Job Opportunity for Lab Specialist at IHAT in Lucknow

About IHAT:

India Health Action Trust (IHAT) works towards reducing inequities by developing comprehensive and sustainable programs to improve population health. Aligned with Sustainable Development Goals, IHAT works closely with the Government of India and state governments to achieve public health goals. IHAT’s work is focused in areas of prevention and control of HIV and Tuberculosis, in achieving significant improvements in Reproductive, Maternal, Neonatal and Child Health, improved Nutrition among mothers and children, and strengthening health systems.

About Program:

IHAT has been implementing the World Bank and Government of India funded Tuberculosis State Technical Support Unit (TB STSU) in the state of Uttar Pradesh. The TB STSU’s mandate is to strengthen the State’s capacity to enhance private sector engagement, strengthen health systems, Direct Benefit Transfer and inter-sectoral engagement for TB. More recently IHAT was awarded a project on “Diagnostic Network Optimization” (DNO) from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF). The project is of three years duration, beginning on 1st December 2023. The key outcomes expected from this project are enhanced Presumptive TB Examination Rate, enhanced access and utilisation of molecular WHO Recommended Diagnostics, both for public and private sector patients, and uptake of newer indigenous low-cost molecular tests emerging from national level validation.

Reporting to:

Deputy Team Leader, STSU

Travel Requirements:

The position requires extensive travel within State of Uttar Pradesh.

Job Summary :

The Lab Specialist will be working closely with the Project Team Lead as well as the State officials and other stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

The Lab Specialist will be supporting the project team leader in implementation of all laboratory related technical assistance activities including developing modules and conducting training on standard operating protocols, creation/ review of documents for situational analysis and routine monitoring of lab functional potential and performance.

• Supporting the project lead/ team lead in preparation of an easy-to-use laboratory setup tool kit.

• Coordination with identified labs/hubs and identified participants for online course, webinars, and onsite/assisted trainings.

• Ensuring that the project activities are conducted as per the work plan.

• Familiar with microbiology lab testing, equipment and able to identify gaps and build capacity for performance, as needed.

• Identify gaps or challenges in technical functioning or operation of the lab activities and to liaison with concern lab/ sites staff to resolve issues.

• Provide timely feedback to IHAT/ donors/ district officials/stakeholders on performance of laboratories under identified guidelines.

• Compilation and analysis of data related to various project activities and support the preparation of the periodic reports.

• Work cloesly with Government (State TB Cell, State TB Training and Demonstration Center), NHM.

Work Experience:

Extensive experience in setting up, training and quality improvement protocols to operate labs for TB and infectious diseases. Good working knowledge on the functioning and optimal utilization of NAAT Machines (TB and other infectious disease diagnosis).
Good understanding on the use of NI-KSHAY Data Management especially in the context of TB Diagnosis.

Education:

Post-graduate: MSc Microbiology, Lab Technology, Biotechnology or Graduate with at least 3 years experience of working in infectious disease laboratories.

Key Competencies:

• Experience of conducting lab assessments, developing training contents and conducting training.

• Experience of working in health programs at national OR state-level (including IDSP, NTEP, NACP and others).

• Strong scientific background in microbiology, and microbiology related lab testing etc.

• Familiar with microbiology lab techniques, equipment, and data analysis etc.

• Good coordination skills.

• Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.

• Strong team orientation.

• Ability to work in a team and independently, with minimum handholding and supervision.

• Energetic, resilient, and passionate.

• Good computer knowledge (MS Office – Excel and Word).

• Willingness to travel and at short notice.

How To Apply :

Interested candidates should visit https://www.ihat.in/vacancies/ page to submit their application. Only a complete application submitted through the online portal before the closing date will be considered.