ASLM background

The African Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM) is a pan-African professional body working to advocate for the critical role and needs of laboratory medicine and networks throughout Africa. Africa is rapidly growing but faces major health challenges including epidemics of HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria, and new priorities such as Ebola and other global health security threats. Strengthened laboratory capacity and surveillance in Africa are critical to overcoming the burden of disease and ensuring a healthy future for the continent. ASLM addresses these challenges by working collaboratively with governments, local and international organizations, implementing partners, and the private sector.

Africa CDC background

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) was officially launched in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on January 31, 2017. As Africa's first continent-wide public health agency, it aims to create a safer, healthier, integrated, and stronger Africa. The vision is for Member States to effectively respond to infectious disease outbreaks and other public health threats. The agency's mission is to enhance the capabilities of Africa’s public health institutions to swiftly and effectively detect and respond to disease outbreaks and other health challenges. This is achieved through a coordinated network of continent-wide preparedness and response, surveillance, laboratory, and research programs. Strengthening laboratory network systems and integrated disease surveillance are central to the Africa CDC's mandate.

Purpose of the role

The Bioinformatics Technical Officer (Pathogen Genomics and Partnerships) will provide scientific, operational, and technical assistance to the Program Lead of Africa CDC Institute of Pathogen Genomics (IPG) on the implementation of laboratory molecular diagnostic assays and basic bioinformatics applications training. The technical officer will aid with technical support in bioinformatics and help implement adaptation of these applications for public health decision making in Africa.

He/she will also work together with other divisions within the Africa CDC, stakeholders, funding and implementation partners, and Member States to build and advance public health pathogen genomics in National Public Health Institutes in Africa. This position reports to the Program lead, Genomics for Pathogen Genomics

Tenure of appointment

The appointment will be made on a fixed term contract, of which the first three months will be considered as a probationary period. Thereafter, the contract will be renewed annually subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funding.

Equal opportunity

ASLM is an equal opportunity employer and selects its employees based solely on their skills and qualifications for their job. All qualified candidates are invited to apply.

APPLY ONLINE

[wpforms id="20946"]

ASLM background

The African Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM) is a pan-African professional body working to advocate for the critical role and needs of laboratory medicine and networks throughout Africa. Africa is rapidly growing but faces major health challenges including epidemics of HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria, and new priorities such as Ebola and other global health security threats. Strengthened laboratory capacity and surveillance in Africa are critical to overcoming the burden of disease and ensuring a healthy future for the continent. ASLM addresses these challenges by working collaboratively with governments, local and international organizations, implementing partners, and the private sector.

Mapping Antimicrobial Resistance and Antimicrobial Use Partnership (MAAP) is a multi-organization and multi-national consortium led by ASLM and funded by the UK Government’s Fleming Fund and managed by Mott McDonald. MAAP focuses on improving the quality and quantity of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) data, analysis, and dissemination. In Phase I, MAAP collected AMR/AMC data from 2016 to 2019 across 14 African countries. The results, including analysis, gaps, and opportunities, along with policy recommendations, are summarized in a policy brief available on ASLM’s website. The project Phase II aims to address data gaps and enhance quality for future initiatives, strengthening surveillance capacity to inform regional and national efforts in improving AMR surveillance, antimicrobial stewardship, and evidence-based policy and planning.

Job Overview
We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Data Scientist to join our team dedicated to combating Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), a significant threat to global public health. This pivotal role in our AMR team involves providing leadership for the analysis of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and Antimicrobial Use (AMU), utilizing advanced technologies to manage, analyze, and interpret scientific data effectively. The incumbent will guide AU member countries with strategies in addressing this critical issue.

1. Data Collection and Cleaning: Guide the project team and countries to gather, curate, and clean various datasets related to AMR and AMU, including laboratory and pharmacy data, clinical records, and epidemiological data.
2. Data Analysis: Perform exploratory data analysis, using statistical methods to identify patterns, trends, and insights related to AMR and AMU data.
3. AMU Data Analysis: Lead and support AMU data analysis to reveal antimicrobial consumption patterns across countries.
4. Data Visualization: Use mapping tools to create informative and visually appealing visualizations of AMR and AMU datasets, communicating findings to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
5. Collaboration: Work closely with cross-functional teams, integrating data-driven insights into AMR mitigation strategies, and collaborating with other advisors to align lab informatics strategies.
6. Research and Innovation: Stay updated with the latest advancements in data science, machine learning, and AMR research to bring cutting-edge approaches to projects.
7. Reporting: Assist countries in generating clear reports and presentations summarizing findings, methodologies, and recommendations for internal and external audiences, contributing to policy implications resulting from the data.
8. Data Security and Ethics: Ensure data privacy and security compliance, adhering to ethical guidelines when handling sensitive healthcare data.

