Laboratory and Diagnostics Support Officer

PROJECT OVERVIEW

The Meeting Targets and Maintaining Epidemic Control (EpiC) project is a global health initiative funded by the U.S. Department of State, running from 2019 to 2027. In the Philippines, EpiC has two workplans each with its own technical scope and budget, one focused on achieving HIV epidemic control and one focused on strengthening global health security (GHS). The role outlined in this job description supports EpiC’s GHS workplan.

EpiC’s GHS workplan aims to strengthen national, subnational, and local capacities for the prevention, detection, and response to public health emergencies, including pandemic preparedness. Support is delivered across multiple technical areas, including Zoonotic Diseases, Biosafety and Biosecurity, National Laboratory Systems, Surveillance, Public Health Emergency Management, Infection Prevention and Control (IPC), and Evidence-Based Public Health Messaging. All activities and sub-activities under each technical area are aligned with and informed by national priorities and strategies, including the National Action Plan for Health Security (2025–2030), the National Framework of the Philippine Health Laboratory System (PHLS), and the National Laboratory Strategic Plan (NLSP) 2025–2030.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Laboratory and Diagnostics Support Officer (LDSO) will report to the EpiC GHS Field Operations Manager to support the implementation of the EpiC GHS project activities through providing technical and operational assistance to the Research Institute for Tropical medicine (RITM). This includes support for genomic surveillance, field-based outbreak response and public health emergency activities under the EpiC/GHS workplan.

The LDSO will specifically support the pilot implementation of HPAI genomic surveillance by providing technical assistance and contributing to the establishment and operationalization of pilot activities. This includes, supporting preparatory requirements, coordination with relevant stakeholders, ensuring readiness for implementation.

As a member of the Field Operations Team, the LDSO will support outbreak investigation and emergency deployments, including but not limited to specimen collection, rapid diagnostic testing, safe handling and transport of specimens, and the appropriate use and management of essential laboratory commodities during these activities, as needed.

The position will work closely with the EpiC GHS Zoonotic Diseases, Laboratory and Diagnostics, and Surveillance teams, as well as government stakeholders at the national and subnational levels.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide technical assistance in the pilot implementation of HPAI genomic surveillance across national and participating laboratories
• Review, edit, standardize, and update technical documents for the development of a One Health Molecular Laboratory Surveillance and Response Framework for HPAI
• Contribute to the technical development of a comprehensive and actionable pilot One Health Laboratory Surveillance and Response Framework with emphasis on genomic integration.
• Develop proposed laboratory workflows, coordination mechanisms, and intersectoral data-sharing strategies to strengthen integrated genomic surveillance.
• Support the preparation of implementation plans, monitoring indicators, and technical guidance documents necessary for operationalizing the framework.
• Design, organize, and conduct of laboratory workshops and training programs for molecular laboratories in the human, animal, and environmental health sectors.
• Prepare technical reports and provide documentation support for HPAI genomic surveillance activities conducted by the central laboratory and participating human, animal, and environmental laboratories under the One Health framework
• Organize and maintain records and documentation of project output, including surveillance data summaries, training materials, framework drafts, and laboratory assessment
• Participate in laboratory assessments and benchmarking activities across human, animal, and environmental laboratories to evaluate molecular and bioinformatics readiness, including ICT and computing infrastructure relevant to HPAI genomic surveillance modernization.
• Provide technical and operational support for field-based outbreak investigations and emergency response activities, as needed
• Participate in simulation exercises (SimEX), trainings, and capacity-building activities to strengthen outbreak preparedness and response
• Contribute to field activity reporting by documenting laboratory-related actions, challenges, and observations for submission to the Field Operations Manager.
• Perform other laboratory-related technical support tasks as assigned

WORKING CONDITIONS AND TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

• Usual office working conditions
• Ability to travel domestically at least 25%

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in Medical Technology, Laboratory Science, Molecular Biology, Public Health or a related field.
• Valid professional license (e.g., Registered Medical Technologist), where applicable.
• At least 3 years of experience in clinical, public health, or diagnostic laboratory settings.
• At least 6 months experience in molecular diagnostic experience in performing genomic sequencing is an advantage
• Experience supporting outbreak response, emergency deployments, or field-

• Demonstrated creative problem-solving, leadership and management skills.
• Demonstrated experience and skills in leading, mentoring, and training and mentoring staff and others, including good communication and networking skills.
• Proven experience working with government officials, particularly the Department of Health is highly desirable, to support strategy development, implementation plans and decision making.

The expected hiring salary range for this role is PHP 720,000 - 840,000 annually for basic salary. When determining an offer amount, FHI 360 factors in multiple considerations, including but not limited to: relevant years of experience and education possessed by the applicant, internal equity, market pay, and budget.

This job posting summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.

FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer whereby we do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.

Our values and commitments to safeguarding: FHI 360 is committed to preventing any type of abuse, exploitation and harassment in our work environments and programs, including sexual abuse, exploitation and harassment. FHI 360 takes steps to safeguard the welfare of everyone who engages with our organization and programs and requires that all personnel, including staff members and volunteers, share this commitment and sign our code of conduct. All offers of employment will be subject to appropriate screening checks, including reference, criminal record and terrorism finance checks. FHI 360 also participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme (MDS), facilitated by the Steering Committee for Humanitarian Response. In line with the MDS, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any substantiated findings of sexual abuse, exploitation and/or harassment during the applicant’s tenure with previous employers. By applying, job applicants confirm their understanding of these recruitment procedures and consent to these screening checks.

FHI 360 will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws.

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