Lead Specialist: Blood Lead Testing - Association of Public Health Laboratories

Position Summary

The Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) is seeking a Lead Specialist with experience in laboratory sciences, specifically in toxicology and/or clinical chemistry, as it relates to testing for metals in biological samples. The scope may include private laboratories and other healthcare facilities that are engaged in diagnostic and surveillance testing. The scope of work will primarily focus on supporting the CDC Foundation, APHL-Ghana, and APHL-HQ.

The Lead Specialist will work closely with the APHL Ghana Country Director to liaise with the CDC Foundation, Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, and other collaborating partners in Ghana and implement agreed-upon strategies to enhance the public health laboratory network and improve overall surveillance systems. The Lead Specialist will have a strong understanding of the laboratory systems in Ghana with relevant experience and excellent communication (English) and organizational skills.

The Lead Specialist will support the APHL laboratory systems strengthening work in Ghana. This project is funded through a grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Foundation (CDC Foundation). This work will be a multi-year project aimed at obtaining buy-in from relevant stakeholders and establishing testing capacity for blood lead level testing in diverse populations across the country.

The Lead Specialist will work closely with APHL-HQ and the APHL-Ghana office, as well as other supporting partners on this project, and with the Ministry of Health (MoH) and the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation (MESTI).

This position is based in Ghana and will support activities including capacity assessment, sample collection and testing coordination, strategic planning, laboratory leadership, workforce development, sample referral and transportation, data management, quality management systems, and other laboratory testing activities. Ideal candidates will possess an advanced degree and extensive laboratory work experience in Ghana, with expertise in clinical chemistry, toxicology, and work with mass spectrometry and atomic absorption spectrometry instruments.

This position will serve as a full-time APHL staff member from January 1, 2026 through November 30, 2026, with renewal contingent upon satisfactory performance and the availability of funds. This position requires travel within Ghana and may involve occasional international travel.

APHL (www.aphl.org) works to strengthen laboratory systems serving the public’s health in the U.S. and globally. APHL’s member laboratories protect the public’s health by monitoring and detecting infectious and foodborne diseases, environmental contaminants, terrorist agents, genetic disorders in newborns and other diverse health threats.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Support the APHL Ghana Country Director in providing technical assistance in designing, implementing, and monitoring strategies to strengthen the public health laboratory network, aligned with the national laboratory strategic plan.
• Provide laboratory training and mentorship on toxicology as it relates to blood lead level surveillance throughout the country.
• Conduct assessments of the laboratories and assess readiness and capabilities to perform this testing.
• Contribute to staff skills development and knowledge gain by individual and group teaching and training, especially in blood lead testing and the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Support procurement of laboratory equipment, supplies, and quality assurance materials.
• Support for twinning programs between in-country stakeholders and U.S. public health laboratories.
• Support implementation of public health laboratory network enhancement activities, including, but not limited to, sample referral and transport mechanisms, quality management systems, data management, workforce development, and biosafety and biosecurity.
• Represent APHL at national and regional meetings (as appropriate).
• Coordinate and work with diverse groups or organizations and stakeholders, including MoH, MESTI, laboratory leaders, and laboratory facility staff, international development organizations, APHL HQ, and CDC Foundation.
• Preparation and/or review of monthly reports to stakeholders.
• Other duties as assigned and requested by APHL Ghana Country Director.

The duties and responsibilities listed in this job description are illustrative ones anticipated for this position. Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned as required. Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) reserves the right to amend or change this job description to meet the needs of its programs. This job description and any attachments do not constitute or represent a contract.

Required Skills or Experience

Employment Standards- Education and Experience

• Advanced degree in medical laboratory science or toxicology. A graduate degree in medical laboratory science or toxicology is preferred. Six years plus experience in clinical diagnostic testing or research labs.
• Demonstrated interest in metals analysis in biological samples.
• Demonstrated interest in and an appreciation for quality laboratory service and strong QMS knowledge, skills, and experience.
• Experience/knowledge strengthening laboratories to achieve international quality standards.
• Experience engaging with stakeholders and performing training and stakeholder meetings.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and collaboratively within a team and across multiple partners.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent work record that shows self-motivation.
• Skilled in the use of Microsoft Office software (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Ability to travel within Ghana to work for short-term (1-2 week) assignments at laboratories outside commuting distance to home.
• Ability to travel internationally to work for a short term of 2-4 weeks for training purposes.
• Fluent in written and spoken English.

Preferred

• Knowledge and experience within public health programs in Ghana.
• Experience working with grants and programs preferred.

Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned as required. APHL reserves the right to amend or change this position description to meet the needs of its programs.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge

• Knowledge of and experience in blood lead testing in diverse populations (pediatric and adult, as well as those in high occupational risk groups).
• Knowledge of laboratory information systems, including but not limited to electronic systems.
• Knowledge of laboratory networks and quality management systems.
• Knowledge of sample management and transport systems within Ghana.

Preferred

• Familiarity with analytical chemistry platforms, such as ICP-MS, Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (GFAAS), and point-of-care testing, like LeadCare II.
• Familiarity with developing and leading in-person and virtual training on laboratory techniques.
• Knowledge of general laboratory quality management systems practice.

Skills

• Synthesize information and translate it into action.
• Skilled in laboratory techniques, including toxicology and clinical chemistry for metals, quality management system, accreditation, mentorship, publications/ manuscript development, strong verbal communication, and presentation skills are required (English).

Abilities

• Ability to maintain an approachable attitude, act consistently, and provide realistic advice in the context of resources.
• Ability to effectively engage and collaborate with partners and stakeholders with varying priorities.
• Ability to work with stakeholders to prioritize the needs and guide the planning process.

Work Environment

Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations will be made for known physical or mental limitations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a colleague to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations will be made for known physical or mental limitations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.

During the job, the colleague may need to sit for extended periods, use a computer keyboard to type, read information visually, and communicate orally through a computer monitor.

Salary: $70,000

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