Chief Consultant Microbiologist (Infectious Molecular Diagnostics)

Job description

Role & responsibilities • Lead the development, validation, and implementation of advanced molecular diagnostic assays for infectious diseases. • Design and optimize novel molecular assays, including LDTs, multiplex PCR, RT-PCR, Digital PCR, and sequencing-based diagnostics. • Establish and scale Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) workflows using Illumina and Oxford Nanopore platforms. • Develop and oversee bioinformatics pipelines for FASTQ analysis, variant calling, taxonomy classification, AMR gene detection, and clinical data interpretation. • Drive innovation in emerging molecular technologies, including metagenomics, microbial cell-free DNA, gut microbiome analysis, AI-enabled reporting, and multi-omics integration. • Lead molecular diagnostic services for Sepsis, Bloodstream Infections, Respiratory Pathogens, TB, Viral Infections, Transplant Infections, Opportunistic Fungal Infections, and AMR surveillance. • Ensure compliance with CAP, NABL, ISO 15189, CLSI guidelines, validation protocols, and Quality Management Systems (QMS). • Mentor scientists and technical teams while fostering scientific excellence and operational efficiency. • Collaborate with clinicians and multidisciplinary teams to improve diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes. • Drive scientific publications, research initiatives, and adoption of next-generation molecular technologies MANDATORY TECHNICAL SKILLS REQUIRED. Molecular Diagnostics • Molecular Assay Development • Primer & Probe Design • Multiplex PCR • RT-PCR • Digital PCR • Analytical & Clinical Assay Validation • Laboratory Developed Tests (LDTs) • PCR Troubleshooting (Contamination & Inhibition) Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) • Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) • Illumina Sequencing Platform • Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) • Targeted Sequencing • Clinical Metagenomics Clinical Expertise • Sepsis & Bloodstream Infections • Respiratory Pathogens • Tuberculosis & Viral Diagnostics • Transplant Infections • Opportunistic Fungal Infections • Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Quality Knowledge of CAP, NABL, ISO 15189 & CLSI Standards Preferred candidate profile