Apply for the Head, Molecular Genetics position at the African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE) in Abuja. Lead molecular diagnostics, genomics research, and laboratory operations.

Head, Molecular Genetics Job at African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE) – Abuja | Apply 2026

The African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE) is recruiting an experienced Head of Molecular Genetics to lead its Molecular Diagnostics Department in Abuja.

This senior leadership role offers an opportunity to guide advanced molecular diagnostics, genomics research, and precision medicine services within one of Africa’s emerging specialist healthcare institutions. The successful candidate will oversee laboratory operations, research initiatives, quality assurance, and multidisciplinary collaboration while helping shape the future of genomic medicine in the region.

Professionals with extensive experience in molecular genetics, clinical genomics, laboratory leadership, and research management are encouraged to apply.

About the African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE)

The African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE) is a 500-bed specialist hospital located in Abuja. Developed by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) in partnership with King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, the centre provides advanced healthcare services in oncology, cardiovascular medicine, haematology, surgery, diagnostics, medical research, and professional education.

The hospital aims to improve access to high-quality specialist healthcare while advancing medical research and innovation across Africa.

Job Summary

Position: Head, Molecular Genetics
Organization: African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE)
Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Employment Type: Full-time

Role Overview

The Head of Molecular Genetics will provide strategic, scientific, and operational leadership for the Molecular Diagnostics Department.

The successful candidate will oversee clinical genetic testing services, laboratory operations, genomics research programmes, bioinformatics activities, quality management systems, and regulatory compliance. The role also involves supporting innovation in precision medicine while working closely with clinicians, researchers, and multidisciplinary healthcare teams.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will:

Provide Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement the department’s strategic direction in line with AMCE’s healthcare objectives.
• Lead daily laboratory operations, clinical services, and research programmes.
• Manage departmental budgets, staffing, laboratory resources, and equipment planning.
• Establish performance indicators to monitor quality, efficiency, and turnaround times.

Oversee Clinical Molecular Diagnostic Services

Responsibilities include:

• Supervising advanced molecular genetic testing, including:
  • Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS)
  • PCR-based molecular assays
  • Sanger sequencing
  • Cytogenetic and molecular cytogenetic testing
• Reviewing and validating genetic test results.
• Supporting clinicians with test selection, result interpretation, and clinical recommendations.
• Maintaining quality control and laboratory validation procedures.

Lead Research and Innovation

The role includes:

• Developing translational and clinical genomics research programmes.
• Building partnerships with national and international research institutions.
• Applying innovative genomic technologies and bioinformatics solutions.
• Securing research funding through competitive grants.
• Publishing scientific findings in peer-reviewed journals and presenting research at conferences.

Manage Bioinformatics and Genomic Data

The successful applicant will:

• Supervise genomic data analysis pipelines.
• Ensure secure storage and responsible management of genomic information.
• Support integration of genomic information with electronic health record systems.
• Promote the use of genomic data to support personalized patient care.

Maintain Quality and Regulatory Compliance

Responsibilities include:

• Ensuring compliance with national and international laboratory standards.
• Preparing for accreditation inspections and external audits.
• Maintaining laboratory documentation and quality management systems.
• Driving continuous quality improvement initiatives.

Support Education and Collaboration

The Head of Molecular Genetics will:

• Work closely with departments such as Oncology, Pathology, Neurology, and Pediatrics.
• Participate in multidisciplinary clinical discussions.
• Support education, mentorship, and genetics-related training programmes.

Lead and Develop the Department

The position also involves:

• Managing teams of laboratory scientists, molecular geneticists, and bioinformaticians.
• Supporting professional development and continuous learning.
• Conducting staff performance reviews and workforce planning.
• Promoting a collaborative and high-performance working environment.

Qualifications

Applicants should possess:

• A PhD in Genetics, Molecular Biology, Genomics, Molecular Genetics, or a closely related discipline.
• Clinical genetics qualifications or equivalent professional credentials will be an advantage.
• Certification or fellowship in Clinical Molecular Genetics, Laboratory Genetics, or a related specialty is preferred.

Experience Requirements

Candidates should demonstrate:

• At least seven years of progressive experience in molecular genetics or genomics laboratories.
• A minimum of three years in a laboratory leadership or management position.
• Experience managing high-complexity clinical molecular diagnostic laboratories.
• Strong knowledge of Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies and genomic testing.
• Experience interpreting genetic variants using ACMG/AMP guidelines.
• Familiarity with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
• Experience using bioinformatics platforms and genomic analysis tools.
• A strong research publication record.
• Success in obtaining competitive research grants.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Understanding of ethical, legal, and social considerations relating to genetic testing and genomic data.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

This position provides an opportunity to contribute to one of Africa’s developing centres for advanced medical care, genomics research, and precision medicine.

The successful candidate will work alongside multidisciplinary clinical and research teams while helping strengthen molecular diagnostic services, improve patient care, and support scientific innovation across the continent.

Application Deadline

Closing Date: Not specified.

Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible, as recruitment may close once a suitable candidate has been identified.

Before submitting your application, take time to ensure your CV highlights your leadership experience, research achievements, laboratory management expertise, and technical competencies in molecular genetics.

Presenting these accomplishments clearly can make a stronger impression on recruiters for senior healthcare roles. Our How to Write a Professional CV in Nigeria That Gets Interviews (2026 Guide) offers practical advice for creating a well-structured and competitive CV.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates should Go to hris.peoplehum.com To Apply.

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If you’re shortlisted, expect interview questions that assess your leadership experience, laboratory management approach, research contributions, quality assurance practices, and ability to lead multidisciplinary teams. Preparing your responses in advance can help you communicate your expertise with confidence. Our 30 Common Job Interview Questions in Nigeria (With Sample Answers and Expert Tips) is a useful resource to help you prepare.

Career Advice for Applicants

For senior scientific leadership positions like this, your CV should highlight more than academic qualifications. Include measurable achievements such as laboratory accreditation projects, implementation of new molecular testing technologies, successful grant awards, published research, leadership of multidisciplinary teams, and improvements made to laboratory quality systems.

Where possible, demonstrate your experience with genomic diagnostics, bioinformatics platforms, regulatory compliance, and clinical collaboration, as these are central to the responsibilities of this role.