Laboratory Specialist

Family Health International; Makati; On-site; PHP 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

Family Health International is seeking a Laboratory Specialist to provide hands-on technical support for STRIDES activities in the Philippines. The role focuses on strengthening laboratory systems, diagnostics, and data reporting in collaboration with the STRIDES HQ and local partners.

You will contribute to QA/QC, biosafety, and the adoption of new diagnostic technologies, while coordinating with government partners and project staff to meet program objectives and deliverables.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Medical Technology, Public Health, Microbiology or equivalent.
• Typically 5+ years of experience in infectious disease diagnostics or lab systems strengthening.
• Experience training and mentoring laboratory staff on molecular diagnostics, sequencing, QA/QC, biosafety/biosecurity.

Responsibilities

• Conduct technical implementation for laboratory systems strengthening including molecular diagnostics, AMR, and quality management.
• Monitor protocols, instruments, datasets, manuals, and training materials.
• Provide technical assistance to fulfill project objectives and develop technical briefs and reports.
• Support lab network strengthening activities, including specimen referral, QA/QC, and LIS training.

Skills

Molecular diagnostics

Genomic sequencing

QA/QC

Biosafety/biosecurity

Project management

Microsoft Office

Data reporting

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Technology/Public Health/Microbiology

5+ years relevant experience

Postgraduate degree an advantage

Tools

PCR platforms

Sequencing platforms

LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System)

Job description

FHI 360/Philippines (www.fhi360.org) through Strengthening Infectious Disease Detection Systems (STRIDES) project in the Philippines is seeking applications for a Laboratory Specialist.

ABOUT FHI 360

FHI 360 is a nonprofit human development organization dedicated to improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions. Our staff includes experts in health, public health threats, education, nutrition, environment, economic development, civil society, gender, youth, research, technology, communication, and social marketing – creating a unique mix of capabilities to address today’s interrelated development challenges. FHI 360 serves more than 50 countries and all U.S. states and territories.

PROJECT OVERVIEW:

FHI 360 is a nonprofit human development organization dedicated to improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions. Our staff includes experts in health, public health threats, education, nutrition, environment, economic development, civil society, gender, youth, research, technology, communication, and social marketing – creating a unique mix of capabilities to address today’s interrelated development challenges. FHI 360 serves more than 50 countries and all U.S. states and territories.

FHI 360 has worked in the Philippines for over 30 years. Since 1994, we have taken a comprehensive approach providing holistic and cutting‑edge solutions to help address the country’s health and development challenges. Leveraging a blend of global expertise and local insights, we have consistently strengthened community capacities, enhanced systems, and reinforced institutional frameworks for a sustainable impact. In partnership with the Government of the Philippines, civil society, academia, and the private sector, FHI 360 delivers integrated programs across critical sectors. Our initiatives have spanned essential health services – including HIV and epidemic control (COVID-19 and TB), health system strengthening, and global health security.

The U.S. government’s (USG) Global Health Security (GHS) program provides life‑saving assistance to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease threats which pose risks for public health outbreaks that could cost lives. As part of the USG’s GHS program, the Strengthening Infectious Disease Detection Systems (STRIDES) Activity advances cross‑sectoral efforts to successfully identify, manage, and respond to infectious disease threats; detect and prevent further outbreaks; and instill confidence and trust in a country’s disease detection and surveillance structures and services.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Laboratory Specialist provides hands‑on technical implementation support for the STRIDES Activity’s laboratory systems strengthening initiatives. The Laboratory Specialist implements and monitors strategic and technical initiatives and contributes expertise through the development and management of reports and technical materials. Working closely with the Laboratory Systems Strengthening Advisor, other in‑country staff, and STRIDES Headquarters (HQ) teams, s/he will support implementation by evaluating programmatic effectiveness, overseeing technical activities, and providing technical assessment reports.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conducts day‑to‑day technical implementation activities for the laboratory systems strengthening component of the project including molecular diagnostics, genomic sequencing , antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and quality management systems as well as coordination with other GHS technical areas (e.g. biosafety and biosecurity, surveillance, information systems, etc.) to ensure synergy.

• Monitors and maintains project protocols, instruments, data sets, manuals, training materials, and reports related to the technical area of expertise.

• Responds to requests and inquiries from internal and external staff.

• Works in close collaboration with assigned team to provide technical assistance required to fulfill project objectives and targets, primarily related to strengthening laboratory systems and diagnostic services.

• Contributes to the development and writing of technical briefs, reports, or other necessary materials to facilitate assessments, best practices, policies, and procedures.

• Supports implementation of laboratory network strengthening activities, including specimen referral, quality assurance, laboratory information management system, training across relevant GHS technical areas, including AMR, zoonotic diseases, biosafety/biosecurity, diagnostic networks, and surveillance.

