Senior Scientist, Referral Hospital Laboratory Mentor Local Position, Dili, Timor-Leste
ABOUT MENZIES:As one of Australia’s leading medical research institutes dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, and a leader in global and tropical research into life-threatening illnesses, Menzies School of Health Research continues to translate its research into effective partnerships and programs in communities across Australia and the Asia-Pacific region. SUMMARY OF THE POSITION:This position will support Menzies work in the National Health Laboratory and the Referral Hospitals in Timor-Leste. Specific project details are included in the statement of duties. The Senior Scientist, Referral Hospital Laboratory Mentor will be supervised by Senior Laboratory Technical Advisor. The Scientist will provide overall support and coordination for activity implementation at LNS and Referral Hospitals for the Fleming Fund Country Grants. The Senior Scientist will work alongside LNS and referral hospital laboratory scientists in projects aimed at strengthening diagnosis and surveillance of infectious diseases in Timor-Leste. The Scientist will contribute to data collection, addressing quality control issues, assist with the implementation of guidelines and protocols, and support training for laboratory scientists within LNS and referral hospitals across Timor-Leste. PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:The following key responsibilities are not exhaustive and may include others as directed by the Senior Laboratory Technical Advisor at Menzies School of Health Research Timor-Leste. Participate in laboratory capacity building activities focused on quality assurance and the introduction of new laboratory equipment and tests.Support processing of laboratory tests for routine diagnostic testing as well as approved epidemiological, clinical and laboratory research studies associated with Menzies Timor-Leste projects.Assist with the collection and storage of significant isolates and laboratory data for approved research studies.Work with the laboratory team to meet the monitoring, evaluation, and reporting requirements of relevant funders.Develop productive, cooperative working relationships with other members of the LNS, referral hospital laboratories, Menzies Timor-Leste Laboratory and Office Support team, as well as any other external collaborators.Assist with the conduct of other research studies as required.Demonstrate and maintain an understanding and awareness of relevant Workplace Health and Safety as well as Equal Opportunity principles and legislation along with a commitment to maintaining a healthy and safe workplace.Any other tasks as reasonably required by the Supervisor, Project Leads or Country Manager. SELECTION CRITERIA:1. Qualifications:Relevant qualification in medical laboratory science and relevant experience in a diagnostic laboratory.2. Essential Criteria:Demonstrated experience in medical laboratory science in Timor-Leste.Demonstrated leadership experience.Demonstrated experience in teaching, training and/or mentoring other laboratory scientists.Demonstrated capacity to work independently without direct supervision under broad direction and as part of a team.Demonstrated initiative, good judgement, strong problem-solving skills, strong work ethic and flexibility with work tasks.Demonstrated ability to assess and establish priorities, manage competing deadlines against expected timeframes, while maintaining accuracy and quality.Ability to manage sensitive issues and maintain confidentiality.Demonstrated experience and competency with a range of computer software including the Microsoft Office Suite and Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).Ability to build relationships within an organisation and collaborative external partnerships. Well-developed capacity to consult, collaborate and negotiate effectively with people from diverse cultures and a wide range of stakeholders.Excellent written and verbal communication skills in Tetun, and ability to communicate verbally in English.Willingness to learn, continuously improve and respond positively to feedback and supervision.Hold or be able to obtain a National Police Clearance certificate.Willingness to travel to the municipalities for up to 2 weeks at a time.Understanding of and commitment to Menzies values, the principles of Equal Opportunity and contributing to a safe and inclusive workplace.3. Desirable Criteria:Good written and verbal communication in English COVID-19 Safety Requirements:Menzies encourages all staff to be fully vaccinated in accordance with the latest guidance and recommendations for COVID-19 vaccination in Timor-Leste.Menzies requires all staff to implement, as directed, risk control strategies that provide them with protection from COVID-19 in the workplace such as good hygiene practices, mask wearing, physical distancing and any other reasonable direction. STATEMENT OF DUTIES: Senior Scientist, Referral Hospital Mentor Fleming FundMenzies began implementing the first Fleming Fund Country Grant in May 2019, and it has a strong focus on strengthening antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and antimicrobial use (AMU) surveillance systems through building laboratory and clinical capacity in both the human and animal health sectors. The project facilitates a stronger One Health approach to surveillance, bringing together multi-sectoral stakeholders to share surveillance data and gain a better understanding of AMR, AMU and AMC. The first Fleming Fund Country Grant focused mostly at National level, with activities in partnership with Laboratorio Nacional da Saude (LNS), Hospital Nacional Guido Valadares (HNGV), Surveillance department at Ministry of Health (MOH), the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (VDL) and National Directorate of Veterinary (NDV) at Ministry of Agriculture (MAF). The second Fleming Fund Country Grant which commenced in April 2021 has focused on expanding the activities into the municipalities, through strengthening the microbiology service in the municipal referral hospitals, and also supporting AMR and AMU surveillance in animal health at municipal level. The project aims are health system and laboratory strengthening, and involve mentoring, working alongside, and building the capacity of staff within the clinical, surveillance and laboratory areas. Specific responsibilities for the project(s) will include:Assist in the introduction and use of protocols, data collection instruments, and guidelines in referral hospital laboratories, with a focus on strengthening of diagnostic microbiology services.Support training for other scientists within LNS and the referral hospitals in diagnostic microbiology, to promote an understanding of Menzies’ work, research, and to facilitate ongoing collaboration.Coordinate training activities in laboratories in the municipality referral hospitals, in collaboration with the Fleming Fund project coordination team, and the senior laboratory technical advisor.Work with the Senior Laboratory Technical Advisor to implement project activities according to workplan.Work with referral hospital laboratory staff to provide information about the project and to encourage support and participation.Any other tasks as reasonably required by the supervisor, project leads, or country manager. Closing date: 23rd March 2023 To apply for this position, please refer to http://careers.menzies.edu.au/ and select / click on the Senior Scientist, Referral Hospital Laboratory Mentor Local Position, Dili, Timor-Leste role. Please ensure to attach your application letter and Curriculum Vitae with three references and responds to the selection criteria if possible. A Copy of Identity Card/ BI or Electoral Card and Copy of Good behavior certificate (kelakuan baik) before or by 23rd March 2023. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the interview. Menzies Timor-Leste is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse workplace. Women are strongly encouraged to apply.Position Description 12000AUDDili