Chief Consultant Microbiologist (Infectious Molecular Diagnostics)

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