Head of Clinical Laboratory Department at Xcene Research

Job Description

• The Head of Clinical Laboratory will be responsible for overall management of core laboratory units, including Chemical Pathology, Medical Microbiology, and Haematology, ensuring the delivery of accurate, timely, and high-quality diagnostic services.
• In this pivotal leadership role, you will oversee day-to-day operations, strategic planning, and resource management while ensuring compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards.
• As the leader of the department, you will supervise and mentor laboratory professionals, coordinate cross-functional workflows, and collaborate closely with clinicians and senior management to align laboratory services with organizational goals.
• This role requires a proactive forward-thinking leader with deep expertise in laboratory management, operational efficiency, and quality assurance, dedicated to advancing excellence in diagnostic care and laboratory innovation.

Responsibilities

• Administer, direct, and coordinate all operations of the Clinical Laboratory Department, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.
• Oversee daily laboratory activities, including staffing, workflow design, sample management, and operational efficiency.
• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate the performance of laboratory scientists and technicians, providing guidance and corrective feedback.
• Review and interpret test results, authorize written reports, and provide professional consultations when required.
• Develop, implement, and monitor departmental policies, protocols, and quality assurance measures.
• Ensure strict compliance with accreditation and regulatory standards (e.g., ISO, NiNAS, MLSCN) and uphold safety and ethical practices.
• Monitor, calibrate, and manage laboratory instruments and automation systems to maintain optimal performance.
• Lead process improvement initiatives, identifying risks and implementing strategies to mitigate vulnerabilities.
• Oversee departmental budgets, procurement, inventory management, and cost control for equipment and consumables.
• Collaborate with clinicians, healthcare teams, and external stakeholders to enhance diagnostic services.
• Monitor KPIs, operational benchmarks, and performance metrics, providing regular reports to senior management.
• Foster a culture of professional development by providing structured training and mentorship for staff.
• Promote research and innovation within the laboratory, integrating new technologies and best practices.
• The Head of the Clinical Laboratory Department is accountable to and reports directly to the Laboratory Director.

Requirements

• BSc. in Medical Laboratory Science (B.MLS) with an active MLSCN license; Master’s degree (MSc) or PhD in Medical Laboratory Science, Clinical Biochemistry, Pathology, Medical Microbiology, or a related field is preferred.
• Minimum of 13 years of experience in clinical laboratory operations (haematology, chemistry, microbiology), with at least 7+ years in a supervisory/management role.
• Proven expertise in laboratory management, clinical pathology practices, and operational strategy.
• Strong knowledge of quality assurance, regulatory compliance, laboratory accreditation standards, and equipment management.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate multiple laboratory units for integrated and efficient workflows.
• Proficiency in laboratory information systems, data management, and automation platforms.
• Excellent leadership, mentoring, and people management skills with the ability to inspire high performance.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a track record of implementing process improvements.
• Outstanding communication, organizational, and interpersonal abilities for effective collaboration with clinicians, staff, and senior.