TITLE: Microbiologist

Number of positions 5 positions

REPORT TO TB Laboratory Systems Advisor

Location Divisional Level, Bangladesh

Project Status Anticipated

FHI 360 is a nonprofit human development organization dedicated to improving lives in lasting ways by advancing integrated, locally driven solutions. Our staff includes experts in health, education, nutrition, environment, economic development, youth, research, technology, communication, and social marketing—creating a unique mix of capabilities to address today’s interrelated development challenges. FHI 360 serves more than 70 countries and all US states and territories.

FHI 360 has worked in Bangladesh for more than 45 years. Since 1975, we have taken a comprehensive approach to help transform the country’s health and development landscape. Leveraging a blend of global expertise and local insights, we have consistently strengthened community capacities, enhanced systems, and reinforced institutional frameworks for a sustainable impact. In partnership with the Government of Bangladesh, civil society, academia, and the private sector, FHI 360 Bangladesh delivers integrated programs across critical sectors. Our initiatives have spanned essential health services—including HIV and nutrition, tuberculosis, global health security, and economic participation.

We are currently seeking qualified candidates for the position of Microbiologist for an upcoming TB diagnostic network strengthening opportunity in Bangladesh. This position is contingent upon award and will be based in Regional TB Reference Laboratories (RTRLs), Bangladesh.

Project Description

The proposed Strengthening Locally led TB Diagnostic Network in Bangladesh to Prevent Global Transmission project will contribute to a sustainable, resilient, and locally-led tuberculosis laboratory network that addresses critical diagnostic access gaps, quality assurance challenges, workforce capacity constraints, supply chain disruptions, and reporting gaps; improving specimen referral, enhancing digital interoperability, improving equipment uptime, and enhancing the capacity for advanced DST testing to enhance the country's ability to swiftly detect and control tuberculosis, reduce the risk of disease transmission, and bolsters global health security.

Position Summary

Under the supervision of the TB Laboratory Systems Advisor, five Microbiologist will work closely with the technical team to ensure project technical deliverables are implemented in a timely manner. They will be responsible for providing technical assistance and systems strengthening interventions at the sub-national level. The work will focus primarily on public health systems but may also include private health and other non-governmental diagnostic facilities (laboratories and point-of-care facilities). The position will be based in RTRLs and will involve frequent in-country travel.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide technical oversight and hands-on support for TB diagnostic services including molecular tests (e.g., GeneXpert, LPA), culture, and drug susceptibility testing (DST) as applicable
• Ensure implementation and maintenance of Quality Management Systems (QMS) in line with national standards, SLMTA/SLIPTA, and ISO 15189 principles
• Monitor routine laboratory performance indicators (test volumes, turnaround time, error rates, contamination rates, EQA performance) and support corrective actions
• Support preparation, distribution, and monitoring of External Quality Assessment (EQA) panels for peripheral and molecular WRD sites
• Conduct regular supportive supervision and mentoring visits to spoke and linked laboratories within the RTRL network
• Identify nonconformities during supervision and audits, document findings, and support development and follow-up of Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) plans
• Strengthen sample referral and transportation systems from peripheral laboratories to RTRLs, ensuring proper packaging, biosafety, and timely reporting
• Ensure biosafety and biosecurity practices are followed according to national and international guidelines
• Work collaboratively with other technical staff on the development and implementation of the project workplans.
• Support laboratory data reporting through eLMIS/dashboard systems and promote data-driven decision-making
• Maintain proper documentation including SOPs, QC logs, equipment maintenance records, and inventory registers
• Coordinate with National TB Reference Laboratory (NTRL), MBDC, and project technical teams on laboratory network issues and improvements
• Support training and on-the-job coaching of laboratory staff on TB diagnostics, QMS, biosafety, and data management
• Assist in readiness and implementation activities for advanced diagnostics (e.g., tNGS where applicable)
• Ensure timely communication of test results to clinicians and TB program staff
• Participate in NTBLWG and relevant technical meetings as required
• Contribute to periodic technical reports and performance summaries for project monitoring
• Work closely with the project team to define and adjust annual work plans as well as implementing technical activities.
• Conduct other work as assigned by the supervisor.

Minimum Requirements

• A minimum of a BSc in clinical diagnostics or an equivalent with a specialty in microbiology with a strong focus on TB.
• At least four years of direct experience in TB diagnostic network strengthening and laboratory capacity strengthening in the country.
• Demonstrated competency in current diagnostic methods for TB.
• Knowledge and experience of strengthening laboratories to achieve international quality standards. (OJ1)
• Fluency in written and spoken English.
• Experience working in Bangladesh
• Willingness and ability to travel a minimum of 50% within Bangladesh and perform other travel as needed.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work and are subject to modification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with the job.

FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. FHI 360 is committed to providing equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or status as a veteran with respect to policies, p

This job posting summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.

FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer whereby we do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.

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