Africa-Based Biosafety, Biosecurity & Laboratory Systems Consultant

About the role

SciLore, LLC is seeking experienced Africa‑based consultants to provide biosafety, biosecurity and laboratory systems expertise for global health security programs across the continent. The role involves short‑term technical assistance, assessments, training and mentorship for national and sub‑national health institutions.

Key responsibilities

• Conduct biosafety, biosecurity and biorisk management assessments, laboratory walkthroughs and gap analyses.
• Evaluate laboratory practices, equipment, specimen handling, decontamination, waste management and occupational health safety.
• Assess biosecurity systems including access control, secure storage, inventory accountability and incident management.
• Translate findings into prioritized recommendations, corrective action plans and high‑quality reports.
• Develop and review BSS policies, SOPs, risk assessments, technical guidance and tools.
• Design and deliver BSS training, training‑of‑trainers, mentoring and competency‑based capacity strengthening.
• Support safe implementation of PCR, molecular diagnostic workflows and decentralized platforms such as GeneXpert.
• Assist preparedness and response activities for Ebola, viral hemorrhagic fevers and other high‑consequence pathogens.

Required profile

• 7–10+ years of professional experience in biosafety, biosecurity, biorisk management or laboratory systems.
• Demonstrated experience conducting laboratory assessments and producing actionable reports.
• Familiarity with international standards such as ISO 35001, WHO Laboratory Biosafety Manual (4th ed.) and CDC/NIH BMBL.
• Experience working with molecular diagnostics, PCR workflows and GeneXpert or similar platforms.
• Strong technical writing, training and stakeholder‑engagement abilities.
• Professional proficiency in English and/or French; additional regional languages are a plus.
• Willingness and ability to travel within Africa for short‑term assignments.

Required skills

• Biosafety and biosecurity assessments
• Risk assessment and biorisk management
• ISO 35001 implementation
• WHO Laboratory Biosafety Manual application
• CDC/NIH BMBL compliance
• IATA infectious substance transport regulations
• PCR workflow safety
• GeneXpert platform operation
• Development of SOPs, policies and technical guidance
• Technical writing and report preparation
• Design and delivery of training‑of‑trainers