Februari 15, 2026 Comment

Position Title: Laboratory and Diagnostic Officer

POSITION SUMMARY

The Laboratory and Diagnostics Officer provides hands-on technical implementation support for the STRengthening Infectious disease DEtection Systems (STRIDES) Activity's laboratory/diagnostic strategy to support implementation across human and animal health laboratories. They will provide technical assistance to STRIDES in-country staff, including supporting technical requirements in workplan design and quality assurance. The STRIDES Laboratory and Diagnostic Officer implements and monitors strategic and technical initiatives and contributes expertise through the development and management of reports and technical materials. Working closely with the Senior Laboratory and Diagnostics Officer, Laboratory and Diagnostic Advisor and in-country and Headquarter (HQ) STRIDES teams, the officer will support implementation by evaluating programmatic effectiveness, overseeing technical aspects, and providing technical assessment reports.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Technical Requirements:

Provides day-to-day technical implementation support to project staff for the laboratory and diagnostic services component of the project including molecular diagnostics, genomic sequencing, AMR, quality management systems, biosafety and biosecurity, as well as coordination with other GHS technical areas (e.g. surveillance, data, outbreak and response, etc.) to ensure synergy.
Monitors and maintains project protocols, instruments, technical tools, 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 antimicrobial resistance, zoonotic diseases, biosafety and 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 research 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 the country team, project management, subcontractors, and stakeholders 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 government agencies, national and international organizations, , academia, and other relevant entities.
Assists with the preparation and drafting of work plans, presentations, and reports for the DOS and other key stakeholders.
Participate and represent the project in meetings and forums as required.

Operations Management:

Ensures project activities are on track with work plans, 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:

Develops broader 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 of laboratory-related quality assurance, SOP development and biosafety and 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.

REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor's Degree in microbiology or its international equivalent in biological sciences within a clinical or diagnostic discipline or specialty.
Typically requires 2+ years of relevant experience working with infectious disease diagnostics and/or in laboratory systems strengthening.
Demonstrated experience with training, mentorship, and supervision of laboratory staff on molecular diagnostics, sequencing, quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC), and biosafety and 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.
Demonstrated ability to design, implement, and support laboratory strengthening initiatives.
Proven experience working with government agencies is highly desirable to support strategy development, implementation plans, and decision-making.
Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
Must be able to read, write, and speak fluent English and Bahasa Indonesian.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

Typical office environment.
Ability to spend long hours looking at 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.
Personal 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.