Laboratory and Diagnostic Specialist - HIV/TB Programs

About the role

Jhpiego, an international non-profit health organization affiliated with Johns Hopkins University, is seeking a Laboratory and Diagnostic Specialist to support the implementation, monitoring and strengthening of laboratory and diagnostic services under HIV/AIDS and TB prevention, care and treatment programs across Malawi. Working with the Technical Advisor, Ministry of Health counterparts and implementing partners, the specialist strengthens diagnostic services, quality management systems, specimen referral networks, equipment functionality, commodity management and the timely use of results for treatment linkage.

Key responsibilities

• Strengthen TB-focused and other laboratory services for HIV, TB, viral load, EID and other priority diagnostics, review adherence to diagnostic algorithms and support quality in line with Ministry of Health guidelines and international standards.
• Support national diagnostic network plans, SOPs, policies and testing guidelines, and monitor performance, workload, turnaround times and service quality.
• Build capacity of TB laboratories for culture, Xpert, DST and line probe assays, and support AMR, biosafety and biosecurity work.
• Implement laboratory quality management systems, internal quality control, external quality assessment, LIMS and digital connectivity, and run supportive supervision and quality improvement visits.
• Coordinate preventive maintenance of equipment, commodity forecasting, inventory management and specimen referral and supply chain systems.
• Provide on-site technical assistance, train laboratory staff, support accreditation (e.g. ISO 15189, SLIPTA) and track corrective actions.
• Work with MEL teams on laboratory performance data, MDR-TB reporting and donor reports, and represent the project in technical working groups.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Sciences, Medical Laboratory Sciences, Laboratory Technology or a related field; a Master's degree is an added advantage.
• Registered with the Medical Council of Malawi or another relevant regulator with a valid practicing license; professional association membership is an added advantage.
• Minimum 7 to 8 years of progressive experience in clinical, public health or research laboratories, including technical assistance and systems strengthening.
• Demonstrated experience with HIV, TB, viral load, EID, microbiology, hematology and biochemistry, and with donor-funded programs such as PEPFAR, CDC, USAID or the Global Fund.
• Experience in training, mentoring, supportive supervision, quality management systems, commodity management and supply chain systems, and with Ministry of Health programs and district health offices.

Required skills

• Strong knowledge of HIV, TB, viral load, EID and other priority diagnostics, and of quality management, accreditation, QA and biosafety standards.
• Knowledge of laboratory networks, specimen referral systems, laboratory information systems and public health procurement and supply chains.
• Excellent communication, report writing and Microsoft Office skills; willingness to travel extensively within Malawi.

Applicants apply through the Jhpiego careers page with a single document containing a cover letter, resume and references; the closing date is 17 November 2026. Selected candidates undergo a pre-employment background check.