ROLE PROFILE:
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Job Title
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Specialist-Microbiologist
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Functional Area
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Technical and Supportive Supervision
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Reports To
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Deputy Team Lead Maharashtra
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Location
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Pune or Nagpur
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Travel Required
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50%
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Effective Date
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Aug 2026
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IHAT PURPOSE AND PRIORITIES:
India Health Action Trust was instituted in 2003 as a Charitable Trust with a vision to meaningfully impact the lives of vulnerable and marginalised people by addressing health and social inequities. The Trust is working towards reducing inequities by developing comprehensive and sustainable programmes to improve population health. Since its inception, IHAT has working closely with the Government of India and state governments, including Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Delhi and Bihar to achieve public health goals. Our work is focused in areas of prevention and control of HIV and Tuberculosis, in achieving significant improvements in Reproductive, Maternal, Neonatal and Child Health, improved Nutrition among mothers and children, and strengthening health systems. We use program science to optimise and scale public health programs while partnering with the governments and communities.
ROLE PURPOSE
India Health Action Trust (IHAT) is expanding its Diagnostic Network Optimization in the state of Maharashtra. This initiative aims to optimize the molecular diagnostic network, ensuring enhanced accessibility and efficient utilization of laboratories with molecular tests for early and accurate TB detection. The Technical Specialist–Microbiology will provide technical assistance to the State TB Cell for planning, deployment, quality assurance, capacity building and monitoring of existing & new TB diagnostics, including Culture and Drug Susceptibility Testing laboratories, molecular laboratories and other diagnostic facilities in the public and private sectors. In order to implement, IHAT is recruiting a team of 4-5 members in the state of Maharashtra. These positions require extensive travel within the state in intervention geographies. The team work closely in collaboration with state TB Officer and NHM under the guidance IHAT.
DIMENSIONS OF THE ROLE:
- To technically support the state in deployment of diagnostic services under NTEP in terms of formulation of SOPs & guidelines in line with national guidelines, planning of diagnostic activities, capacity building & monitoring of diagnostic services including C&DST labs, molecular labs & other diagnostic centres under NTEP in Public & Private sector.
- Support or provide assistance to team in laboratories assessment visits, gap analysis and report writing.
- Support the project team in preparation of specific training content related to specimen collection, testing, handling, transportation, and biosafety.
- Providing technical support across project district/testing sites as and when required including site visit/handholding/technical support for quality and efficient TB testing, QA, biosafety, biomedical waste management.
- Coordination with identified labs/hubs and identified participants for online course, webinars, and onsite/assisted trainings.
- Demonstrated knowledge and practical experience in TB molecular diagnostic technologies, including open and closed nucleic acid amplification testing platforms.
- Contribute and support actively the team towards improvising existing training materials and developing new material on lab related trainings including on equipment handling and maintenance.
- Contribute as a lab/site level facilitator for various lab related trainings as required.
- Compilation and analysis of data related to various project activities and support the preparation of the periodic reports.
- To support the state in deployment of new TB diagnostic modalities under NTEP in terms of support for infrastructure readiness, capacity building of staff, Monitoring of SOPs, data management etc
- Any other task assigned time to time.
QUALIFICATIONS and Experience
Experience:
- Essential Qualification Master's degree (M.Sc.) or higher in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, or Biotechnology, or a related life science discipline. MD Microbiology from recognized institute is a desired qualification.
- Relevant experience in molecular diagnostics in TB testing and COVID-19 RT-PCR laboratory.
- Three to four years of experience of working with national health programs (preferably with National TB Elimination Program).
- Experience of conducting lab assessments, developing training contents and conducting training
- Strong scientific background in microbiology, and competent with microbiology lab techniques, equipment, and data analysis.
- Shouldhavegoodcommunicationsskillsandbeproficientinbasiccomputer applicationslike Word,Excel,andPowerPoint. Havesoundknowledgeofdataanalysis,analyticalsoftware,andabilityto derive meaningfulinterpretation of the results in order to provide effective supervision. Candidate should possess working conversational abilities in local language (Marathi).
- Willingnesstotravel when requiredatshort notice.
Professional Development:
- Active membership in professional organizations to enhance knowledge and resources through networking, continuing education, and participation in state, regional, and local activities.
CRITICAL COMPETENCIES
Conceptual and Analytical Skills:
- Excellent technical knowledge in Infectious disease including TB diagnostics. Familiar with the organization and functions of the state and local public health systems.
- Work independently on complex projects and proactively manage project with minimal supervision.
- Experience in strengthening the programmatic capacity of an organization, particularly in infectious disease.
- Experience in developing innovative proposal will be added advantage.
Leadership and Management:
- Demonstrated leadership and managerial experience, preferably in a government setting.
- Experience building relationships and working with multi-disciplinary state and division level teams, Government officials and external partners.
Communication Skills
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, including strong presentation, persuasive ability, and report writing.
- Capacity to deliver complex messages to various audiences.
- Proven ability to conceptualize, analyze, innovate, plan and execute ideas.
KEY RELATIONSHIPS
Internal: Deputy Team Lead Maharashtra IHAT, Deputy Director TB, Program IHAT.
External: State, Regional & District Government, academic & research Institutions, other development partners.
IHAT’S VALUES IN PRACTICE
Community Centric: It is the communities we serve and the community at IHAT that drives us forward.
Think Sustainability: We believe in engaging with the government and communities to scale up and sustain positive outcomes
Scientific and Innovative: We relentlessly pursue scientific rigour and adapt our work in the face of new evidence. We encourage out of the box thinking and challenge ourselves to do better.
Interdisciplinary: We foster discussion, debate and deliberation across disciplines to arrive at the best possible solution.
LEVEL OF CONTACT WITH CHILDREN
Low Contact – Low frequency of interaction with children
Statement on IHAT's Commitment to Gender Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
IHAT is an equal opportunity organization. At IHAT, we are dedicated to fostering an environment that values and respects gender equality, diversity, and inclusion. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workplace is essential for driving innovation, creativity, and success. We are committed to ensuring that every individual, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic, is treated with dignity and respect.
Commitment to Safeguarding, Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSHEA), and Consent Seeking
IHAT is unwavering in its commitment to safeguarding all individuals associated with our work. We prioritize the safety and well-being of our employees, partners, and the communities we serve. We strictly adhere to policies and practices that protect against sexual exploitation and abuse and emphasize the importance of consent in all interactions.
Transfer of Commitment
As part of our Terms of Reference, IHAT requires that all hired agencies, partners and individuals uphold these same standards. This includes a firm commitment to safeguarding, protection from sexual exploitation and abuse (PSHEA), and consent seeking. We expect our partners, agencies and individuals working with us to sign into the required policies and integrate these principles into their operations, ensuring a safe and respectful environment for all.
HOW TO APPLY:
Candidates should visit https://www.ihat.in/vacancies/ page to submit their application. Only a complete application submitted through the online portal before the closing date will be considered.
We will be following a systematic selection process to fill this position based on experience, competency and suitability. Shortlisting for the posts will take place soon after the closing date. Only shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview. If you have not heard from us within fifteen weeks of the closing date, please assume that the current IHAT positions are unable to accommodate you at the moment. It is also not possible for us to provide you with specific feedback because of the volume of applications we receive.
IHAT does not charge any application, processing, training, interviewing, testing, or other fees in connection with the application or recruitment process. Should you receive a solicitation for the payment of a fee, please disregard the same.
Date of advertisement: 04-Aug-2026
Last date for Application: 17-Aug-2026