Head of Molecular Genetics

About the role

The Head of Molecular Genetics will provide strategic and operational leadership for the Molecular Genetics Department at the African Medical Centre of Excellence. This senior position oversees clinical testing, genomic research, and bioinformatics services to ensure excellence, compliance, and innovation in diagnosing genetic disorders.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and implement the department’s strategic vision aligned with the hospital’s mission.
• Lead all operational, clinical, and research activities, managing budget, staffing, and equipment procurement.
• Oversee high‑complexity molecular testing (NGS, PCR, Sanger, cytogenetics) and ensure accurate result interpretation.
• Maintain rigorous quality control, proficiency testing, and assay validation protocols.
• Drive translational and clinical research, secure grants, and publish findings.
• Supervise bioinformatics pipeline development, data storage, and integration with electronic health records.
• Ensure compliance with national (MLSCN, NAFDAC) and international (ISO 151…) standards.

Required profile

• Proven senior leadership experience in a molecular genetics or genomics laboratory.
• Strong knowledge of clinical molecular diagnostics and research methodologies.
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, staff, and large‑scale laboratory projects.
• Experience securing research funding and collaborating with national/international consortia.
• Familiarity with regulatory and accreditation requirements for medical laboratories.

Required skills

• Next‑generation sequencing (NGS)
• PCR‑based assays
• Sanger sequencing
• Cytogenetic and molecular cytogenetic analyses
• Bioinformatics pipeline development and validation
• Genomic data analysis and secure data management
• Electronic health record (EHR) integration
• Quality control, proficiency testing, and assay validation