About

The Biomedical Research and Training Institute (BRTI) is implementing a 5-year US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (CDC-PEPFAR) funded Laboratory Systems Strengthening (LSS) program in Zimbabwe from 2021 to 2026. This is in support of the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MOHCC) Directorate of Laboratory Services, and AIDS and TB program’s national strategic objectives. The LSS program will expand laboratory capacity and enhance access to high quality testing towards achievement of the UNAIDS 95-95-95 goals.

Roles and responsibilities

The EQA / RTCQI Technical Officer will work under the supervision of the Lab Advisor Quality Assurance to ensure the following: Carry out technical work in EQA, Rapid HIV Test Continuous Quality Improvement (RTCQI) and Rapid HIV Test for Recent Infection (RTRI); Support the Lab Advisor QA in preparation of annual EQA plans, calendars and work out annual supplies and other EQA, RTCQI and RTRI needs; Work with the National Microbiology Reference Laboratory (NMRL) to ensure timely conduct of HIV DTS proficiency testing (“PT”) surveys; Work with the NMRL, EQA lead, Deputy QA Coordinator, mentors, and district / provincial scientists to carry out corrective actions for failed sites in all EQA schemes including GeneXpert PT, EID PT, COVID-19, Viral Load PT and PT for any other PEPFAR supported tests.

Qualifications and experience

An undergraduate degree in medical laboratory sciences; A postgraduate degree in medical laboratory science is preferred; Certified training in medical laboratory quality assurance e.g SLMTA, ISO-15189, Auditing etc; 5 years plus experience in clinical diagnostic testing including 1-2 years supervisory experience in a clinical diagnostic laboratory; Lab QMS implementation experience a must.