Social & Behavioral Sciences Advisor – Diagnostics Consultant

About the role

PATH is seeking a Consultant to serve as a Social and Behavioral Sciences (SBS) Advisor for diagnostic validation studies, particularly for Ebola virus disease. The advisor will integrate SBS activities into study design, implementation, analysis, and dissemination, ensuring community perspectives and implementation realities shape the research.

Key responsibilities

• Support design and implementation of SBS components within diagnostic validation and product introduction studies.
• Define research questions and methodologies based on existing evidence and contextual knowledge.
• Develop research plans, protocols, discussion guides, surveys, informed consent materials, and other study tools.
• Advise study teams on qualitative, quantitative, and mixed‑methods approaches.
• Design and manage usability and user‑experience assessments for diagnostic tests among healthcare workers and intended users.
• Assess perceptions of diagnostic approaches, specimen collection, testing pathways, and result communication among patients, caregivers, and communities.
• Identify social, cultural, behavioral, and operational factors influencing study participation and diagnostic uptake.
• Provide guidance on informed consent, participant communications, and community engagement to promote trust and meaningful participation.
• Support teams in addressing specimen handling, privacy, confidentiality, and data‑sharing concerns.

Required profile

• Demonstrated expertise in global health, diagnostics, and implementation research.
• Experience working with study investigators, community‑based organizations, ministries of health, and local stakeholders.
• Ability to incorporate community perspectives and behavioral considerations throughout research phases.
• Strong background in designing and executing qualitative, quantitative, and mixed‑methods studies.

Required skills

What we offer

• Opportunity to influence diagnostic uptake and outbreak response strategies.
• Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams in a leading global nonprofit.
• Contribution to evidence‑based recommendations for health equity.