Medical Laboratory Scientist - Molecular at The African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE)

Job Purpose

• The Medical Laboratory Scientist - Molecular will be responsible for delivering a comprehensive molecular service to support the diagnosis, prognosis, and disease monitoring of hematological malignancies, solid tumours, and selected cardiac pathologies. He/ She will work closely with multidisciplinary clinical teams and partner diagnostic laboratories to deliver high-quality molecular testing using a range of advanced platforms, including Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), quantitative PCR, and other genomic technologies.
• The role holder will also be involved across the full molecular diagnostic pathway—from sample receipt to result reporting—with a strong emphasis on quality assurance, accreditation standards, and continuous service development.

Key Accountabilities/Responsibilities

Technical and Scientific

• Perform specialized molecular diagnostic techniques, including real-time PCR for measurable residual disease (MRD); fragment length analysis for post-transplant chimerism; mutation analysis (e.g., FLT3, NPM1); and digital droplet PCR and Next Generation Sequencing (NGS).
• Operate and maintain automated platforms (e.g., liquid handling robots).
• Prepare and analyse molecular data, including the hands-on delivery of NGS-based assays for somatic variant detection. This includes supporting bioinformatic workflows, variant assessment, and interpretation to ensure accurate classification and clinical reporting of genomic findings.
• Draft diagnostic reports and work closely with pathologists to ensure results are clinically meaningful, quality assured, and appropriately communicated to inform patient management and multidisciplinary decision-making.
• Support assay development, validation, and SOP updates.
• Participate in sample processing, reagent preparation, and training of junior staff.

Laboratory Informatics

• Proficiently use LIMS and clinical databases, ensuring data integrity and compliance.
• Maintain patient confidentiality in line with relevant policies.

Communication and Teamwork

• Communicate effectively within the laboratory and with external stakeholders, including suppliers and support services.
• Foster a professional and collaborative working environment.
• Promote effective teamwork and mutual respect across all staff levels.

Quality and Governance

• Adhere to standards required for appropriate accreditation and contribute to the maintenance and improvement of the Quality Management System.
• Participate in internal and external audits, document non-conformances, and support service improvements.
• Uphold the highest levels of patient confidentiality and data protection compliance (NDPR, National Policies).

Health and Safety / Risk Management

• Ensure safe working practices in accordance with laboratory health and safety policies.
• Take personal responsibility for the wellbeing of colleagues and visitors within the laboratory.
• Comply with PPE usage, waste disposal, and incident reporting protocols

Must have skills

Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) Quantitative PCR

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in biomedical sciences or equivalent.
• Must hold a valid practicing license and certificate from the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN) in Molecular Biology/ Genetics.
• Experience in a routine molecular diagnostic laboratory including DNA and RNA extraction, automated sample handling systems, RT-PCR, and fragment analysis.
• Must have worked in a cancer molecular diagnostic laboratory.
• Practical experience with Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) is essential. We are looking for candidates with experience of NGS-based assays, not just PCR-based assays.
• Competency in the interpretation and technical validation of results.
• Experience of Laboratory Information Systems.
• Familiarity with hematological/solid neoplasms, including knowledge of the genes and molecular markers routinely tested for and monitored.
• Experience in troubleshooting laboratory processes and investigating non-conformances.
• Knowledge and understanding of health and safety in a diagnostic laboratory setting.
• Knowledge of Quality Management, Quality Control, and Assurance.