Designation : Sr Surveillance Specialist – Stop TB
Location : New Delhi
No. of Vacancies: 1
Qualification : Master’s degree in Public Health / Epidemiology / Biostatistics / Demography / Data
Science / Health Informatics or related field
Additional training/certification in epidemiology, surveillance, or data analytics will be an advantage
Application process: Candidates interested in the role may apply with their updated resumes by filling out the application form here: https://forms.gle/DbCnhH1uSwwk3p377
Project Brief:
This project, implemented by PSMRI in partnership with the STOP TB Partnership and supported through the U.S. Department of State, aims to strengthen tuberculosis (TB) detection and linkage to treatment among underserved tribal populations across India. Phase 1 of the initiative will screen approximately 2 million people across 24 districts in 8 highburden states using 150 mobile screening teams equipped with AI-enabled portable digital X-ray and molecular diagnostic tools. The project will deploy a large field workforce supported by strong monitoring and program management structures to ensure quality, speed, and accountability. The following role contributes to this effort by supporting community screening, diagnostics, coordination, monitoring, and linkage to TB treatment under the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP).
Role Overview:
The Senior Surveillance Specialist – TB will lead the design, strengthening, and operationalization of TB surveillance systems at the national level. The role will ensure real-time, high-quality, case-based surveillance, enabling early detection of TB hotspots, outbreaks, and programmatic gaps, while aligning with National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) and leveraging digital platforms like Ni-kshay and other AI-enabled tools. The role will play a critical function in integrating active surveillance with program strategy, RMLE systems, and outbreak response, particularly in high-burden and tribal geographies.
Role & Responsibilities:
• Lead development and strengthening of national TB surveillance strategy and frameworks aligned with NTEP
• Develop methodologies for: o Hotspot identification and micro-prioritization (village/block level) o Detection of high TB burden clusters and underserved populations o Identification of rising DR-TB trends and diagnostic gaps
• Generate and convey evidence to strengthening of the already existing digital tools and leverage them for predictive analytics for surveillance insights
• Develop and operationalize TB outbreak definitions, protocols, and response frameworks
• Lead surveillance inputs for outbreak investigations, including:
o Household and community clustering
o Drug-resistant TB clusters
• Guide implementation of advanced surveillance approaches, including:
o Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) for strain tracking
o Cluster analysis for transmission dynamics
• Work closely with RMLE team to: o Ensure data quality, triangulation, and validation
o Integrate surveillance data into M&E frameworks and dashboards
• Translate surveillance findings into:
o Programmatic recommendations
o Strategic inputs for program design and scale-up
• Promote adoption of innovative diagnostics and data capture tools
• Build capacity of state surveillance specialists, RMLE teams, and program staff on: o Surveillance systems and tools o Data analysis and interpretation o Use of dashboards and digital platforms
• Develop guidelines, SOPs, and training materials for surveillance strengthening
• Provide technical assistance to Central TB Division, State TB Cells, and partners
• Translate complex data into clear, actionable insights for the project
• Develop good quality research concept notes, proposals based on needs of the organization, community along with adequate review of academic and non-academic literature.
• Plan, develop and implement research studies in collaboration with partners.
• Technically assess quality of proposals, data collection, data analysis and lead research manuscript preparations.
• Any other specific task assigned by the organisation, as required.
Essential Experience & Skills:
• Minimum 10-12 years of experience in public health programs, with strong focus on:
• Disease surveillance systems
• TB or other communicable diseases
• Demonstrated experience working with or supporting National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) or similar largescale national health programs
• Experience in design and management of surveillance systems at National/state level
• Experience in working with government stakeholders, especially at national level (CTD, NHM, ICMR)
• Experience in donor-funded, multi-state programs and large-scale field implementations
• Proven experience in data-driven program management and integration with M&E systems
• Experience in operational research, outbreak investigations, or epidemiological studies
• Strong understanding of:
• TB epidemiology, transmission dynamics, and DR-TB challenges
• Surveillance systems and case-based reporting platforms (e.g., Ni-kshay)
Expertise in:
• Data analysis tools (SPSS, Stata, R, Python or equivalent)
• Data visualization and dashboarding tools
• GIS-based mapping and hotspot analysis (desirable)
Knowledge of:
• Evaluation methodologies (quantitative, qualitative, mixed methods)
• AI/ML applications in public health surveillance
• Fluency in English and Hindi (reading, writing & oratory skills) is a prerequisite. Knowledge of other languages spoken in India would be an asset;
• Ability to effectively communicate, network and negotiate with a diverse range of stakeholders (internal and external), to achieve program objectives;
• Ability to work independently and good problem-solving skills;
• Ability to seamlessly multitask in a fast-paced environment, set priorities, and meet deadlines;
• Should be a team player with strong training & mentoring skills.
Desirable Experience:
• Experience in Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS), advanced epidemiological modelling, or outbreak analytic
• Proven experience in working with tribal communities or in rural/underserved areas, with a particular focus on youth or students.
• Experience working with multi-stakeholder groups, including government agencies, NGOs, and local community leaders.
Essential Skills:
• Strong facilitation and communication skills (Hindi & English).
• Ability to work in ambiguous and complex environments.
• People and performance management skills.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving ability.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and government liaison skills.
• Data driven decision-making capability.
Core Values:
Knowledge
• Expertise – we strive for a deeper understanding of our domain
• Innovation – we aspire to do things creatively
Action
• Entrepreneurship – we are empowered to act decisively and create value
• Integrity – we are consistent in our thoughts, speech and action
Care
• Trusteeship – we protect the interests of our customers, community, employees, partners and shareholders
• Humility – we aspire to be the best, yet strive to be humble
Travel: Low to Medium travel to various intervention districts/states