Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) Specialist

Job ID

2026-7684

Location

RW-Kigali

Category

Local

Employment Status

Full-Time

Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) is a strategic priority of the Ministry of Health of Rwanda, formalized through the National Genomic Strategy (2025–2029) developed by the Ministry of Health through the Rwanda Biomedical Center (RBC). The strategy positions pathogen genomics as a core pillar of epidemic preparedness and response within a One Health framework, with a clear focus on strengthening laboratory systems, building a skilled workforce, institutionalizing quality management systems, and ensuring the routine use of genomic data to inform public health decision-making.

Reaching Impact, Saturation, and Epidemic Control (RISE) is a U.S. Government–funded project implemented in Rwanda by Jhpiego, an affiliate of Johns Hopkins University, in close collaboration with the Ministry of Health through RBC. The RISE Global Health Security component supports national efforts to strengthen end-to-end surveillance, laboratory systems, and epidemic preparedness. Within this framework, RISE contributes to the operationalization of the National Genomic Strategy by strengthening genomic sequencing and bioinformatics capacity at the National Reference Laboratory (NRL), supporting genomic workforce development, and integrating genomic intelligence into national surveillance and response systems.

To support the delivery of these activities, Jhpiego seeks to recruit a Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) Specialist to provide time-bound technical assistance to the Ministry of Health.

Reporting to the Senior Technical Advisor – RISE Project, the Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) Specialist will provide high-level technical expertise to strengthen pathogen genomic sequencing and bioinformatics capacity under RISE. The Specialist will ensure that genomic data generated through supported laboratories are of high quality, produced in a timely manner, and effectively utilized for public health surveillance and outbreak response.

• Provide hands-on technical support for genomic sequencing and bioinformatics workflows at the NRL, including sequencing, quality control, and bioinformatics analysis for priority pathogens.
• Support the development, optimization, and documentation of bioinformatics pipelines for surveillance and outbreak response.
• Support analysis, interpretation, and documentation of genomic data for public health use.
• Deliver on-the-job training and mentorship to laboratory staff at the NRL and within the laboratory network.
• Support the development, review, and implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) and technical guidance related to NGS and bioinformatics.
• Support integration of genomic outputs into national surveillance and reporting systems (e.g., IDSR/DHIS2 dashboards) in collaboration with RBC.
• Contribute to strengthening genomics-related quality management practices within supported laboratories.
• Prepare technical inputs for project reporting and documentation.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor in support of project objectives.

• Master's degree in biomedical laboratory sciences or a related field.
• At least 6 to 7 years of professional experience in genomic sequencing and bioinformatics applied to infectious diseases.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience with NGS, including wet lab and bioinformatics components.
• Experience supporting public health laboratories or surveillance programs.
• Strong analytical, technical writing, and communication skills in English.

• Advanced degree or training in public health, biotechnology, or a related field.
• Experience supporting outbreak preparedness or response (e.g., viral hemorrhagic fevers, respiratory pathogens, antimicrobial resistance).
• Familiarity with Global Health Security, One Health, or IDSR frameworks.
• Prior experience working on U.S. Government–funded or Jhpiego-implemented projects.

Application submission deadline: February 25th, 2026

Note: The position is on a national contract and only applicants holding permit to work in Rwanda can apply. Only shortlisted candidates will receive an invitation for an interview.

For further information about Jhpiego, visit our website at www.jhpiego.org.

The successful candidate selected for this position will be subject to a pre-employment background checks.

Jhpiego is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer:

Jhpiego, a Johns Hopkins University affiliate, is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on gender, marital status,pregnancy, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, other legally protected characteristics or any other occupationally irrelevant criteria. Jhpiego promotes Affirmative Action for minorities, women, individuals who are disabled, and veterans.

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