Laboratory Specialist
Whether managing a hospital laboratory to screen for tuberculosis, or training local staff to test people for sleeping sickness in temporary outdoor clinics, the team often cannot function without the expertise of the biomedical scientist.
Responsibilities
As a laboratory specialist working with Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), you will support existing government health structures (hospitals and clinics) or work within MSF health centres. You are responsible for: laboratory and staff management; implementation of locally hired staff laboratory training programs; ordering and distribution of laboratory supplies; data collection and quality control of laboratory testing.
Requirements
- Current medical laboratory technologist certification, with Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science and provincial license as required
- Minimum two years post-qualification work experience
- Experience or familiarity with:
- hematology
- microbiology
- parasitology
- tuberculosis
- blood banks
- malaria
- HIV and hepatitis testing
- sexually transmitted infections
- Knowledge and ability in techniques of sample taking (blood, stool, sputum)
- Knowledge of all basic laboratory techniques
- Knowledge of laboratory testing quality control methods
- Fluency in English and French (Intermediate+, minimum level B2 in both). Refer to this evaluation grid . Other languages such as Spanish, Arabic, and Portuguese are valued, but not required.
- Relevant travel or work experience in contexts similar to where MSF works (armed conflicts, disasters, public health emergencies or situations of healthcare exclusion)
- Available to work six to 12 months
Assets
- Experience using laboratory software packages, and carrying out surveys
MSF Core Competencies
- Behaviour flexibility: Level 2
- Adapts behaviour to the needs of the situation
- Teamwork and cooperation: Level 2
- Shares information and coordinates with team and others
- Result and quality orientation: Level 2
- Works towards objectives, preserving established standards
- Commitment to MSF principles: Level 1
- Demonstrates knowledge of and accepts MSF’s principles
- People management: Level 2
- Gives feedback and sets limits
- Cross-cultural awareness: Level 3
- Demonstrates an integrating attitude
- Stress management: Level 2
- Manages own stress
- Understanding of equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI): Level 1
- Familiarity with EDI concepts and their application in a humanitarian context
Familiarity with EDI concepts and their application in a humanitarian context
To find out more about MSF core competencies, please look here.
You can find a comprehensive view of MSF career paths here.
Before you apply
As you consider applying to undertake an MSF assignment, it is essential that you have a well-informed and realistic personal reflection. Assignments often mean long hours with a heavy workload, basic living conditions, and working and living in often chaotic and volatile environments.
Security and Safety
Because Doctors Without Borders’ purpose is to bring medical assistance to people in distress, the work may occur in settings of active conflict, or in post-conflict environments, in which there are inherent risks, potential danger and ongoing threats to safety and security. MSF acknowledges that it is impossible to exclude all risks, but it does its utmost as an organization to mitigate and manage these risks through strict and comprehensive security protocols.
Please watch this video for information on how MSF manages security.
International staff will be fully informed of the risk associated with a potential assignment before accepting a particular posting. Working for MSF is a deeply personal choice; individuals must determine for themselves the level of risk and the circumstances in which they feel comfortable, based on a full and transparent understanding of the possibilities they may face. Once in the assignment, all MSF staff must strictly observe security rules and regulations; failure to do so may result in dismissal.
Terms of Employment
MSF staff are employees with a salary and benefits. See more information on the terms of employment.
MSF encourages the completion of multiple assignments. There are many possibilities for professional growth within the organization, into the medical, non-medical and coordination streams. For more information on learning and development as well as career opportunities with MSF, see our FAQ.
Final Thoughts
As you consider applying to undertake an MSF assignment, is it essential that you have a well-informed and realistic personal reflection. Assignments often mean long hours with a heavy workload, basic living conditions, and working and living in often chaotic and volatile environments.
Despite such challenges, thousands of people have worked with MSF over the years and found their experiences in the field to be deeply rewarding, even life-changing. More than anything else, being an MSF international worker means acting in solidarity with people facing unimaginable medical challenges. Your presence alongside people in times of need sends a profoundly meaningful and human message: “You are not forgotten.”
Please note that occasional technical problems occur with certain browsers (Chrome, Safari, etc.). If you do not receive an email acknowledging receipt of your application, please re-apply with a different browser. If the problem persists, please contact applications@msf.ca mentioning the date and role you applied for.
The number openings for this role are very low at the moment.
STEP 1 - REQUIREMENTS CHECK
Answer all our requirement questions below:
STEP 2 - APPLICATION FORM
Please upload your CV in PDF format and reply to the questions below instead of submitting a cover letter.