• Bachelor's or advanced degree in Epidemiology, Public Health, Information Systems, Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, or a related field.
• Master's level or above is an advantage.
• Proven experience in data analysis and predictive modeling, with a focus on healthcare or biology-related datasets.
• Practical experience in driving digital transformation and modernizing lab informatics.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python and R, along with experience in data analysis libraries and frameworks.
• Knowledge of AMR, microbiology, and healthcare data is a strong plus.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills to work effectively with a multidisciplinary team.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive, innovative mindset.
• Knowledge of data security and ethical considerations in data science.
• Stay updated on emerging technologies, such as AI-driven somatic search and intelligent instruments.

APPLY ONLINE

[wpforms id="20848"]

ASLM background

The African Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM) is a pan-African professional body working to advocate for the critical role and needs of laboratory medicine and networks throughout Africa. Africa is rapidly growing but faces major health challenges including epidemics of HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria, and new priorities such as Ebola and other global health security threats. Strengthened laboratory capacity and surveillance in Africa are critical to overcoming the burden of disease and ensuring a healthy future for the continent. ASLM addresses these challenges by working collaboratively with governments, local and international organizations, implementing partners, and the private sector.

The incumbent will lead the implementation and M&E efforts for ASLM programs funded through multiple mechanisms. He/she will be responsible for technical implementation of diagnostic strengthening activities in selected countries in Africa. The incumbent will be responsible for coordinating closely with project team members and external partners working on relevant activities. Ideal candidates will be motivated by the challenge of developing and proposing solutions to strengthen the laboratory and health infrastructure across Africa.

• Provide strategic oversight to dedicated projects in alignment with funders’ policies, procedures and approach
• Coordinate with governments, partners, donors and key stakeholders to develop or revise current work plans and budgets to include detailed deliverables, project milestones, and required budget allocations.
• Develop and implement indicators for monitoring and evaluation of the projects
• Contribute to key resolutions and policy guidance related to the importance of diagnostics at both global and regional levels
• Strengthen data collected on diagnostics access gaps, and support translation into advocacy for diagnostic system strengthening at regional / country levels
• Thought leadership on increased access to diagnostics across health systems and innovative service delivery models - including strategies for optimization and integration of laboratory services across programs and sectors
• Contribute to the scientific goals across all ASLM technical areas
• Participate in the selection process for relevant contractors/consultants to support program implementation
• Gather and document lessons learned from program implementers
• Perform regular monitoring and evaluation activities for program work against timelines, scope and budget

• Promote quality performance and achievements throughout the organization
• Participate in content development for program related communications
• Facilitate meetings, forums, focus groups and workshops
• Identify best practices, opportunities for improvement, and follow-up on actions required for successful program implementation
• Supervise project managers and their teams
• Perform related duties as assigned

Core skills and experience include:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences, Medical Technology, Medical Sciences or other related fields of Biomedical Sciences.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in a in relevant position
• Advanced degree in a related field to diagnostics, public health or development is preferable
• Ability to work in a complex environment with multiple tasks, short deadlines and intense pressure to perform
• Demonstrated expertise working in a leadership capacity with international donors, senior government officials and policymakers
• Results orientation, with a track record of delivering high performing initiatives
• Robust communication skills with an ability to build strong partnerships with a broad range of stakeholders - including global and regional policy makers, civil society, technical experts, and funders
• Proven track record managing a project team composed of several technical experts, project, finance and administrative staff
• Strong problem-solving, decision-making and analysis skills
• A team player accustomed to building team capacity, delegating working teams and developing communities of learning among counterparts
• Understanding of the health sector and LMICs, ideally with experience of health systems strengthening with focus on diagnostics
• Ability to travel nationally and internationally 30% of the time

APPLY ONLINE

[wpforms id="20838"]