Head, Medical Laboratory - Abuja

About the role

A leading healthcare institution in Abuja is looking for an experienced Head, Medical Laboratory to lead and oversee its laboratory services. The role ensures accurate, timely and high-quality diagnostic services while meeting regulatory requirements, quality management systems and international best practices. It reports to the Clinical Director.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Medical Laboratory Department, planning, coordinating and supervising all laboratory activities.
• Develop, implement and enforce laboratory policies, SOPs and standards in line with regulatory and accreditation requirements, including MLSCN standards.
• Establish, monitor and improve Quality Management Systems, QA, QC and accreditation programmes.
• Lead, mentor and evaluate laboratory staff, ensuring competency, licensing compliance and continuous professional development.
• Manage laboratory equipment (procurement, maintenance, calibration, validation) and inventory of reagents and consumables.
• Ensure compliance with biosafety, infection prevention and control, hazardous waste management and laboratory safety.
• Lead risk management, incident investigations, corrective actions and continuous quality improvement.
• Prepare and manage departmental budgets, and collaborate with clinicians and other departments to improve patient care.
• Advise physicians on laboratory matters, use LIS and HIS systems, and coordinate staff training.
• Ensure emergency preparedness and after-hours coverage, and prepare departmental reports and quality indicators.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Medical Laboratory Science (B.MLS) or Associate Medical Laboratory Science (AMLS).
• Full registration and a valid practising licence from the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN); a Master's degree or fellowship in healthcare or laboratory management is an added advantage.
• At least 10 years of post-NYSC experience in a hospital or medical diagnostic laboratory, including at least 5 years in a senior leadership or laboratory management role.
• Proven experience managing multidisciplinary laboratory teams and complex diagnostic operations.

Required skills

• Quality assurance, quality control, laboratory accreditation and continuous quality improvement.
• Laboratory information systems (LIS) and hospital information systems (HIS).
• Budget preparation, financial management and resource optimization.
• Biosafety, infection prevention and control, and laboratory risk management.

The advertised gross monthly salary is N700,000 to N800,000. Interested candidates apply by sending their CV by email, with "Head, Medical Laboratory - Abuja" as the subject; applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.