Reference Laboratory Director Vacancy at Henry M. Jackson Foundation - Abuja

The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc. (HJF) is a congressionally authorized, not-for-profit corporation that provides unparalleled scientific and management services to military medical research and education programs worldwide. Our mission is to advance military medical research. The Henry M. Jackson Foundation (HJF) is seeking a Reference Laboratory Director to support the United States Military HIV Research Program (USMHRP), located in Abuja, Nigeria.

Job Title: REFERENCE LABORATORY DIRECTOR (NIGERIA) - 206735
The incumbent is responsible for the technical management and operations of the NMOD-USDOD Reference Laboratory, Mogadishu Barracks Cantonment, Abuja, Nigeria.  The Reference Laboratory supports Program objectives and research activities as assigned and outlined by the Associate Director for Laboratory Operations, DODHPN.  In coordination with USMHRP, NMOD, and/or external technical experts the incumbent will ensure excellence in adoption, implementation, and maintenance of MHRP clinical diagnostic and research laboratory operations and practices.  In partnership with the Nigerian Ministry of Defense (NMOD), the incumbent will support the leadership, vision and direction of laboratory operations in achieving MHRP standards and objectives for clinical service delivery, investigative protocol execution, and/or quality assurance/quality improvement programs under available funding sources.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Directs all daily activities of the Reference Laboratory, including all laboratory operations, data/result management, reagent and consumable inventory, logistics, laboratory and associated support infrastructure.
2. Initiate capital and other equipment purchases based on needs assessments.
3. Serves as Consultant to technical, professional staff, clinical/research investigators in support of Program requirements.
4. Ensures the development, maintenance, and advancement of laboratory operations polices and standards in accordance with Military HIV Research Program (MHRP), International Organization for Standardization (ISO), World Health Organization (WHO), College of American Pathologists (CAP), U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and/or others as directed; including but not limited to Quality Management Plan which encompasses established keys to Quality, logistics, training and credentialing, others as directed.
5. Manages fiscal, workload, and inventory records and develops appropriate forecasting models.
6. Plans and implements budgets and work plans.
7. Directs, and mentors laboratory staff assigned to the Reference Laboratory.  Directly rates/evaluates/counsels HJF, HJF-MRI and HIFASS staff and other staff as required; provides oversight, rating/evaluation and counseling to Nigerian Ministry of Defense and other staff as required.
8. Develops, supports clinical/research protocols implementation and execution.
9. Responsible for technology transfer to/from other labs/collaborating Institutions.
10. Participates and supports staff acquisition and accession.  Provides staff training in Good Clinical Laboratory Practices, Quality, clinical diagnostic and monitoring platforms and assays, research assays, data management, logistics, and other skills as required.  Ensures training and credentialing files on all staff.
11. Performs other related job duties as assigned or requested.

GENERAL:
The Incumbent will reside in Abuja, Nigeria as a member of the US Military HIV Research Program (Nigeria), Henry Jackson Foundation-Medical Research International.  Incumbent will be housed within Program housing as assigned and will travel as directed to program sites throughout Nigeria or other countries (as allowed under the US Embassy travel policy, the Regional Security Officer, and the Chief of Mission).  The Incumbent will work within U.S. Embassy, MHRP, or Nigerian Ministry of Defense work space, and adhere to Program security requirements as directed or assigned.  The incumbent will be under the direction and supervision of the, MHRP-NG Associate Director, Laboratory Operations.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
Knowledge of and experience in regulated clinical diagnostic and research laboratories; familiarity with CAP and/or ISO15189 guidelines is highly beneficial.  International experience in developing countries is highly desirable.  Knowledge of virology, immunology, and safety labs is highly desirable.  Proven ability in training, mentoring and developing subordinates is essential.  Fluency in spoken and written English with extensive knowledge of technical terminology and scientific writing skills is essential.  Demonstrated capacity to work in a multi-cultural environment and support/facilitate an academic and cohesive professional environment is essential.

MINIMUM EDUCATION/TRAINING REQUIREMENTS:
PhD or DrPH in a Biomedical Science is desirable.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE:
5-15years related experience as described above.

PHYSICAL CAPABILITIES:
Work involves long hours as passenger in aircraft and motor vehicles; lifting heavy boxes; tolerating hot climates; handling of dangerous substances, chemicals and biological agents.

Required Licenses, Certification or Registration:  Medical Technologist registration with a national agency will be beneficial but not required or another agency as appropriate.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES/CONTROLS:
Directs technical support staff, Laboratory Supervisors, QA/QC Coordinators.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Resides in and travel to developing countries. Works in an office and field environments; will require working evenings and weekends.  Involves working with biohazardous materials, including HIV and other blood-borne pathogens.


Method of application
Please apply on-line at www.hjf.org/careers Click "Open Jobs" under Basic Search click “Advanced Search” and enter job number 206735 in the Job Opening ID box.