Laboratory and Diagnostics Specialist

Job Summary

The Laboratory and Diagnostics Specialist will provide technical leadership and guidance to support the implementation of laboratory interventions for the STRengthening Infectious Disease DEtection Systems (STRIDES) project in Uganda.

The role involves developing, implementing, and monitoring strategic and technical initiatives to strengthen laboratory systems and diagnostic capacities. The Specialist will work closely with country-level teams, stakeholders, and partners to ensure effective, high-quality, and reliable laboratory services within the One Health platform.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Requirements

• Provide technical leadership and strategic guidance for laboratory and diagnostic services.
• Coordinate with Global Health Security program areas (surveillance, outbreak response, data systems).
• Maintain project protocols, tools, training materials, and reports.
• Collaborate with national and regional stakeholders to strengthen laboratory systems.
• Develop technical reports, briefs, and policy documents.
• Support laboratory network strengthening (quality assurance, specimen referral systems, LIMS).
• Support scale-up of new diagnostic tools and technologies.
• Mentor staff and subcontractors.
• Conduct laboratory assessments and provide recommendations.
• Contribute to research initiatives.

Project Design and Implementation

• Promote adoption of innovative diagnostic technologies.
• Align laboratory activities with overall project goals.
• Develop and monitor work plans, budgets, and resources.
• Analyze project performance and recommend improvements.
• Track deliverables and escalate issues where necessary.

Client/Funder Support

• Build partnerships with government, academia, and organizations.
• Support preparation of reports and presentations.
• Represent the project in meetings and forums.

Operations Management

• Ensure activities align with approved work plans.
• Monitor project timelines, budgets, and expenditures.
• Support procurement processes.
• Report regularly on project performance.

Project Reporting

• Prepare reports on project results and data analysis.
• Maintain SOW and budget tracking systems.
• Create technical documentation and presentations.

Quality Assurance

• Ensure compliance with quality standards and donor requirements.
• Maintain documentation of processes and procedures.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Strong knowledge of laboratory systems and diagnostic practices.
• Experience developing scopes of work and managing subcontractors.
• Knowledge of biosafety and biosecurity standards.
• Proficiency in database management and Microsoft Office tools.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent analytical and project management skills.
• Ability to work in diverse cultural environments.
• Fluency in Spanish and ideally English.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Laboratory Science.
• Master’s degree in Microbiology or related biological sciences.

Experience

• Minimum of 6+ years in infectious disease diagnostics or laboratory systems.
• Experience with US Government-funded projects preferred.
• Strong knowledge of laboratory systems across human, veterinary, and environmental health.
• Experience in laboratory capacity building and training.
• Experience working with government agencies.

Problem Solving & Impact

• Handles moderately complex challenges requiring analysis.
• Applies judgment to determine appropriate solutions.
• Collaborates with internal and external stakeholders.

Supervision

• May supervise junior staff.
• Acts as technical lead for diagnostics.
• Reports to Team Lead.

Physical Requirements

• Office-based environment.
• Extended computer use.
• Ability to sit/stand for long periods.
• Ability to lift up to 5 lbs.

Technology Requirements

• Computer and Microsoft Office 365.
• SharePoint, Zoom, Teams.
• Standard office equipment.

Travel Requirements

Up to 40% local and regional travel.

Salary

UGX 87,000,000 – 150,000,000 annually (basic salary), depending on experience, education, and market factors.

How to Apply

Apply via the official link below:

Click here to apply