Anticipated Project
Objectives of the role:
The Clinical Microbiologist will play a pivotal role in developing and implementing a strategy for increased level of engagement between physicians and laboratories to combat antimicrobial resistance. The main responsibility of the position will be to provide technical assistance and support the surveillance sites to develop systems to integrate clinical and laboratory data, which can be shared with the National AMR Secretariat. This position requires experience with WHONET, and LIMS to support the facilitation of national collation and GLASS reporting.
Responsibilities:
- Develop consistent guidance and associated tools to enhance clinical engagement between clinicians and laboratory microbiologists. Guidance and tools must conform to international best practices and take into account resource constraints of Pakistan at provincial levels.
- Provide additional clinical microbiology support (e.g, review SOPs, clinical protocols, laboratory bench aids, etc.)
- Provide technical assistance in developing monitoring strategies for laboratory performance, in particular those relevant for the clinicians (e.g. sample throughput, turnaround times, communication of critical results)
- Assist in the identification and training of clinician champions at hospital sites (non-infection specialist who can be supported to lead AMR surveillance and antimicrobial stewardship programs)
- Support development of evidence-based behavior change programs which incorporate the use of laboratory diagnostics and data to improve antimicrobial prescribing
- Provide technical inputs for initiatives to integrate analysis of laboratory, clinical and prescribing data to support the economic case for investment in bacteriology laboratories
- Develop innovative ways to engage medical staff in microbiology laboratory improvement programs and improve communications between the clinicians and laboratory staff
- Development of phlebotomy training programs for blood cultures to improve sample throughput and reduce contamination rates
- Support development of AMU surveillance programs at hospital site level (e.g. Point Prevalence Surveys / audit)
Job Description:
The ideal candidate will be a medical doctor with at least 5 years experience in clinical microbiology, or infectious diseases where training has included a significant microbiology component, significant clinical experience and professional experience working in laboratory set up in public or private sector in Pakistan. The successful candidate will also have proven success engaging and working with multi-disciplinary teams and proven ability mentoring technical staff.
- Excellent communications skills
- Practical laboratory experience in clinical bacteriology, including in low-income settings
- Understanding of laboratory information systems, including WHONET
- Experience in surveillance for antimicrobial use at facility and/or national level
- Teaching / Mentoring experience highly desirable
Note: Shortlisting will be done on rolling basis, only short-listed candidates will be contacted. No phone inquiries, please