Technical Advisor, Laboratory Systems

Management Sciences for Health • Arlington, VA

18h • Hybrid

About The Position

MSH seeks a Laboratory Systems Technical Advisor for a potential 5-year Rapid Outbreak and Response (ROR) project funded by the Bureau of Global Health Security and Diplomacy (GHSD) of the U.S. Department of State. The program aims to advance timely, effective responses to infectious disease outbreaks by supporting immediate response actions during the earliest stages of an outbreak when rapid intervention can significantly limit transmission and reduce morbidity and mortality. The program capitalizes on existing country capacities and partnerships to support swift activation of outbreak response activities, complementing national leadership and established response frameworks. Activities support countries to 1) Rapid Activation and Surge Response, 2) Early Detection, Containment, and Mitigation, 3) Coordinated and Operationally Effective Response Support, and 4) System Reinforcement and Transition from emergency surge to recovery. MSH is a global health nonprofit that works with local partners from the Ministry to the community to build strong, resilient, and equitable health systems in more than 150 countries. This position is subject to project award and funding. The job location is flexible to candidates in the U.S. and other countries where MSH can hire. Candidates can be remote or on-site.

Requirements

• MPH, MS, MD, PhD, or other advanced degree in laboratory sciences, microbiology, molecular biology, public health laboratory science, or related field.
• Minimum of 8+ years of experience strengthening laboratory systems in low- or middle-income countries.
• Demonstrated expertise in diagnostic testing, laboratory network development, QMS, biosafety/biosecurity, and laboratory information systems.
• Experience working with Ministries of Health, government and regional bodies, national reference laboratories, USG agencies, and global laboratory partners.
• Familiarity with IHR, WHO laboratory frameworks, and USG laboratory strengthening guidance.
• Strong training, mentorship, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Fluency in English is required.

Nice To Haves

• Proficiency in French is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provides technical leadership and oversight for all laboratory strengthening activities, ensuring high-quality implementation and compliance with USG and MSH standards.
• Works closely with Ministries of Health, national public health laboratories, USG experts, and other health system actors to improve diagnostic capability, quality management systems, biosafety/biosecurity, and integration of laboratory data into surveillance and early warning systems.
• Contributes to planning, documentation, coordination, and reporting across the project.
• Contributes to business and resource development activities as requested.
• Leads design, technical assistance, and implementation related to national laboratory system strengthening activities across diagnostics, biosafety, biosecurity, QMS, and laboratory networks.
• Supports MOHs, national laboratories, and regional laboratory networks to improve detection, diagnostics, and sequencing capacity for threats.
• Strengthens laboratory information systems (LIS), reporting pathways, and integration with surveillance systems.
• Improves sample transport and referral systems, including protocols, logistics, and data tracking.
• Provides technical direction on implementation of laboratory assessments, gap analyses, and improvement plans.
• Leads activities to improve quality assurance, capacity strengthening, proficiency testing, and adherence.
• Supports development and maintenance of biosafety and biosecurity protocols, facility assessments, and mitigation plans.
• Facilitates the development of capacity strengthening activities and programs for laboratory staff and local experts.
• Provides mentorship to improve diagnostic accuracy, speed, data management, and adherence to SOPs and standards.
• Facilitates coordination with surveillance teams, emergency response units, and GHSD technical staff to ensure a cohesive detection and response strategy.
• Represents the project with MOHs, regional laboratory networks, implementing partners, and technical working groups.
• Contributes to high-quality documentation, assessments, technical reports, and lessons learned.
• Participates in the development of annual work plans, MERL processes, and technical reporting.
• Supports cross-cutting GHS work, including outbreak investigations, rapid response, and preparedness exercises.

Benefits

• Substantial vacation, sick and holiday policies
• Training and development programs
• Competitive insurance coverage for health, vision, dental, life, short-term and long-term disability
• 401k plan
• Flexible Spending Account

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees