Technical Advisor for Laboratory Services – Military HIV Research Program

Technical Advisor for Laboratory Services – Military HIV Research Program | HJF Careers

Join the HJF Team!

HJF is seeking a Technical Advisor for Laboratory Services to support the US Military HIV Research Program (MHRP) located in Bethesda, MD. HJF provides technical and programmatic support services to MHRP.

The incumbent will report to the Technical Director for Laboratory Services and provide technical assistance in the execution and monitoring of laboratory activities across program and research portfolios for the Department of International HIV Prevention and Treatment (IHPT). IHPT initiatives are executed outside the continental US (OCONUS) by the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR), U.S. Military HIV Research Program (MHRP) with funding provided by President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). The Technical Advisor will work closely with country program laboratory leads and will collaborate where needed with other technical and support teams within IHPT to ensure program activities are coordinated, planned and executed with quality, accountability, fidelity and measurable impact.

NOTE: All HJF employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Proof of vaccination or an approved religious or medical accommodation will be required.

Responsibilities:

1. Provide technical assistance and make recommendations to MHRP international PEPFAR programs to improve quality, efficiency, access and utilization of laboratory services and systems for HIV prevention, diagnosis, treatment and related services including surveillance and research initiatives.
2. Track laboratory program activities, performance and expenditures in order to identify and address priority areas for improvement.;
3. Support development, finalization and implementation of site-specific laboratory work plans and clear strategies to meet PEPFAR technical and performance requirements.
4. Assess the technical quality and fidelity of laboratory activities in country programs and provide recommendations for strengthening activities based on observations from site visits and review of programmatic data.
5. Build capacity of laboratory teams in country to strengthen laboratory data systems utilization, analyze and interpret program data routinely including review of facility-level data to identify gaps, and develop specific solutions to ensure MHRP meets PEPFAR program targets.
6. Create platforms for collaboration and sharing of best practices across programs and with other technical areas where relevant.
7. Represent DoD as a subject matter expert in PEPFAR inter-agency working groups as assigned.
8. Stay abreast of evolving public health laboratory technical standards, guidelines and program requirements including national and international guidelines/recommendations for HIV care, treatment and diagnosis.
9. Support the development, review and delivery of presentations, tools, reports, protocols, abstracts, manuscripts and other documents deemed essential.
10. Represent MHRP at meetings, conferences and workshops as directed and approved.
11. Participate in the planning and coordination of technical program calls, data reviews, annual laboratory meetings and any other approved technical meetings.
12. Perform tasks as assigned to support execution of MHRP PEPFAR laboratory program strategies and objectives.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Experience providing effective technical assistance to and implementing PEPFAR laboratory systems and service delivery programs in international settings is required.
• Knowledge of lab quality management standards (ISO 15189), CQI programs and processes to attain accreditation.
• Experience living and working overseas is a plus.
• Excellent planning, coordination and facilitation skills.
• Demonstrated capacity and ability to work effectively on an intercultural team.
• Must be fluent in oral and written English with excellent analytical, written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to travel internationally to Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Philippines.(estimated 30% time).

Minimum Education: Bachelor’s degree required.

Minimum Experience/ Training Requirements: Minimum 6-8 years of experience required.

Work Environment: This job takes place in a typical office setting.

Work Arrangement: This is a hybrid work environment with flexibility to telework a few days per week.

Employment with HJF is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, which may include, but is not limited to, contacting your professional references, verification of previous employment, addresses, education, and credentials, a criminal background check, drug screening, and a department of motor vehicle (DMV) check.

Any qualifications to be considered as equivalents, in lieu of stated minimums, require the prior approval of the Chief Human Resources Officer.