Molecular Virologist

The Molecular Virologist supports molecular diagnostics, genomic surveillance, and sequencing activities for outbreak response to high-consequence pathogens such as Bundibugyo ebolavirus. The role strengthens national laboratory capacity, supports proficiency testing, and enhances outbreak detection and response across Africa CDC Member States.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary technical focal point between the National Public Health Laboratories (NPHLs) in the assigned Member State and the Africa CDC Reference Laboratory during outbreak response and public health emergencies.
• Support routine and surge molecular testing activities during outbreaks and public health emergencies, ensuring timely and accurate diagnostic services.
• Participate in emergency response operations, including extended working hours, field deployments, and surge-response activities as required.
• Coordinate the safe, timely, and efficient referral, transport, and tracking of specimens from peripheral testing sites to the NPHL and, when necessary, to the Africa CDC Reference Laboratory.
• Support forecasting, inventory management, and monitoring of laboratory reagents and consumables, contributing to procurement planning and supply chain coordination.
• Facilitate timely communication and reporting of laboratory results, testing volumes, and operational challenges to support evidence-based outbreak response decision-making.
• Provide technical support to strengthen laboratory preparedness, continuity of operations, and rapid response capacity for high-consequence pathogens.
• Perform advanced molecular diagnostic testing including nucleic acid extraction, PCR, RT-PCR, and real-time PCR in accordance with approved protocols and quality standards.
• Conduct advanced viral genome sequencing techniques including sequencing library preparation, next-generation sequencing (NGS), and associated workflows for pathogen detection and characterization.
• Support diagnostic testing and genomic analysis of priority pathogens with emphasis on viral hemorrhagic fevers and outbreak-prone diseases.
• Ensure proper specimen collection, handling, processing, storage, and traceability in compliance with SOPs, biosafety, and quality standards.
• Perform preliminary analysis and interpretation of molecular and genomic data to support public health investigations and outbreak response.
• Prepare and contribute to molecular diagnostic and genomic surveillance reports for dissemination to NPHLs and Africa CDC Reference Laboratory.
• Support implementation and coordination of proficiency testing schemes within NPHLs to ensure accuracy and reliability of laboratory results.
• Facilitate implementation of laboratory Quality Management Systems (QMS), adherence to SOPs, and maintenance of accurate laboratory records.
• Support internal audits, monitoring of quality indicators, root cause analysis, and implementation of corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
• Assist in verification, validation, and documentation of laboratory methods and diagnostic workflows in compliance with international standards.
• Adhere to biosafety and biosecurity policies including safe operation within BSL-2 and BSL-3 laboratories handling high-consequence pathogens.
• Ensure appropriate use and disposal of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and biosafety measures to minimize risks.
• Support biosafety and biosecurity practices including risk assessments, specimen containment, and secure handling of infectious materials.
• Participate in laboratory incident management including spill response, exposure investigations, and corrective actions.
• Promote biosafety and biosecurity culture through compliance monitoring and staff awareness.
• Provide on-the-job training, coaching, and mentorship to laboratory personnel in molecular diagnostics, genomic sequencing, bioinformatics, and pathogen genomics.
• Support development and dissemination of training materials, SOPs, job aids, and competency assessment tools tailored to local laboratory needs.
• Facilitate knowledge transfer to build sustainable in-country expertise and strengthen NPHL operational capacity.
• Support competency assessments and continuous professional development activities to ensure adherence to laboratory quality and biosafety standards.
• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot advanced laboratory equipment including nucleic acid extractors, PCR platforms, biosafety cabinets, and sequencers.
• Support equipment performance monitoring, maintenance, calibration, qualification, and documentation.
• Assist in management of laboratory reagents, consumables, inventory monitoring, stock reconciliation, and procurement forecasting.
• Support accurate recording, verification, analysis, and management of laboratory and sequencing data using Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
• Ensure integrity, quality, confidentiality, security, and timely reporting of diagnostic and sequencing data in compliance with policies and regulations.

Requirements

• Master’s degree (MSc) or higher in Molecular Biology, Virology, Genomics, Biotechnology, Medical Laboratory Science, or a related field with Minimum of seven (7) years of experience in molecular diagnostics, clinical virology, or pathogen genomics of which three (3) should be at Expert Level.
• OR Bachelor's degree in Molecular Biology, Virology, Genomics, Biotechnology, Medical Laboratory Science, or a related field with Minimum of ten (10) years of experience in molecular diagnostics, clinical virology, or pathogen genomics of which three (3) should be at Expert Level.
• Demonstrated hands-on expertise in advanced molecular and genomic techniques, including nucleic acid extraction, PCR/RT-PCR, next-generation sequencing (NGS), genomic data analysis, and interpretation of sequencing results.
• Proven experience working in national reference, public health, or research laboratories, preferably within National Public Health Institutes (NPHIs).
• Prior experience in viral haemorrhagic fever outbreak response, including Ebola virus disease, is highly desirable.
• Experience implementing laboratory Quality Management Systems (QMS), including ISO 15189, ISO 17025, or other internationally recognized quality and accreditation frameworks, is desirable.
• Demonstrated experience in mentoring, training, and capacity building of laboratory personnel in molecular diagnostics, genomics, and quality assurance practices.
• Experience working with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and laboratory data management systems is desirable.
• Previous experience working with international organizations, public health programs, or multi-country laboratory networks in Africa is an added advantage.
• Demonstrated expertise in molecular diagnostics and viral genomics.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and data interpretation skills, with experience in molecular, genomic, and epidemiological data analysis.
• Proven experience in laboratory operations, sample referral systems, specimen management, and coordination of proficiency testing (PT) scheme.
• Comprehensive knowledge of Laboratory QMS, including ISO 15189 and/or ISO 17025 standards, quality assurance, and accreditation processes.
• Sound understanding of biosafety and biosecurity principles, including safe operation within BSL-2 and BSL-3 laboratory environments.
• Proficiency in LIMS and laboratory data management systems.
• Excellent technical writing, report preparation, presentation, and stakeholder communication skills.

Skills

• Molecular Diagnostics
• Clinical Virology
• Pathogen Genomics
• Nucleic Acid Extraction
• PCR
• RT-PCR Diagnostics
• Next-Generation Sequencing
• Genomic Data Analysis
• Sequencing Result Interpretation
• Laboratory Quality Management System
• ISO 15189
• ISO 17025
• Mentoring Laboratory Personnel
• Training in Molecular Diagnostics
• Capacity Building
• Laboratory Information Management System
• Laboratory Data Management
• Laboratory Operations
• Sample Referral Systems
• Specimen Management
• Proficiency Testing
• Biosafety
• Biosecurity Principles
• BSL-2 Laboratory Operations
• Technical Writing
• Report Preparation
• Stakeholder Communication

Languages

Arabic, English, French, Kiswahili, Portuguese, Spanish