of funds. APHL Headquarters is in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and this field position is in Francistown, Botswana. This position will report to the APHL-Botswana Country Director.

 

APHL (www.APHL.org) works to strengthen laboratory systems serving the public’s health in the United States and globally.

 

The Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) works to strengthen laboratory systems serving the public’s health in the U.S. and globally. APHL’s member laboratories protect the public’s health by monitoring and detecting infectious and foodborne diseases, environmental contaminants, terrorist agents, genetic disorders in newborns and other diverse health threats.

• Serves as APHL's liaison in the country and provides routine updates on program activities to the National Quality Assurance Laboratory and CDC-Botswana Office.
• Works with APHL-Botswana and APHL-HQ staff in developing, planning, establishing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating in-country APHL projects.
• Provides targeted technical assistance in areas such as quality management, biosafety/biosecurity, HIV diagnostic testing, etc., to enhance laboratory capacity in the country.
• Develops a roadmap for activities and works with APHL-Botswana and APHL-HQ to develop and manage work plans and timelines for project tasks using appropriate tools and track milestones and deliverables.
• Identifies and documents programmatic and technical issues and communicates with APHL in-country and HQ colleagues on a routine basis.
• Represents APHL at national and international workshops and meetings.
• Following notification to and concurrence by APHL and CDC, collaborates with subject matter experts at the World Health Organization (WHO) and other in-country partners when needed.
• Works with BNQAL and CDC to conduct laboratory assessments to determine laboratory needs, capture gaps in laboratory capacity, and identify areas for improvement.
• Coordinates with vendors and other contractors for procurement, support, or training.
• Provides support and mentorship to BNQAL technical teams (e.g., biosafety, quality management, laboratory leadership, and management, etc.) as needed.
• Works with the APHL informatics staff to identify strategies for integrating epidemiology and laboratory data and laboratory-based reporting when needed.
• Communicates regularly with APHL-HQ staff and prepares and disseminates daily, weekly, and ad hoc reports on project progress.
• Other duties as assigned and requested.

Required

• Advanced degree in medical laboratory technology or science. Three years or more experience in clinical diagnostic testing or research labs. One year of supervisory experience in a clinical diagnostic laboratory is preferred.
• Knowledgeable of current developments in diagnosing infectious diseases, including molecular methods. 
• Experience/knowledge strengthening laboratories to achieve international quality standards, including ISO 15189 or in-country standards.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and collaboratively within a team and across multiple partners.
• Ability to travel to laboratory sites across Botswana to work short-term (1-2 weeks) assignments.

Preferred

• Knowledge of and experience working within public health programs in Botswana.
• Knowledge of laboratory information systems.
• Familiarity with PEPFAR initiatives and strategies used in Botswana and/or elsewhere.
• Managerial experience.
• Experience working with U.S. Government grants and programs.

Knowledge

• Knowledge and experience in managing quality laboratory systems, including PT for HIV-related tests (e.g., VL, EID, serum cryptococcal antigen (CrAg), HPV, CD4, etc.), laboratory diagnostic testing, monitoring laboratory performance indicators, and conducting M&E activities.
• Knowledge of laboratory networks and quality management systems.
• Knowledge of biosafety and biosecurity regulations and procedures, including conducting a biorisk assessment.
• Knowledge of and ability to interpret international standards documents related to quality in laboratories.
• Knowledge of and ability to provide laboratory technical assistance according to national and international standards, including ISO 15189.

Skills

• Skill in laboratory techniques, including diagnostic testing, quality management systems, mentorship, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)/quality manual development.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to effectively interact with all levels of staff, members, government personnel, and others.
• Strong coordination and project management skills.
• Skill in performing laboratory assessments.
• Understanding of non-profit organizational systems and structures.
• Skills in report writing and presentation development, editing, and creating appropriate charts, tables, and graphics.
• Demonstrated presentation and training skills.
• Excellent organizational skills with emphasis on details.

Abilities

• Ability to effectively engage and collaborate with partners and partners with differing priorities.
• Ability to work with partners to prioritize needs and guide planning.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks under tight deadlines and ensure completion of projects in a timely and efficient manner.
• Ability to follow APHL operating procedures and tracking systems.
• Ability to lead and collaborate within a team setting.

APHL Week is a Conference/Convention that is held at the APHL Home Office Bethesda, MD. This event is mandatory for all employees to attend. Travel and lodging will be reimbursed by APHL.

Please Note: Reimbursement for travel and lodging may not be possible for employees that are local to the APHL Home Office.

The duties and responsibilities listed in this job description are illustrative ones anticipated for this position. Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned as required. Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) reserves the right to amend or change this job description to meet the needs of its programs. This job description and any attachments do not constitute or represent a contract.

Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations will be made for known physical or mental limitations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a colleague to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations will be made for known physical or mental limitations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.

During the job, the colleague may need to sit for extended periods, use a computer keyboard to type, read information visually, and communicate orally through a computer monitor.