TERMS OF REFERENCE
Position: Public Health Lab Specialist
Number of positions: 01
Duty station :New Delhi, with travel to project locations as required
Duration: 12 months; anticipated 1 October 2026 to 30 September 2027 (fixed-term consultancy)
Organization: Society for Health Allied Research and Education, Hyderabad (SHARE INDIA)
About SHARE INDIA
Society for Health Allied Research and Education, Hyderabad (SHARE INDIA) was formed and registered in 1986 as a research society and is recognized as a Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (SIRO) by the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India. SHARE INDIA works to strengthen health systems, improve access to quality health services, and build capacity for public health innovation and research. Its portfolio includes technical assistance to government institutions, workforce development, implementation support, and public health research undertaken with national and international partners.
About the BOLSTER Surveillance Project
Under the BOLSTER Surveillance Project, supported through collaboration with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), SHARE INDIA works with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), and other government partners to strengthen laboratory-based surveillance, diagnostic services, and outbreak detection and response. The project provides technical assistance to identified public health laboratories and supports development and adaptation of guidelines, standard operating procedures, technical tools, and training materials; laboratory quality systems; specimen referral; diagnostic readiness; data quality and reporting; workforce capacity-building; mentoring; and implementation support. Activities are undertaken in accordance with priorities identified jointly with relevant government stakeholders.
Purpose of the Position
The consultant will support CDC in standardizing laboratory confirmation and quality-assured data collection and reporting processes for priority diseases and syndromes across identified public health laboratories. The role is designed for a medically qualified candidate who can translate clinical, diagnostic, and surveillance requirements into clear, practical, and consistent laboratory workflows.
Scope of Work and Key Responsibilities
• Review applicable case definitions, testing algorithms, laboratory confirmation criteria, data collection tools, reporting formats, and national/state guidance for priority diseases and syndromes.
• Map the end-to-end workflow from patient/specimen identification through testing, validation, result authorization, data capture, reporting, escalation, and feedback.
• Support development of consensus-based workflow documents, flowcharts, checklists, data fields, job aids, and draft standard operating procedures for laboratory confirmation and quality-assured reporting.
• Help define minimum standards for specimen acceptance, test selection, result interpretation, data completeness, timeliness, validation, and correction of reporting errors.
• Prepare agendas, technical presentations, participant materials, group-work exercises, and discussion guides for technical consultations, workshops, and trainings.
• Coordinate with identified public health laboratories and other stakeholders and support documentation of technical discussions, decisions, action points, and areas requiring escalation.
• Incorporate stakeholder feedback and support finalization, dissemination, and adoption of standardized workflows across identified public health laboratories.
• Support orientation, mentoring, and collection of implementation feedback; maintain organized records of all versions, approvals, and communications.
• Submit concise progress updates and undertake project-related travel and other duties relevant to the assignment.
Qualifications and Experience
Essential
• MBBS/BDS + MPH degree from an institution recognized by the National Medical Commission or the relevant statutory authority.
• Valid registration with the appropriate medical council, where applicable.
• Sound understanding of clinical diagnosis, laboratory confirmation, and accurate clinical/public health documentation.
• No prior full-time professional experience is mandatory; recent graduates who demonstrate strong technical writing and analytical ability are eligible to apply.
Desirable
• Clinical, internship, residency, laboratory, surveillance, research, or public health exposure.
• Familiarity with infectious disease case definitions, diagnostic pathways, data quality, or government health programs.
Required Skills and Competencies
• Strong analytical reasoning and the ability to convert technical discussions into clear, implementable documents.
• Excellent written and spoken English; working knowledge of Hindi is desirable.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint and in structured literature/information searches.
• Attention to detail, professional judgement, teamwork, responsiveness, and ability to meet time-bound deliverables.
Reporting, Coordination and Travel
Each selected consultant will report to the Program Lead/Project Director, SHARE INDIA, with technical coordination with CDC. Regular progress updates and timely submission of agreed outputs will be required. The consultant will coordinate with relevant project, government, laboratory, and technical counterparts as applicable. Travel within India may be required for consultations, assessments, trainings, mentoring visits, and implementation reviews.
Contract Period and Remuneration
This is a full-time, fixed-term consultancy engagement for an anticipated period of 12 months, up to 30 September 2027. Continuation throughout the stated period will be subject to satisfactory performance, project requirements, and availability of funds. The engagement does not imply automatic renewal beyond the stated end date.
Remuneration will be competitive and commensurate with the selected candidate's qualifications, relevant experience, and last drawn remuneration, in accordance with SHARE INDIA policies.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should send an updated curriculum vitae and a concise cover letter explaining their suitability for the position to hr@shareindia.org. The email subject line should use “Application for Consultant - Laboratory Confirmation and Data Workflows”. The application deadline and any additional submission requirements will be as specified in the vacancy announcement. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Last date for receipt of applications: September 22, 2026.
Additional Note
SHARE INDIA is an equal opportunity organization. Selection will be based on merit and suitability for the assignment. Canvassing in any form may result in disqualification.