Laboratory and Diagnostics Advisor – Outbreak Preparedness & Response

About the role

The Laboratory and Diagnostics Advisor provides technical guidance for USG‑funded STRIDES outbreak response and preparedness activities. Working as a core member of the STRIDES technical team, the Advisor supports countries facing outbreaks—currently Ebola—and regional preparedness initiatives by strengthening diagnostic networks, laboratory readiness, biosafety, quality systems, and workforce capacity.

Key responsibilities

• Lead design and implementation of diagnostic capacity, laboratory network strengthening, and biosafety/biosecurity measures.
• Evaluate and select diagnostic assays, platforms, and algorithms aligned with national policies and international standards.
• Oversee laboratory and diagnostics activities, including subcontractor work, and coordinate with ministries of health and national public health institutes.
• Interpret laboratory readiness assessments, quality gaps, and performance data to recommend evidence‑based improvements.
• Provide technical input to senior leadership on national laboratory policies, essential diagnostics lists, and specimen referral strategies.

Required profile

• Extensive experience in public health laboratory systems and outbreak response.
• Strong judgment in diagnostic method selection and platform evaluation.
• Proven ability to work with diverse stakeholders, including government ministries and international partners.
• Excellent analytical skills to interpret laboratory data and drive improvements.

Required skills

• Diagnostic assay validation
• Laboratory quality management systems
• Biosafety and biosecurity protocols
• Specimen referral system design
• Decentralized testing model implementation

What we offer

• Opportunity to impact global health security through high‑visibility outbreak response work.
• Collaboration with leading public health institutions and ministries.
• Professional development in laboratory systems strengthening and diagnostics innovation.