R -- Laboratory Services Coordinator

The Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is seeking applications from qualified applicants for a Laboratory Coordinator position located in Mutengene, Cameroon. The resultant contract shall be a Personal Services Contract (PSC). SOLICITATION NUMBER: 2006-N-08432 POSITION NUMBER: CM-PSC-01 ISSUANCE DATE: March 15, 2006 CLOSING DATE/TIME: March 30, 2006 at 10:00AM Eastern Standard Time POSITION TITLE: Laboratory Coordinator MARKET VALUE: $75,773 - $98,500 (PSC-13) Market Value: $75,773 - $98,500 basic salary (PSC-13), for U.S. citizens and permanent U.S. residents. Actual basic salary will be based on individual salary history, work experience, and educational background. Compensation for Third Country Nationals (individuals who are neither U.S. citizens/residents nor citizens/residents of the host country) shall be determined on a case-by-case basis based on a combination of country of citizenship or of permanent residence at time of recruitment, individual salary history, work experience, and educational background. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: 5 Years (1 Base Year and 4 Option Years) PLACE OF PERFORMANCE: Mutengene, Cameroon SECURITY CLEARANCE: Basic only (NACI check) AREA OF CONSIDERATION: United States Citizens and third country nationals. Citizens and permanent residents of the host country are not eligible for this position. Duties and Responsibilities: This position serves as the Laboratory Coordinator for the Cameroon CDC/Atlanta Collaboration HIV prevention research program with headquarters located in Mutengene, Southwest Province, Cameroon. This position supervises laboratory personnel at both Mutengene and Yaounde sites. Conceives and conducts independent research in diagnostic immunology and molecular virology within the framework of ongoing HIV epidemiologic studies. Evaluates new HIV diagnostic assays, and designs, implements, and evaluates diagnostic testing algorithms for use in Cameroon. Develops standardized laboratory procedures for the conduct of clinical trials, following Good Laboratory Practices. Provides technical assistance to the Ministry of Public Health in support of antiretroviral treatment programs and routine HIV surveillance. Develops and implements protocols for laboratory testing, quality assurance, and quality control for HIV program support. Supervises personnel at two laboratory sites. Responsible for the determination of laboratory goals and objectives, assignment of tasks and monitoring progress of laboratory staff at two sites. Provides supervision and mentorship to senior and junior laboratory staff on research techniques, protocols, and the scientific approach. Evaluates the performance of junior staff on regular basis, giving appropriate and meaningful recognition for work effectively carried out. Personnel supervised may consist of 5 locally employed staff, who are employed through Personal Service Agreements. Recording and publishing. Establishes record-keeping systems defining minimal standards needed to assure the accuracy and validity of test results. Facilitates preparation of clinical laboratory reports that meet professional standards and program requirements. Prepares and/or collaborates in the preparation of technical reports on the results of investigations and studies; presents papers on current findings at scientific meetings and conferences; and reviews reports or manuscripts of peers. Problem solving. Recognizes and defines problems and evaluates methods for solution. Evaluates, guides, or implements possible alternative approaches to standard methods. As a laboratory procedures expert, provides professional input into planning and programming exercises. Recommends changes in service provision or location of services. Develops professional positions on laboratory practices and procedures, and appropriate testing for studies and programs. Provides consultation to Director and other team members for issues involving technical laboratory practices and procedures. Provision of training: Trains CDC staff in new laboratory techniques. Organizes laboratory training sessions for other partners (Ministry of Public Health, nongovernmental organizations, academic trainees). Organizes internal and external forums for scientific exchange. Other duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications: 1. MD or PhD in biochemistry, molecular biology, virology, immunology, or other biological sciences 2. Minimum of five years post-doctoral experience in applied diagnosis and clinical monitoring of HIV infection at an internationally recognized research institution. 3. Knowledge of HIV research laboratory practices and their scientific basis. Ability to perform and understand complex molecular biology, diagnostic serology, and applied immunological techniques for the diagnosis and monitoring of HIV infection. Knowledge of ethical conduct of human subject research. Knowledge of safety procedures for working with biohazardous materials. Knowledge of computer data management. 4. Training in all techniques necessary to run a clinical diagnostic laboratory and provide research support in HIV molecular biology, virology, and immunology for HIV prevention trials. 5. Fluency in English (level 4) and French (level 3) 6. Ability to conceive and conduct applied HIV research as an independent investigator. Ability to stay abreast of current HIV research literature. Ability to provide consultation and quality assurance to HIV research laboratories within Cameroon and across Africa. Ability to communicate effectively in English and French in scientific settings. Working in consultation with architects and engineers, incumbent must possess ability to plan, design, and equip new laboratory facilities. Ability to plan and allocate human and material resources for laboratory activities in a developing country setting. Ability to foster a stimulating scientific working environment in a developing country setting. Ability to train and mentor junior scientists. Demonstrated persistence, flexibility and professionalism in the face of unexpected challenges. Desired Qualifications: 1. Certification in Good Laboratory Practices. 