Description
The Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, has continued need for a Research Laboratory Coordinator position located in Kisumu, Kenya. The current contract is a Personal Services Contract (PSC). See PL 109-149, Section 215(1), Reference 22U.S.C.2669(c). It is the intention of the CDC to add additional periods of performance to the current contract resulting in an extension of the current contract for three years. This will be done by adding three, 12 month option periods to the current contract. This announcement shall serve as notice to any interested parties of the intent of the CDC to execute this extension. Any eligible, interested party wishing to be considered for this position must contact the Contract Specialist shown in this announcement, prior to the closing date and time shown in the notice. POSITION NUMBER: KE-PSC-01 ISSUANCE DATE: August 25, 2008 CLOSING DATE/TIME: September 8, 2008 at 10:00AM Eastern Standard Time POSITION TITLE: Research Laboratory Coordinator MARKET VALUE: $63,700 to $101,500-- Final compensation will be based on individual salary history, work experience, and educational background. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: 3, one year option periods. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Kisumu, Kenya SECURITY CLEARANCE: NACI (Non-sensitive) AREA OF CONSIDERATION: United States Citizens and residents and third country nationals. Citizens and permanent residents of the host country are not eligible for this position. Duties and Responsibilities: 1. Conceives and conducts independent research in diagnostic immunology and molecular virology within the framework of ongoing HIV epidemiologic studies including conducting immunological and virological monitoring of immune response in the setting of a clinical trial; conducting infant diagnosis of HIV using polymerase chain reaction (PCR); measuring viral resistance and genotyping in a clinical trial. Evaluates new HIV diagnostic assays, and designs, implements, and evaluates diagnostic testing algorithms for use in Kenya. Develops standardized laboratory procedures for the conduct of clinical trials, following Food and Drug Administration Good Laboratory Practices. 2. Provides technical assistance to the Ministry of Health in support of antiretroviral treatment programs and routine HIV surveillance in over 20 MOH sites. Develops and implements protocols for laboratory testing, quality assurance, and quality control for HIV program support. 3. Supervises CDC/KEMRI Cooperative Agreement personnel at two laboratory sites- Kisumu City Clinical Research Center and Kisian Research Field Station. Responsible for the determination of laboratory goals and objectives, assignment of tasks and monitoring progress of laboratory staff at two sites. Provides supervision and mentorship to senior and junior laboratory staff (17 Non FTE staff) on research techniques, protocols, and the scientific approach. Evaluates the performance of junior staff on an annual basis, giving appropriate and meaningful recognition for work effectively carried out. 4. Recording and publishing. Establishes record-keeping systems defining minimal standards needed to assure the accuracy and validity of test results. Facilitates preparation of clinical laboratory reports that meet professional standards and program requirements. Prepares and/or collaborates in the preparation of technical reports on the results of investigations and studies; presents papers on current findings at scientific meetings and conferences; and reviews reports or manuscripts of peers. 5. Problem solving. Recognizes and defines problems and evaluates methods for solution. Evaluates, guides, or implements possible alternative approaches to standard methods. As a laboratory procedures expert, provides professional input into planning and programming exercises. Recommends changes in service provision or location of services. Develops professional positions on laboratory practices and procedures, and appropriate testing for studies and programs. Provides consultation to Director and other team members for issues involving technical laboratory practices and procedures. 6. Provision of training: Trains CDC/KEMRI staff in new laboratory techniques. Organizes laboratory training sessions for other partners (Ministry of Health, nongovernmental organizations, academic trainees). Organizes internal and external forums for scientific exchange. 7. Other duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications: 1. Knowledge of HIV research laboratory practices and their scientific basis. 2. Ability to perform and understand complex molecular biology, diagnostic serology, and applied immunological techniques for the diagnosis and monitoring of HIV infection. 3. Knowledge of ethical conduct of humans subject research and certificate. 4. Knowledge of safety procedures for working with biohazardous materials. Knowledge of computer data management. 5. Bachelors of Science Degree in biomedical research, or other biological sciences. 6. Training in all techniques necessary to run a clinical diagnostic laboratory and provide research support in HIV molecular biology, virology, and immunology for HIV prevention trials. 7. Certification in Good Clinical Laboratory Practices. 8. Certification in Laboratory Management. 9. Minimum of five years experience in applied diagnosis and clinical monitoring of HIV infection at an internationally recognized research institution. 10. Level 4 English (Fluent) Desired Qualifications: 1. Ability to conceive and conduct applied HIV research as an independent investigator. 2. Ability to stay abreast of current HIV research literature. 3. Ability to provide consultation and quality assurance to HIV research laboratories within Kenya and across Africa. 4. Ability to communicate effectively in English in scientific settings with evidence of publication in scientific peer reviewed journals. 5. Ability to plan, design, and equip new laboratory facilities. 6. Ability to plan and allocate human and material resources for laboratory activities in a developing country setting. 7. Ability to foster a stimulating scientific working environment in a developing country setting. 8. Ability to train and mentor junior scientists.