Microbiology laboratory manager

Main Purpose:

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 priority target population for MSF are children <5 admitted at IPD (particularly malnourished & HIV-positive children), neonates, adult HIV patients admitted in IPD, patients undergoing surgery and trauma (orthopedic-visceral trauma) and burned patients.  The clinical microbiology laboratory provides a vital function in the diagnosis of infections, which optimize patient individual antimicrobial management.  The laboratory also plays an essential role in the surveillance of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and advice on infection control issues.

Accountabilities:

Management

• Planning and supervising, in close coordination with the HR department, the associated processes (recruitment, training, performance evaluation, development and internal/external communication) of the laboratory staff of the project to improve staff capabilities and to ensure both the sizing and the amount of knowledge required
• Compiling, analysing and reporting microbiology lab activities and results to the medical staff and the immediate supervisor providing relevant information for AMR surveillance.
• Provide monthly reports based on extracted data from surveillance program WHONET.
• Ensuring proper registration and records of all microbiology lab-related activities, implementing the correct use of the surveillance program WHONET to have proper records of laboratory results.
• Optimise communication of critical test result values and alert systems for specific multidrug-resistant organisms
• Ensuring the implementation of IQC (internal quality control) and EQA (external quality assurance).
• Ensuring the confidentiality of all patients’ laboratory results at any time, according to protocols in place
• In coordination with the project biomedical service supervising the appropriate use of medical devices under his/her responsibility so they can be used at any time (e.g. correct automatic instrument calibrations and correct and updated inventories of laboratory material and equipment) anticipating and communicating future needs
• Collaborate and be part of an operational resource if is required.

Training

• Training of the laboratory staff from scratch on microbiology procedures based on MSF intersectional SOPs
• Provide guidance/training for adequate collection of microbiology specimens based on existing SOPs
• Provide guidelines/training for the interpretation of microbiology test results
• Collaborate in educating local health care workers on microbiology issues that impact treatment and microbial resistance.

Routing laboratory work

• Provide timely, reliable, and reproducible identification and antimicrobial susceptibility results.
• Actively participate in the antimicrobial stewardship committee or workgroup
• Promptly report unusual patterns of resistance, test supplementary agents, and provide advice on therapy for patients awaiting results
• Participate in establishing protocols on biomarker use
• Collaborate in audit and feedback of antimicrobial therapies for specific pathogens or syndromes where the role of lab test values is critical (e.g., difficile, bloodstream infections)
• Use cascade or selective reporting

Collaborate with ID physicians and pharmacists on updating methods for susceptibility testing

MSF Section/Context Specific Accountabilities:

The project is located in Mosul, and the specific accountabilities for the Laboratory Manager position include:

• Setting Up the Microbiology Laboratory at the Central Public Health Laboratory (CPHL): Overseeing the physical setup of laboratory equipment and consumables, ensuring that everything is in place and functional.
• Infection Prevention and Control (IPC): Ensuring that all IPC protocols are strictly followed in the laboratory setting to prevent hospital-acquired infections and cross-contamination among samples and staff. This includes regular audits of IPC measures and training staff on new protocols as they are developed.
• Data Management and Record Keeping: Establishing robust systems for the registration, tracking, and reporting of laboratory data. Ensuring accurate and timely logging of all laboratory activities to facilitate analysis and reporting. Implementing and maintaining a laboratory information management system (LIMS) if applicable.
• Regular Ordering of Lab Consumables: Managing the procurement process for laboratory supplies and equipment. Ensuring a regular ordering schedule is maintained to avoid shortages that could impact laboratory operations. Forecasting future needs based on project demands and consumption rates.
• Quality Assurance and External Quality Control: Coordinating with external agencies for regular quality control assessments. Preparing and sending out slides/samples for external quality control to validate the accuracy of test results.
• Antimicrobial Resistance (AMD) Initiatives: Developing specific programs and research initiatives to address antimicrobial resistance within the project’s scope. Collaborating with national and international bodies to align efforts and share findings.
• Epidemiological Support and Reporting: Participating in the development and analysis of epidemiological reports related to health services provided by MSF. Providing vital data to medical staff and stakeholders to inform public health decisions and strategies.
• The Laboratory Manager will be instrumental in developing and overseeing a comprehensive training strategy for the Central Public Health Laboratory (CPHL) staff and selected hospital personnel. This strategy is designed to ensure high standards in sample management, data handling, and overall laboratory operations.
• Comprehensive Training on Sample Management: Implement a thorough training program covering all aspects of sample management, including collection, storage, processing, and disposal. This will ensure that all laboratory staff are proficient in handling biological samples safely and efficiently, minimizing the risk of contamination or loss.
• Development and Continuous Education: Establish a continuous professional development program for laboratory staff to keep them updated with the latest techniques, technologies, and global best practices in laboratory medicine. This program will include workshops, seminars, and possibly collaborations with academic institutions or other medical facilities.
• Tailored Training Plans for Selected Hospitals: Collaborate with laboratory supervisors to develop customized training plans for staff at selected hospitals. These plans will address specific needs and challenges faced by these hospitals in managing and analysing clinical samples.
• Joint Development of Training Modules: Work closely with the laboratory supervisor to create detailed training modules that are relevant to the current needs and future growth of the project. These modules should be designed to be scalable and adaptable to changing project demands.
• Quality Control and Assurance Training: Implement regular training sessions focused on quality control and assurance protocols. This will include practical demonstrations on conducting internal reviews and audits, as well as preparing for external quality assessments.
• Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Due to the critical importance of IPC in the laboratory setting, support the IPC team in planning and carrying out training sessions will be held regularly to reinforce IPC measures. This training will cover personal protection, proper use of sterilization equipment, and effective waste management.
• Interactive and Hands-On Learning Experiences: Use a combination of theoretical instruction and hands-on practice to enhance learning and retention. Encourage interactive sessions where staff can discuss real-life scenarios and problem-solve together, fostering a collaborative learning environment.
• Evaluation and Feedback Mechanisms: Establish robust mechanisms for evaluating the effectiveness of training programs and gathering feedback from participants. Use this feedback to continually improve training content and delivery methods.

Education:

• Laboratory science/Biologist with clinical microbiology specialization.
• Laboratory scientist/Biologist certified in clinical microbiology
• Clinical microbiologist (MD)
• Clinical pharmacist with Microbiology specialization
• Master -PhD- specialization in Clinical microbiology

Experience:

• 2 years of relevant professional experience in bacteriology services preferably in a hospital (including hospital experience)
• Strong competencies in antibiograms analysis and identification of resistance mechanisms
• Experience in team management
• Experience in training

Languages:

• Proficiency in mission language (English) is essential. Arabic is an asset

Knowledge:

• Essential computer literacy (word, excel and internet)
• Outgoing personality, good balance between initiative and working in a team.

 Competencies:

• 2 years of relevant professional experience in bacteriology services preferably in a hospital (including hospital experience)
• Strong competencies in antibiograms analysis and identification of resistance mechanisms
• Experience in team management
• Experience in training

Deadline for receiving job applications is 21 May 2024 at 4:30 PM

To Apply:

If you are confident about your qualifications meeting the requirements, please send your CV’s to

• Submit your CV electronically to [email protected]
• In the subject line, clearly mention: “Microbiology Laboratory Manager”.

OR

• Submit a physical application by dropping off a closed envelope containing your CV, labelled with the job title “Microbiology Laboratory Manager”, at the MSF OCB Office CV Box.

MSF OCB Office Location:

• West Mosul, Al-Refaee Neighbourhood (Coordinates: 36.356333, 43.092139)