Senior Technical Officer – Molecular Virologist (Africa CDC) -5 Positions

Organization Information

Reports to: Head of the Africa CDC Reference Laboratory
Directorate/Department: Centre for Laboratory Diagnostics and Systems (CLDS)
Division: Centre for Laboratory Diagnostics and Systems (CLDS)
Number of Direct Reports:
Number of Indirect Reports:
Number of Positions: 5
Job Grade: P3
Contract Type: Appointment for Limited duration (ALD)
Location: Central Africa Republic (1 position), Ethiopia (4 positions)

Purpose of Job

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is committed to strengthening laboratory systems across the continent to support disease surveillance, outbreak response, and public health emergency preparedness. As part of this commitment, Africa CDC has established the Africa CDC Reference Laboratory, a continental Centre of Excellence for Diagnostics, Research, and Innovation (CEDRI).

The Africa CDC Reference Laboratory plays a critical role in supporting laboratory networks across Member States by providing technical assistance to National Public Health Laboratories (NPHLs), particularly where diagnostic capacity is limited and advanced testing is required for emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases. This support enhances the continent’s ability to detect, respond to, and prepare for public health threats, including high-consequence pathogens such as Bundibugyo ebolavirus (BDBV).

In response to the continued risk of BDBV outbreaks and other public health emergencies in the region, Africa CDC, with support from the World Bank, is recruiting three highly qualified Molecular Virologists (P3) from affected and high-risk Member States. The positions will be based in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Republic of Uganda, and the Republic of South Sudan.

Serving as key liaisons between their respective National Public Health Laboratories (NPHLs) and the Africa CDC Reference Laboratory, these locally recruited professionals will strengthen laboratory systems, improve sample referral and management processes, support proficiency testing programs, and enhance outbreak detection and response capacities. Their deployment will further strengthen collaboration between national and continental laboratory networks, contributing to timely disease detection, effective outbreak response, and improved preparedness for public health emergencies across Africa.

Main Functions

The primary purpose of this role is to support routine and surge molecular diagnostics, genomic surveillance, and sequencing activities for the response to BDBV outbreaks and other priority pathogens. The Molecular Virologists will serve as key links between the NPHLs and the Africa CDC Reference Laboratory, ensuring effective coordination, timely sample referral and testing, and the exchange of critical laboratory information. Through the provision of advanced technical expertise, they will strengthen national laboratory capacity, enhance diagnostic and sequencing capabilities, and support timely detection, characterization, and response to public health threats.

This position aims to strengthen national and continental laboratory capacity and capabilities for the timely detection, characterization and response to outbreaks, through advanced molecular diagnostics, genomic sequencing, laboratory quality management, and oversight of biosafety and biosecurity, as well as technical mentorship

Specific Responsibilities

Outbreak response and emergency support

• Serve as the primary technical focal point between the NPHLs in the assigned Member State and the Africa CDC Reference Laboratory during the current EDVB outbreak response and other 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 other 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, and contribute to procurement planning and supply chain coordination in collaboration with the Africa CDC Reference Laboratory.
• 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, including BDBV.

Molecular diagnostics and viral genomics

• Perform advanced molecular diagnostic testing, including nucleic acid extraction, conventional PCR, reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR), and real-time PCR (qPCR), in accordance with approved laboratory protocols and quality standards.
• Conduct advanced viral genome sequencing techniques, including sequencing library preparation, next-generation sequencing (NGS), and associated laboratory workflows for pathogen detection, characterization, and monitoring.
• Support diagnostic testing and genomic analysis of priority pathogens of public health importance, with particular emphasis on viral hemorrhagic fevers and other outbreak-prone diseases.
• Ensure proper collection, receipt, handling, processing, storage, and traceability of specimens in compliance with standard operating procedures (SOPs), biosafety requirements, and quality management standards.
• Perform preliminary analysis and interpretation of molecular and genomic data to support public health investigations and outbreak response efforts.
• Prepare and contribute to molecular diagnostic and genomic surveillance reports, including the timely dissemination of results and relevant findings to NPHLs and the Africa CDC Reference Laboratory.

.Quality Management Systems (QMS), including Proficiency Testing (PT)

• Support the implementation and coordination of PT schemes within NPHLs to ensure the accuracy and reliability of laboratory testing results.
• Facilitate the implementation of laboratory QMS, including adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs), and ensure the maintenance of accurate and traceable laboratory records, worksheets, logbooks, and run sheets.
• Support the conduct of internal audits, monitoring of quality indicators, root cause analysis, and implementation of corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) to drive continuous quality improvement.
• Assist in the verification, validation, and documentation of laboratory methods, assays, and diagnostic workflows in compliance with international quality standards, accreditation requirements, and regulatory guidelines.

