Informatics Specialist Association of Public Health Laboratories

Background

The Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) (www.aphl.org) works to strengthen laboratory systems serving the public’s health in the United States and globally.

Through a cooperative agreement with the United States of America (US) Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), APHL is supporting the Ministry of Health (MoH) to strengthen the laboratories system in Zambia. An important aspect of this support is to establish and improve health information systems that are relevant to the laboratories and ensure there is built capacity for these systems within the MoH.

The Informatics Specialist will support APHL in meeting the Global Public Health Digital Innovation (GPHDI) project objectives as well as aligning these with the MoH goals.

The successful candidate will serve as a full-time contracted employee to APHL through September 29, 2023, with a 12-month renewal subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funds. APHL Headquarters is in Silver Spring, Maryland. This is a local Staff position located in Lusaka, Zambia.

Scope

APHL is seeking an Informatics Specialist with a background in computer science or other related computing field. The scope of work will primarily be to create data models and visualizations, with the associated infrastructure and architecture planning. The desired candidate should have strong data analytics experience, strong customer support orientation, and apt project management skills, preferably in health informatics contexts. The candidate will in addition demonstrate excellent communication and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

The Informatics Specialist will report to the APHL Informatics Program Coordinator, Zambia.

• Collaborate with program managers, and other stakeholders to identify and define user requirements, technical specifications, and process workflow provided and implement configurations for LIMS functionality, that will ensure high-quality data.
• Analyzing information to recommend and plan the installation of new information systems or modifications of existing information systems.
• Establish appropriate methodologies, processes, and standards for data sharing.
• Lead the development of information products for decision-makers (Dashboards) to generate data-driven actionable insights.
• Lead the development of standard-based system integration with external systems as directed by MoH, CDC, or other stakeholders with the approval of APHL’s Informatics team.
• Keep up to date with emerging trends and technologies in data analytics.
• Implement source code version control using appropriate source code version control tools.
• User support, training/orientation on existing and new systems developed.

Minimum Qualifications

Required:

•  Degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, Information Technology, or related discipline.
• At least 3 years of experience in a strong data analytics/software development environment
• Understanding of software development methodologies, programming languages, and software architecture principles.
• Must understand data analytics/software engineering concepts, with proficiency in any of the following: relational and NoSQL databases, Microsoft.Net, PHP, Python, C#, Java, Web development frameworks, and front-end languages and libraries.
• Understand the MVC framework and its components.
• Experience deploying and maintaining software on Windows and Linux servers; including cloud platforms.
• Experience developing and working with REST APIs
• Experience in leading software development projects from inception to final delivery.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Working experience in mobile app programming

Preferred:

• Knowledge of Health Information Exchange Architecture
• Experience in Health Information Interoperability using prevailing standards; FHIR, HL7
• Knowledge and experience with public health programs in Zambia

The duties and responsibilities may be assigned as required. The Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) reserves the right to amend or change this position description to meet the needs of its programs.

This position full-time in-person position is Lusaka, Zambia and is not eligible for relocation cost reimbursement. Work authorization in Zambia is required.

The closing date for receiving applications is 21st July 2023

APHL is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, veteran status, disability, age, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.