Head of Molecular Genetics at The African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE)

Job Purpose

• The Head of Molecular Genetics will provide strategic and operational leadership for the Molecular Genetics Department at the African Medical Centre of Excellence. 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.

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.
• Manage departmental resources, including budget planning, staffing, and procurement of advanced laboratory equipment and technologies.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for quality, turnaround time, and service efficiency.

Clinical Diagnostic Services

• Oversee the delivery of high-complexity molecular genetic testing, including next-generation sequencing (NGS), PCR-based assays, Sanger sequencing, and cytogenetic/molecular cytogenetic analyses.
• Ensure accurate interpretation and reporting of genetic test results, including variant classification and clinical correlation.
• 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.

Research & Innovation

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

Bioinformatics & Data Science Oversight

• 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.
• Integrate genomic data with electronic health records (EHR) to support clinical decision-making and personalized treatment plans.

Compliance, Accreditation & Quality Assurance

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

Education & Collaboration

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

Team Leadership & Development

• 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.
• Manage staff scheduling, performance evaluations, and career progression pathways

Qualifications

• MD/PhD in Genetics, Molecular Biology, Genomics, or a closely related field.
• An MD/PhD or equivalent clinical genetics qualification is highly advantageous.
• Certification or fellowship in Clinical Molecular Genetics, Laboratory Genetics, or a relevant specialty board is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience with NGS technologies, bioinformatics, and genomic data interpretation.

Experience

• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in a molecular genetics or genomics laboratory, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Proven track record in managing a high-complexity clinical genetics laboratory.
• 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.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Knowledge of ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI) of genetic testing and data sharing.