Biosafety and biosecurity

• Adhere strictly to established biosafety and biosecurity policies, procedures, and regulations, including safe operation within Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) and Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) laboratory environments when handling high-consequence and emerging pathogens.
• Ensure the appropriate selection, use, maintenance, and disposal of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and other biosafety measures to minimize occupational and environmental risks.
• Support the implementation of biosafety and biosecurity practices, including risk assessments, specimen containment, secure handling, storage, and transport of infectious materials.
• Participate in laboratory incident management, including spill response, exposure investigations, incident reporting, and implementation of corrective actions to mitigate risks and prevent recurrence.
• Contribute to the promotion of a strong biosafety and biosecurity culture through compliance monitoring, staff awareness, and adherence to laboratory safety standards and guidelines.

.Training and capacity building

• Provide on-the-job training, coaching, and mentorship to laboratory personnel in advanced molecular diagnostics, genomic sequencing, bioinformatics, and pathogen genomics to strengthen technical competency and workforce development.
• Support the development, adaptation, and dissemination of training materials, standard operating procedures (SOPs), job aids, and competency assessment tools tailored to the local context and laboratory needs.
• Facilitate knowledge and skills transfer to enhance local ownership, build sustainable in-country expertise, and strengthen the long-term operational capacity of NPHLs.
• Support competency assessments and continuous professional development activities to ensure adherence to established laboratory quality, biosafety, and technical standards.
• Contribute to the establishment of a skilled and resilient laboratory workforce capable of supporting routine diagnostics and outbreak response activities.

Equipment and data management

• Operate, maintain, and troubleshoot advanced laboratory equipment, including nucleic acid extractors, real-time PCR platforms, biosafety cabinets, sequencers, and associated laboratory systems, in accordance with manufacturer recommendations and quality requirements.
• Support equipment performance monitoring, routine maintenance, calibration, qualification, and documentation to ensure optimal functionality and uninterrupted laboratory operations.
• Assist in the management of laboratory reagents, consumables, and supplies, including inventory monitoring, stock reconciliation, lot tracking, storage condition verification, and timely forecasting of procurement needs.
• Support the accurate recording, verification, analysis, and management of laboratory and sequencing data using Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and other approved digital platforms.
• Ensure the integrity, quality, confidentiality, security, and timely reporting of diagnostic and sequencing data in compliance with institutional policies, data governance requirements, and applicable regulations.

Expected results

• Improved turnaround time and quality of molecular diagnostic testing for priority pathogens, enabling timely detection and response to public health threats.
• Strengthened genomic surveillance capacity through enhanced sequencing, bioinformatics, and data analysis capabilities within NPHLs.
• Enhanced laboratory preparedness and response capacity for outbreaks and other public health emergencies.
• Increased compliance with QMS requirements, quality assurance standards, and accreditation frameworks.
• Improved technical competency and operational performance of laboratory personnel through targeted training and mentorship.
• Strengthened coordination and functionality of the referral system between NPHLs and the Africa CDC Reference Laboratory

Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience

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 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 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 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.

Required Skills

• 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.

Leadership Competencies

• Strategic Insight
• Developing Others
• Change Management
• Managing Risk:

Core Competencies

• Analytical Thinking and Problem Solving
• Communicating with impact:
• Continuous Improvement Awareness

Functional Competencies

• Conceptual Thinking
• Drive for Results

TENURE OF APPOINTMENT:

The Appointment will be until July 2027, of which the first three (3) months will be considered as a probationary period. Thereafter, the contract may be renewed subject to funding availability, satisfactory performance and agreed deliverables.

GENDER MAINSTREAMING:

Africa CDC is an equal opportunity employer and qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply.

LANGUAGES:

• Proficiency in one of the AU working languages (Arabic, English, French, Kiswahili, Portuguese, and Spanish) is mandatory and fluency in another AU language is an added advantage

.REMUNERATION:

The monthly salary attached to the position for P3 Step 5 inclusive of all allowances is indicated below:

APPLICATION INFORMATION

Applications must be submitted no later than November 7, 2026, 11:59 p.m. EAT

-Only candidates who meet all job requirements and are selected for interviews will be contacted.

-Consideration will be given only to those candidates who have submitted a fully completed online application with a curriculum vitae (CV), an African passport, and the required academic qualifications, such as Diplomas, Bachelor’s degrees, Master’s degrees and any relevant certificate in line with the area of expertise.

-The African Union is an equal opportunity employer, and female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

-Candidates from the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Republic of South Sudan are strongly encouraged to apply for this position  .