TB Diagnostic Specialist, Infectious Disease Detection and Surveillance
PATH is a global organization that works to accelerate health equity by bringing together public institutions, businesses, social enterprises, and investors to solve the world’s most pressing health challenges. With expertise in science, health, finance, technology, advocacy, and dozens of other specialties, PATH develops and scales innovative solutions—including vaccines, drugs, devices, diagnostics, and approaches to strengthening health systems worldwide.
Infectious Disease Detection and Surveillance (IDDS) is a five-year USAID-funded project with the following overall objectives: (1) Improve the detection of diseases of public health importance and identification of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in priority infectious diseases through an accessible, accurate, adaptable, timely, and integrated diagnostic network system; (2)Improve the quality of real-time surveillance systems for pathogens of greatest public health concern, including AMR and zoonotic diseases, and; (3) Generate evidence-based guidance and innovative solutions to strengthen in-country diagnostic networks and surveillance systems. In Tanzania, the IDDS project will also focus on activities to strengthen the TB diagnostic network in line with national government policies.
PATH is seeking a TB Diagnostic Specialist to be responsible for supporting, strengthening and maintaining the tuberculosis (TB) diagnostic network, providing mentorship to key national stakeholders, and supporting key laboratories to obtain or maintain accreditation. This includes strengthening laboratory systems, primarily in public health but also private health and other non-governmental laboratories. This position reports to the IDDS Team Lead based in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
Implement tuberculosis-focused technical assistance, diagnostic network and facilities strengthening, and quality improvement interventions in line with national priorities.
Support developing or updating national diagnostic network strategic plans, SOPs and policies.
Review adherence to diagnostic algorithms and use of those algorithms to make clinical decisions.
Conducts assessments of diagnostic facilities and the follow-up of corrective and preventive actions and initiatives.
Provides technical oversight for data management and reporting of MDR TB and monitors and reports progress with diagnostic network enhancement activities as per the approved country workplan.
Work collaboratively and coordinate with other technical staff as well as project partners on development and implementation of the project workplans.
Build capacity in local TB diagnostic stakeholders and leaders to identify and oversee enhancements in diagnostic networks.
Provide technical assistance and training to TB diagnostic facilities and the overall diagnostic network as part of overall capacity building and continuous improvement programs.
Support strategies to ensure functional TB diagnostic equipment including systems to maintain laboratory equipment, securing maintenance contracts, and establishing a cadre of trained biomedical engineers.
Build capacity of TB laboratories to perform more TB diagnostic tests (culture, Xpert, drug sensitivity tests, and line probe assay including resistance to second line drugs).
Develop and implement a package of comprehensive and linked interventions enabling functional GX sites at the national and sub national levels.
Work closely with the IDDS team to define and adjust annual work plans as well as implementing technical activities
Coordinate and work with a diverse group of national organizations including the Government and other diagnostic network leaders, development partners, other regional and global IDDS staff and USAID.
Follow established processes to guarantee the technical and programmatic quality of IDDS work in Tanzania
Required Experience
A minimum of a BSc in clinical diagnostics, laboratory science, or an equivalent.
At least five years of experience in TB-focused diagnostic strengthening and capacity building in the country.
Technical competency in the diagnosis of infectious diseases (including TB) and AMR including specific hands-on diagnostics experience.
Competent in current diagnostic methods for tuberculosis including point-of-care tests.
Fluency in written and spoken English
Strong interpersonal skills in facilitation and stakeholder engagement/coordination
Willingness and ability to travel up to 25%.
Familiarity with Global Laboratory Initiative standards
Familiarity with USG programs
You must currently have legal authorization to work in Tanzania.
PATH is dedicated to building an inclusive workforce where diversity is valued.
PATH is an equal opportunity employer. Every qualified applicant will be considered for employment. PATH does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or orientation, genetic information, age, national origin, marital status, disability status, political ideology, military or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
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