• Supports scale‑up and optimization of molecular diagnostics and genomic sequencing tools, including PCR and sequencing platforms, ensuring laboratories adhere to approved workflows, SOPs, and quality requirements.

• Supports diagnostic network and laboratory capacity assessments including the reporting of findings and recommendations and implements follow‑up actions.

• Contributes to initiatives to improve laboratory practices and diagnostic outcomes.

Project Implementation:

• Promotes adopting and integrating new diagnostic technologies, tools, and methodologies based on the country's needs and priorities for project implementation.

• Works closely with government partners, project management, subcontractors, and other project partners to align laboratory and diagnostic activities with overall project goals.

• Supports development and implementation of laboratory‑and diagnostic‑related components of project work plans, including activity sequencing, site‑level inputs, and tracking of deliverables

• Conducts analysis of project implementation to identify areas for improvement and proposes appropriate technical strategies to manage risks, overcome barriers, and advance project objectives.

• Monitors project activities, results, and deliverables and identifies and raises issues to management.

• Supports integration of laboratory diagnostic data into national platforms

Client Support:

• Builds productive working relationships internally and externally by fostering collaboration with national and international organizations, government agencies, academia, and other relevant entities.

• Assists with the preparation and drafting of work plans, presentations, and reports for the DOS and other key stakeholders.

• Participates and represents the project in meetings and forums as required.

Operations Management:

• Ensures project activities are on track, with technical expertise informing project implementation.

• Monitors project timelines and budgets. This includes monitoring of project activities to ensure they are on track with approved work plans, the spending on technical scope under broad supervision, and the collection of data for financial and technical reporting.

• Provides technical input to laboratory‑related procurement, in coordination with DOS and suppliers.

Project/Program Reporting:

• Supports the preparation of reports and papers summarizing project results and analyzing data sets, including technical assessment findings.

• Maintains SOW and budget tracking systems.

• Creates technical content (e.g., reports, presentations, manuscripts) related to project activities, results, and outcomes.

Quality Assurance:

• Has broad knowledge of quality standards through formalized system that documents processes, procedures, and responsibilities for achieving quality policies and objectives.

• Coordinates and direct activities to meet client/funder and regulatory requirements.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ATTRIBUTES:

• Extensive working knowledge of laboratory and diagnostic‑related concepts, practices, and procedures.

• Experience developing scopes of work and deliverables for subcontractors, consultants, etc.

• Broad knowledge and experience in laboratory‑related quality assurance, SOP/technical resource development and biosafety/biosecurity standards

• Has sensitivity to cultural diversity and understanding of the political, contextual, and ethical issues in assigned areas.

• Articulate, professional, and able to communicate in a clear, positive manner with clients and staff.

• Excellent organizational and analytical skills.

• Excellent and demonstrated project management skills.

• Ability to influence and collaborate with others.

• Demonstrated proficiency with using Microsoft Office Suite required.

• Ability to analyze and interpret data, identify errors, and prepare reports.

• Ability to solve problems and implement corrective action as needed.

Problem Solving Impact:

• Works on problems of moderate to complex scope that require review of various factors.

• Exercises good judgment in selecting methods and techniques to determine appropriate action.

• Identifies and raises issues to senior technical staff

• Networks with key internal and external personnel.

Supervision Given/Received:

• Has no supervisory responsibility.

• May provide guidance to lower‑level personnel.

• Reports to STRIDES Philippines Laboratory Systems Strengthening Advisor.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Technology, Public Health, Microbiology or its international equivalent in biological sciences within a clinical or diagnostic discipline or specialty. Postgraduate degree is an advantage.

• Typically requires 5+ years of relevant experience working with infectious disease diagnostics and/or in laboratory systems strengthening.

• Demonstrated experience with training, and mentorship of laboratory staff on molecular diagnostics, sequencing, QA/QC, and biosafety/biosecurity

• Prior work experience in a non‑governmental organization (NGO), government agency, or private company.

• Prior work experience with USG‑funded projects and familiarity with USG regulations and reporting requirements is preferred.

• Broad knowledge of laboratory practices, diagnostic techniques, quality assurance systems, and laboratory information management systems in human, veterinary, and/or environmental health sectors.

• Knowledge and understanding of infectious diseases, their transmission, and the application of methods and procedures to safely control infectious materials.

• Deroven experience working with government agencies is highly desirable to support strategy development, implementation plans, and decision‑making.

• Strong organization, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.

• Fluency in English and Tagalog language is required.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

• Typical office environment.

• Ability to spend long hours looking at a computer screen and doing repetitive work on a keyboard.

• Ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time.

• Ability to lift/move up to 5 lbs.

• Technology to be used is Computer/Laptop, Microsoft applications (i.e., Office 365, SharePoint, Skype/Zoom/Teams), cell phone/mobile technology, and standard office equipment.

• 10-25% local and regional travel