Antimicrobial Resistance Laboratory Supervisor at Health Initiatives for Safety and Stability in Africa (HIFASS)

Basic Functions

• Under the direct supervision of Deputy Director Defence Reference Laboratory Abuja, the incumbent will be responsible for supervision, coordination, monitoring of data collection, data review and reporting of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) surveillance activities of the program.
• S/He will be involved in the implementation, supervision, monitoring and evaluation of designated aspects of the AMR surveillance. Incumbent will support field work, routine and advanced medical microbiology bench work including mentoring and coaching of medical laboratory scientists in line with Good Clinical Microbiology Practices (GCMP).
• S/he will work flexible hours to accommodate day and night shift duties, including during weekends as required.

Essential Job Functions, Duties and Responsibilities
General Duties:

• Ensure implementation of Good Clinical Microbiology Practices.
• Manage essential laboratory equipment such as automated ID/AST analyzers, centrifuges, Class II biological safety cabinets, Vitek 2 compact system and genomic including Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technology.
• Design and implement relevant quality assurance and quality control standards, biosafety, hygiene, and infection prevention and control policies.
• Process data collection and reporting of AMR activities and monitor performance.
• Record and manage relevant program databases.
• Prepare monthly / quarterly program report for stakeholders and present to the Principal Investigator (PI).
• Engage with collaborators to review, analyze and disseminate genomic and molecular data.
• Participate in research proposals, grants writing, abstracts and manuscripts development for international conferences and peer review journals.

Specialized Functions:

• Monitor and coordinate AMR samples verification and documentation process from military supported facilities.
• Review microbiological samples against acceptance and rejection criteria standards, processing samples in line with protocol, and ensure complete and consistent documentation of all procedures.
• Provide technical assistant and support to AMR surveillance sites / laboratories. Provide on-site mentoring, coaching, training of medical laboratory scientists and medical microbiology techniques to ensure quality, reliable and accurate laboratory testing that meets AMR surveillance expectations.
• Deliver Good Clinical Microbiology Practice and related laboratory techniques, laboratory quality management system, sample packaging, coordination, and samples transportation and shipment in line with WHO and International Air Transportation Association (IATA).
• Review microbiology needs to determine molecular laboratory and genomics needs, including laboratory equipment, laboratory consumables and supplies, information communication technology items (computer hardware and software systems).
• Develop and maintain clear and accurate standard operating procedures, experiment records, and results for all AMR research activities.
• Monitor and reports laboratory test statistics and quality indicators across three laboratory workflows of medical microbiology testing processes.
• Develop and supervise the use of molecular and genomics databases and administrates the genomic software and hardware on the server.
• Deploy existing bioinformatics pipelines, design new computational tools, structures, and determine an effective data analysis framework.
• Process molecular laboratory work on AMR characterization – whole genome sequence analysis.
• Review documents and outgoing results to ensure completeness and accuracy of information.
• Any other duties assigned by the supervisor and principal investigator.

Job Specifications

• Minimum Education / Training Requirement: Bachelor's Degree in Medical Laboratory Science (BMLS) or an Associate degree in Medical Laboratory Science is required. A master’s degree in medical microbiology is preferred.

Prior Work Experience:

• A minimum of 8 years post-NYSC in medical microbiology bench work experience in clinical and research setting is required.
• Experience in generating and analyzing genomic data (Sanger, Illumina, and Nanopore) technology. Strong knowledge and experience in the use of research data for informed decision.
• Working experience in the management of integrated laboratory services and network of clinical laboratories. ISO 15189:2022 standards requirements/practical implementation and Good Clinical Microbiology Practices experience is mandatory.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• A minimum of 8 years work experience in medical microbiology work with clinical and research experience.
• Strong molecular biology skills (DNA and RNA) extraction, conventional and real-time PCR), and advanced molecular biology such as MINION sequencer or similar technology.
• Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) experience in infectious diseases of public health priority is an added advantage.
• Excellent understanding of Good Clinical Laboratory Practices (GCLP) and Good Clinical Microbiology Practices (GCMP) guidelines and standard operating procedures.
• Practical knowledge and experience in design and implementation of functional laboratory quality assurance and quality control.
• Knowledge of the use and operation of laboratory equipment, including but not limited to Genomics Sequencers, serology, microscope and molecular diagnostics platform.
• Knowledge of basic data and advanced analysis using various statistical packages such as WHONet, Excel file, SPSS, MINITAB, and other Basic Laboratory Information System.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with good problem-solving skills
• Ability to multitask and work under pressure to meet AMR project expectations and tight deadlines.
• Excellent computer skills (including laboratory information system) and ability to work as a part of a team.
• A good understanding of laboratory settings in a military environment is an added advantage.

Certification or Registration:

• Registered Medical Laboratory Scientist with practicing license by Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria with 2024 valid practicing license mandatory.
• Additional specialized laboratory certification relevant to clinical research and disease surveillance implementation will be an advantage.
• Certification in bioethics, responsible conduct of research, International Air Transportation Association (IATA) and biosafety and biosecurity certification is required.

Others:

• Terms of Employment: One (1) year renewable contract subject to availability of funding to support the project. The probation period is three (3) months.
• Supervision: As directed by the Deputy Director DRL, the incumbent will have dotted line reporting to the Laboratory molecular manager.
• Other specification: Candidates must be resident or ready to relocate to Abuja, Federal Capital Territory. No relocation allowance is provided.