Biomedical Scientist and Laboratory Manager

Antimicrobial resistance is one of the major public health threats worldwide. The access to a microbiology laboratory is part of the multidisciplinary approach from MSF in the field that is currently implemented, including antibiotic stewardship program, but also infection prevention control (IPC) program. The clinical microbiology laboratory provides a vital function in diagnosis of infections, which optimises patient individual antimicrobial management.  The laboratory also plays an important role in the surveillance of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and advice on infection control issues.

Working as a lab manager with MSF, your main job will be to monitor all laboratory activities in the project area, including management of relevant staff, according to MSF protocols, in order to ensure the quality of the laboratory work.

• proper registration of all microbiology lab activities 
• correct use of the surveillance program WHONET to have proper records of laboratory results 
• the implementation of IQC (internal quality control) and EQA (external quality assurance) 
• the confidentiality of all patients’ laboratory results at any time 
• in coordination with the logistics team, supervise the appropriate use of medical devices under your responsibility so they can be used at any time 
• anticipate and communicate future needs in human resources and medical supply 

You will be responsible for the supervision, training and coaching of all laboratory staff. 

You will provide training from scratch on microbiology procedures, adequate collection of microbiology specimens and the interpretation of test results, according to MSF SoPs. 

• Master’s degree in biomedical science, biology, biochemistry or pharmacy 
• Work experience in clinical microbiology  
• Work experience in routine laboratory work, preferably in a hospital 
• Availability of at least 6 to 12 months 
• A good level of English AND French (or another foreign language) 

• Knowledge of tropical medicine 
• Knowledge of HIV and Tuberculosis diagnostics (sputum culture) 
• Competencies in antibiograms analysis and identification of resistance mechanisms