2. Certification by CLIA. Benefits/Allowances: Overseas allowances and differentials similar to those available to U.S. Government employees assigned abroad may be payable under this PSC, subject to eligibility. Actual benefits may vary from one candidate to the next and/or from one country of assignment to the next. A summary of the overseas allowances and differentials available to U.S. Government employees assigned abroad may be found at the following Internet URL: http://www.state.gov/m/a/als/4311.htm. Specific benefit, allowance, and differential information will be provided in the "Offer of PSC Employment" letter sent to the successful applicant. Additionally, country specific information useful for U.S. Government employees assigned abroad may be obtained from Department of State Post Reports available at the following Internet URL: http://foia.state.gov/MMS/postrpt/pr_view_start.asp and Travel Warnings concerning certain countries, in many of which CDC conducts its international program activities, may be obtained at the following Internet URL: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_1764.html. Federal Taxes: Personal Service Contractors who are either United States citizens or Permanent Resident Aliens (i.e., - green card holders) of the United States are not exempt from payment of Federal and, in some cases State, income taxes on salaries earned abroad while working for the U.S. Government. How to Apply: A complete application shall consist of a completed Optional Form 612 (Optional Application for Federal Employment) or resume or curriculum vitae that provides the same information required in a OF 612, as well as references, current (or highest recent) salary documentation, and Benefit Eligibility Form. Optional Form 612, Optional Application for Federal Employment: The Optional Form (OF) 612, Optional Application for Federal Employment, can be located at: http://www.opm.gov/Forms/html/of.asp. References: Each applicant shall submit three Professional references other than family members. Two references shall be from a current and previous supervisor. The following information is required: Name, Address, telephone Number, Title, and Email Address. Current (or Highest Recent) Salary Documentation: Each applicant shall submit supporting documentation that reflects their current or highest recent salary. Examples of such supporting documentation are the most recent earning statement, an official letter from current employer signed by the applicant's current supervisor or Human Resources Representative, or the applicant's most recent U.S. Federal tax return. Each applicant shall also include a letter indicating the minimum salary in U.S. dollars the applicant would accept for the position. Benefit Eligibility Form: Each applicant shall submit the attached Benefit Eligibility Form with the application. Submission of Application: A complete application package (OF 612 or equivalent, references, salary documentation, and Benefits Eligibility Form) must be received at the following location no later than the closing date and time identified above: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Procurement and Grants Office Mailstop K75, Branch 7 Attn: John Ebanks, Contract Specialist Solicitation 2006-N-08432 2920 Brandywine Road Atlanta, GA 30341-5539 Complete application packages may be emailed to the attention of John Ebanks at egz2@cdc.gov. Facsimile copies will not be accepted. Applications received after the closing date and time will not be accepted. Refer to Federal Acquisition Regulation 15.208 regarding submission of late proposals (http://www.acqnet.gov/far/current/html/Subpart%2015_2.html#wp1125227). All applications must be legible and submitted in the English language. The solicitation number identified above must be included on all documents submitted with the application package, as well as any other correspondence regarding this solicitation. Selection Factors: The applicant that represents the best value to the Government will be considered for award of this Personal Service Contract (PSC). To determine best value, the following factors will be considered: 1. The extent an applicant meets the minimum and desired qualifications based on information obtained through the application package and interviews. Note that interviews may or may not be conducted; therefore, the application package should clearly identify how well the applicant meets the minimum and desired qualifications of this position. Interviews, if conducted, may be either in-person or via telephone. 2. Information collected from reference checks. References will only be verified for those applicants determined to have a reasonable chance of being selected for award. 3. Results of a cost assessment. The cost assessment will determine the total cost (salary plus benefits and allowances) of the applicant for the complete term of the contract (base period plus any option years). In determining best value, paramount consideration shall be given to technical merit (applicant qualifications and reference checks) rather than to cost. In cases where applicants are determined to be essentially equal, then cost may become the determining factor. Attachment A BENEFIT ELIGIBILITY FOR PSC CANDIDATE A. City and State (or Country, if not in U.S.), of Current Residence: B. Attach Copy of Front Page of Most Recent Passport, Showing Citizenship, Name, and Date and Place of Birth. C. Family Members Accompanying You to Location of Contract Performance: - Spouse: - Children Under Age 18 at Time of Arrival - - How Many?: - Please list name and date of birth of each D. Annual Education Travel for Children Up to Age 23 at Time of Your Arrival at Location of Contract Performance Who Are Attending a Recognized Post-Secondary Educational Institution on a Full-Time Basis: - Children Before 23rd Birthday at Time of Arrival Attending a Recognized Post-Secondary Educational Institution on a Full-Time Basis - - How Many?: - Please list name and date of birth and city and state (or country, if not in U.S.) of location of educational institution for each: