APHL is seeking a Lab Data Manager with a background in laboratory information systems to support Botswana's public health laboratory system. The Lab Data Manager 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 information systems 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 Gaborone, 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.

• Provides support to CDC-Botswana and MoH to further enhance existing VL dashboard, routine daily, weekly, and monthly standard reports shared with CDC and MoH, and the development, deployment, and maintenance of new visualizations for other HIV lab-related data (e.g., EID, serum cryptococcal antigen (CrAg), HPV, CD4). This position will oversee the automation of all testing processes and reports at the BNQAL.
• 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.
• Provides support to the Botswana Country Director in overseeing and coordinating the implementation of the Laboratory Information System (LIS) and routine data reporting needed by CDC and other partners.
• Works with APHL-Botswana and APHL-HQ staff in developing, planning, establishing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating in-country APHL projects.
• Oversees dashboard development (EID/TB/VL) and maintenance and provides high-level support in data analysis and requirements and specifications documentation as needed.
• Works with the LIS help desk support and the data management and visualization team to coordinate the day-to-day activities and provide programmatic support per the Country Director's guidance.
• Provides support, in consultation with APHL staff, for the day-to-day operation of APHL-Botswana data management activities in conjunction with the Country Director, who will oversee data management and data analysis activities.
• Works with BNQAL and CDC to conduct laboratory assessments to determine laboratory data management needs, capture gaps, and identify areas for improvement.
• Develops, establishes, and implements rules and procedures for data sharing with partners.
• Devises and implements efficient and secure data management and analysis procedures with attention to all technical aspects and documentation.
• Formulates management techniques for quality data collection to ensure data adequacy, accuracy, and legitimacy.
• Assists with reports and data extraction when needed by CDC, MoH, or other partners.
• Monitors and analyzes information and data systems and evaluates their performance to discover ways of enhancing them.
• Ensures digital laboratory databases and archives are protected from security breaches and data losses.
• Troubleshoots data-related problems and authorizes maintenance or modification.
• Provides technical assistance for the logistical management of LIS implementation, operation, maintenance, and development at the country laboratories.
• Coordinates with vendors and other contractors for procurement, support, or training.
• Attends training as required to provide data management training or oversee APHL consultants and MoH staff conducting the training.
• Communicates regularly with BNQAL, CDC, and other partners on LIS activities.
• Collects data indicators to monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of data management operations.
• Manages or coordinates data management contractors in consultation with APHL’s Country Director.
• 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.
• Performs administrative duties associated with APHL country activities.
• Other duties as assigned and requested.

Required

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent education) and a minimum of three years of relevant experience using and managing laboratory information systems. An advanced degree in computer science may be substituted for up to one year of work experience.
• Substantial knowledge of laboratory information systems, data management, and visualization of laboratory diagnostic principles, practices, procedures, and laboratory workflow.
• 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 laboratories in Botswana.
• Familiarity with PEPFAR initiatives and strategies used in Botswana and/or elsewhere.
• Managerial experience.
• Experience working with U.S. Government grants and programs.

Knowledge

• A substantial knowledge of laboratory information systems, data management, and visualization; laboratory diagnostic principles, practices, procedures, and laboratory workflow.
• Knowledge of laboratory networks and logistical management of LIS implementation, operation, maintenance, and development.
• Knowledge of and ability to interpret and process lab instrument output files into surveillance databases.

Skills

• Skill in laboratory data management and visualization.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to effectively interact with all levels of staff, members, government personnel, and others.
• Proven analytical, research, and project management capabilities.
• 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.