About the Position

We are seeking a Senior Forensic DNA Laboratory Development Advisor for Syria to support the development of national forensic DNA laboratory capacity.

Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Head of Program (Syria) and in coordination with ICMP's Science and Technology Division, the Advisor will:

Support DNA Laboratory Development
- Provide expert advice on the design and development of forensic DNA laboratory facilities.
- Review laboratory layouts, workflows, infrastructure requirements, and contamination prevention measures.
- Advise on laboratory systems, utilities, biosafety, security, and operational requirements.
- Ensure laboratory development is aligned with international forensic standards, including ISO/IEC 17025.
Support Equipment Planning and Procurement
- Develop technical specifications for DNA laboratory equipment and related systems.
- Advise on procurement documentation and technical evaluation processes.
- Ensure equipment selection is compatible with laboratory workflows and future operational needs.
Support Operational Readiness
- Provide advice on DNA testing workflows from sample receipt through reporting.
- Advise on staffing structures, competency requirements, and laboratory implementation planning.
- Support preparation for validation, implementation, and operational readiness.
Support Stakeholder Coordination
- Engage with Syrian counterparts, ICMP specialists, contractors, and technical partners.
- Communicate complex technical issues clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.
- Promote coordination and complementarity among organizations supporting Syria's missing persons process.

Requirements

Advanced University degree in Forensic Genetics, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, or a related scientific discipline.
At least seven years of professional experience in forensic DNA laboratories.
Demonstrated experience managing or leading forensic DNA laboratory teams or major laboratory development projects.
Experience designing, establishing, or expanding high-throughput forensic DNA laboratories.
Experience working in an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited forensic DNA laboratory environment.
Strong technical knowledge of:
- STR profiling
- DNA extraction and analysis workflows including the identification of human remains
- Laboratory automation and instrumentation
- Reporting systems
- LIMS implementation
- Method validation

Nice to Have

Development of national forensic laboratory capabilities
Laboratory quality management systems
Training and mentoring forensic professionals
Working with governmental forensic institutions
Providing expert testimony or forensic evidence reporting
Working in Arabic-speaking countries and/or complex post-conflict environments

We Offer

Competitive compensation aligned with experience and qualifications
Medical evacuation and travel insurance for official travel
Opportunity to contribute to a critical global challenge

About the Company

The International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP) is a treaty-based intergovernmental organization with Headquarters in The Hague, the Netherlands. Its mandate is to secure the cooperation of governments and others in locating missing persons from conflict, human rights abuses, disasters, organized crime, migration, and other causes and to assist them in doing so.

Application Details

Location: Damascus, Syria (Hybrid)
Department: Science and Technology
Employment Type: Consultant
Experience Level: Experienced
Duration: 1 October 2026 to 28 February 2027 (5 months)
VN close date: 31 August 2026

ICMP is committed to maintaining an environment of mutual respect, where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants. ICMP believes that diversity and inclusion among our staff are critical to our success as a global organization, and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented individuals from a thoroughly diverse range of candidates. ICMP is proud to be part of the International Gender Champions network.

ICMP may cancel this recruitment without notice or may decide to offer a position with different duties and/or contract length.

ICMP does not request payment during any stage of the selection process.

All applications must be submitted in English. ICMP does not accept applications in any other language.

Senior Forensic DNA Laboratory Development Advisor (Syria)

Job Description, Responsibilities & Requirements