The Institut De Recherche En Santé De Surveillance Épidémiologique Et De Formation (IRESSEF), on behalf of the Pan-African Consortium (PAC), is pleased to announce an open recruitment for the Lab-Corps Fellows Program. The Program was developed to promote laboratory medicine practice among young laboratory professionals to support efforts of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) to control the HIV epidemic on the continent of Africa.
The Lab-Corps Fellows will support an HIV Impact Assessment through activities such as:
· Conducting epidemiologic surveys
· Implementing quality improvements of diagnostic testing
· Mapping specimen referral systems
· Implement HIV viral load testing
· Providing survey support outside of the traditional laboratory setting
The Program will also focus on the importance of accurate and reliable diagnosis, evaluation and appropriate use of diagnostics, Point of Care Testing, and various biomarkers to assess the burden of disease in the community and or manage patients.
This fellowship will require frequent and lengthy deployments to a variety of PEPFAR countries.
Fellowship Management and Support: The Fellowship is managed through PAC in collaboration with Heart to Heart International.
Duration: 1 Year (Individual Fellowship Agreements may be extended as needed)
Locations: The PAC is recruiting fellows to work in eSwatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Uganda, Zimbabwe
Compensation: The PAC/Heart to Heart will provide a monthly stipend for the HIV Impact Assessment Fellows. The organization will also facilitate and cover the required expenses for official travel to support technical assistance visits and trainings for upcoming surveys in selected countries.
Eligible applicants should:
· Have a Bachelor, MD, MPH, Masters or Doctorate degree in biological sciences with a strong interest in applied diagnostics and public health.
· Reside and eligible to work in one of the above listed countries.
· Have field experience and a thorough understanding of quality assurance elements that include pre-testing, testing, and post-testing steps.
· Possess a thorough understanding of quality management systems
· Demonstrate a strong ability to work independently.
· Be proficient with data management tools and software programs.
· Possess strong computer skills, including a thorough working knowledge of computer programs such as Microsoft Excel.
· Possess and demonstrate excellent oral and written communication skills.
· Possess ability to work closely with patients and the general public.
· Be highly organized and motivated.
Interested applicants should submit the following documents to Mimi Traoré-Mané at [email protected] with copy to Ruth Girma at [email protected] no later than 28th August 2019 at 5:00pm GMT:
· A detailed CV with current references;
· Three letters of recommendation;
· A cover letter, including a one-page summary explaining:
o Why working in public health, specifically laboratory sciences, is of interest to you.
o Your career goals and how this fellowship will support the goals.
o Any skills that you possess which make you an asset to this program and why you think those skills are of the upmost importance to the multi-agency efforts to control the HIV epidemic.
Apart from educational qualifications, successful candidates will have related field experience and excellent communication skills. Prior experience as a trainer may be advantageous, although not essential. In addition, selected applicants will be notified within two weeks from the deadline for submission for a follow-up interview or questionnaire.