Laboratory Scientist

Location: National Capital District, Papua New Guinea

Industry: Non Government Organisations (NGOs), Medical and Healthcare, Health

Job ID: #29244

Date Posted: 12th November 2026

Source: www.pngworkforce.com

With more than 40 years of experience working in PNG, World Vision Papua New Guinea (WVPNG) focuses on helping the most vulnerable children and adults experience fullness of life. Inspired by our Christian faith, WVPNG has an exciting opportunity for someone who maybe looking for a change and wants to become part of a dynamic team helping vulnerable people and communities.

World Vision Papua New Guinea (WVPNG) has exciting opportunity for those of you who want a change and want to become part of a dynamic team. We are currently looking for suitable, qualified, experienced, and highly motivated professional to fill the Laboratory Scientist role to be based in Port Moresby, National Capital District.

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

Under the Papua New Guinea Department of Health, the Central Public Health Laboratory (CPHL) supports communicable disease prevention through the provision of laboratory diagnostic services and surveillance of key pathogens. This position will be embedded in the Public Health Microbiology Unit at CPHL and will support national antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance activities.

The Doherty Institute has an established Strategic Partnership with the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) Centre for Health Security to support infectious diseases surveillance and response across the Asia-Pacific region. Under the Strategic Partnership, the Doherty Institute have partnered with the Port Moresby General Hospital and the Central Public Health Laboratory to implement key activities. This position will be funded through the Strategic Partnership and support the implementation of the COMBAT-AMR project under the Strategic Partnership and the partnership with World Vision Papua New Guinea TB/HIV/GF Portfolio to administratively support the recruitment and matrix reporting of the selectee.

MAJOR ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Be responsible for laboratory testing of routine food and water samples, and samples collected in response to waterborne, foodborne and diarrhoeal outbreaks.
• Contribute to national AMR surveillance reference testing, including performing confirmatory testing, supporting biorepository management and coordinating external quality assessment programs for microbiology laboratories, under the direction of the Team Leader.
• Monitor the quality and flow of samples from clients and surveillance sites, and liaise with counterparts to rectify any issues with quality of samples as required.
• Ensure proper storage of samples at the Public Health Microbiology laboratory and support the shipment of samples to other reference laboratories as required.
• Manage and analyse microbiology data generated by the Public Health Microbiology laboratory and collected from other surveillance sites, including the preparation of national surveillance reports and datasets for submission to global surveillance systems.
• Support microbiology testing of samples collected for research activities and management of associated data, under the direction of the Team Leader.
• Identify, quantify, and map appropriate resources required for laboratory testing, actively participate in technical evaluation for laboratory equipment, reagents and consumables when required.
• Ensure client confidentiality and good customer service practice while adhering to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and laboratory policies.
• Assist with coordination of external quality assurance programs for microbiology laboratories across Papua New Guinea, under the direction of the Team Leader.

• Develop and maintain proactive and productive working relationships with both internal and external stakeholders
• Communicate information as appropriate with relevant team members for optimal project management
• Participate in team activities and meetings demonstrate respect and consideration for individual experience and expertise.
• Engage in continuous learning and contribute positively to a collaborative and respectful working environment aligned with the culture and values of CPHL and the Doherty Institute
• Compliance to WVI compliance training and reporting requirement and work ethics.

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATION/SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE

• At least two (2) years of working experience in a public health laboratory with two (2) years working at Biosafety Level 2 or above with experience in microbiology.
• Bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science, with proven experience in public health laboratory and microbiology.
• Working knowledge of sterile laboratory techniques and sample handling.
• Sound knowledge of a Laboratory Quality Management System or similar including workplace and safety standards and risk management in a laboratory environment.
• Computer literate with excellent command of Microsoft Windows and the Microsoft Office Suite of programs/applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.)
• Excellent skills in data analysis and similar statistical analysis packages.
• Good analytical skills with attention to detail when analysing data and contributing to solutions to complex problems.
• Ability to manage resources during emergency situations such as disease outbreaks, pandemics, and natural disasters.
• Ability to work under pressure to deliver high-quality and timely results and information.
• Ability to work as a team with diverse cultural backgrounds.
• The position might require traveling
• Be available to work weekends and on short notice.
• Physically fit with no underlying medical conditions.
• Speak and write good English

A competitive salary, benefits, and career development opportunity will be offered commensurate with relevant experience, knowledge, and qualifications.

Interested applicants should submit the following documents all in one PDF file before; Thursday 26 November, 2026, 11:59 PM (PNG Time)

• Expression of interest
• Detailed CV
• Valid Police & Medical Clearance Certificate

Note: This is a National Role and we encourage qualified Nationals that fit the criteria above to apply.

World Vision is committed to the principles of workplace diversity. Qualified women and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

World Vision is committed to safeguarding all children and adults living where World Vision operates. We enforce a zero tolerance policy for any forms of violence, abuse and exploitation against children or adults, either by employees or others affiliated with our work. We do not employ staff whose background is not aligned with our safe guarding practices. Employment is conditional upon successful completion of all mandatory background checks, including criminal record checks, where required.

We appreciate the time it takes to prepare your application. Please note that only short-listed candidates suitable for interviews will be contacted. If you do not hear from World Vision within two (2) weeks of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.

Applicant Types Accepted:

Local Applicants only