Head of Molecular Genetics

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Head of Molecular Genetics

Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Employment Type: Full Time (Onsite)
Level: GL 6A

Job Purpose

• This role involves directing all aspects of molecular genetic testing, genomic research, and bioinformatics services, ensuring clinical excellence, regulatory compliance, and innovation in the diagnosis, monitoring, and understanding of genetic disorders and complex diseases.
• The Head of Molecular Genetics will provide strategic and operational leadership for the Molecular Genetics Department at the African Medical Centre of Excellence.

Key Accountabilities/Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Departmental Management:

• Develop and implement the strategic vision for the Molecular Genetics Department in alignment with the hospital’s mission and goals.
• Provide executive leadership to the department, overseeing all operational, clinical, and research activities.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for quality, turnaround time, and service efficiency.
• Manage departmental resources, including budget planning, staffing, and procurement of advanced laboratory equipment and technologies.

Clinical Diagnostic Services:

• Implement and maintain rigorous quality control, proficiency testing, and validation protocols for all assays.
• Serve as the primary consultant for clinicians regarding test selection, result interpretation, and patient management implications.
• Ensure accurate interpretation and reporting of genetic test results, including variant classification and clinical correlation.
• Oversee the delivery of high-complexity molecular genetic testing, including next-generation sequencing (NGS), PCR-based assays, Sanger sequencing, and cytogenetic/molecular cytogenetic analyses.

Research & Innovation:

• Publish findings in high-impact journals and present at scientific conferences.
• Drive innovation in genomic technologies, bioinformatics pipelines, and data integration for precision medicine.
• Secure competitive research grants and collaborate with national and international research consortia.
• Lead and foster a robust research program in molecular genetics and genomics, focusing on translational and clinical research.

Bioinformatics & Data Science Oversight:

• Integrate genomic data with electronic health records (EHR) to support clinical decision-making and personalized treatment plans.
• Supervise the development, validation, and maintenance of bioinformatics pipelines for genomic data analysis.
• Ensure secure management, storage, and interpretation of large-scale genomic data in compliance with ethical and data protection standards.

Compliance, Accreditation & Quality Assurance:

• Maintain comprehensive documentation for all laboratory processes, validations, and quality management systems.
• Implement and oversee continuous quality improvement initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with national (MLSCN, NAFDAC) and international (ISO 15189, CAP, CLIA) accreditation standards.
• Prepare for and lead external audits and inspections.

Education & Collaboration:

• Serve as a key representative in hospital committees related to genetics, precision medicine, and ethics.
• Foster interdisciplinary collaboration with departments such as Oncology, Pediatrics, Neurology, and Pathology.

Team Leadership & Development:

• Manage staff scheduling, performance evaluations, and career progression pathways
• Support to develop a high-performing team of geneticists, laboratory scientists, bioinformaticians, and support staff.
• Promote a culture of scientific excellence, continuous learning, and professional development.

Must have skills:

• Genetic Variant Interpretation molecular Biology

Qualifications

• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• An MD/PhD or equivalent clinical genetics qualification is highly advantageous.
• MD/PhD in Genetics, Molecular Biology, Genomics, or a closely related field.
• Knowledge of ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI) of genetic testing and data sharing.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in a molecular genetics or genomics laboratory, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Demonstrated experience with NGS technologies, bioinformatics, and genomic data interpretation.
• Proven track record in managing a high-complexity clinical genetics laboratory.
• Certification or fellowship in Clinical Molecular Genetics, Laboratory Genetics, or a relevant specialty board is preferred.
• Strong publication record and success in securing competitive research funding.
• Expertise in genetic variant interpretation, classification, and reporting standards (ACMG/AMP guidelines).
• Experience with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and bioinformatics tools.