Head of National Center of Genetics (NCG) (M/F)

HEAD OF NATIONAL CENTER OF GENETICS (NCG) (M/F)

REF°304

ABOUT THE LABORATOIRE NATIONAL DE SANTÉ

The « Laboratoire national de santé » (LNS) is a public institution under the supervision of the Ministry of Health in Luxembourg. As a multidisciplinary institute, the LNS consists of four scientific departments in the fields of Medical Biology, Microbiology, Forensic Medicine and Health Protection. In addition, the LNS is also hosting the National Center of Pathology and the National Center of Genetics. The LNS has more than 400 employees from more than 20 countries and has its premises in Dudelange since 2013.

The mission of the LNS is to develop analytical and scientific expertise related to the prevention, diagnosis and monitoring of human diseases and to ensure the role of a national control or reference laboratory as well as to carry out forensic tasks. The institution also contributes to the development, harmonization and promotion of technical laboratory methods in close collaboration with local and international analytical laboratories. Within the scope of its responsibilities, the LNS is also leading research and teaching activities in collaboration with partners in Luxembourg and abroad.

With its modern infrastructure in line with the recent evolution of medical and analytical sciences, the LNS is an ambitious laboratory with innovative projects that increase its expertise in public health.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL CENTER OF GENETICS

The NCG at the LNS has approximately 45 employees and is subdivided into three services:

• Clinical Genetics Service
• Cytogenetics & Hemato-Oncogenetics Service
• Molecular Genetics Service

All genetic testing and counseling of patients including NIPT and other prenatal testing in Luxembourg is done exclusively by the NCG at the LNS. The NCG also operates a modern next generation sequencing (LUXGEN) platform including a NovaSeq 6000 and several NextSeq (Illumina).

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The COO will serve as the initial reporting level, followed by the CEO who will be the second reporting level. As a member of the Leadership Team at the LNS, the head of the National Center of Genetics will be responsible for fulfilling the following duties.

• Provide leadership for the National Center of Genetics in establishing and execution of a long term vision and strategy for the Center.
• Work closely together with the other heads of department and admin support functions to establish collaborative relationships and develop synergies and efficiencies at the LNS level.
• Supervise and lead a team of 45 people.
• Medical validation and signing of diagnostic patient reports.
• Plan, organize and ensure the operations on a daily basis including management of budget.
• Full support for quality accreditation and the implementation of the QMS (ISO 15189).
• Ensure complete digital laboratory and counseling processes.
• Establish strong relationships with the all LNS stakeholders (e.g. hospitals, physicians, laboratories)
• Work closely with the CNS and all ministries.
• Establish a research strategy for the NCG by initiating new scientific projects of interest to the LNS.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCES

Candidate should be a MD or MD/PhD with either a board certification in human genetics, medical genetics, or internal medicine or pediatrics with specialization in clinical genetics and must be able to sign patient reports in Luxembourg.

The successful candidate should have at least 5-10 years of experience as senior clinical geneticist / medical geneticist in one or several of the following areas:

• Cancer Genetics
• Neurogenetics
• Paediatric genetics and dysmorphology
• Genetics of cardiac disorders
• Prenatal diagnosis and neonatal dysmorphology
• Biochemical genetics and metabolic diseases
• Rare disease genetics and genomics
• Cytogenomics

The successful candidate should have 5+ years of proven leadership experience in clinical genetics and genetic counseling in a human genetics department of a university hospital or private clinical lab. Combining clinical genetics with the requirements of genomic medicine and precision oncology concepts is a must.

The successful candidate should have the experience and ambition in managing a young and dynamic team of more than 40 employees including MDs, PhDs and technicians.

In addition, the candidate should have experience in managing the execution of routine genetic testing “in-house” and by outsourcing less frequent genetic tests to external clinical labs.

Special knowledge in handling of NIPT testing and Next Generation Sequencing (large gene panels, exome, WGS) and their interpretation is an advantage.

The successful candidate must have strong scientific interest and a proven track record of publications in peer reviewed journals in one or several of the above subspecialties.

The successful candidate should have experience with the various workflows in a larger genetic laboratory environment including quality and accreditation processes of genetic tests.

It is expected that the candidate has strong people and excellent communication skills, including the ability to communicate with other MDs at the four major hospitals in Luxembourg and registered doctor’s offices.

Excellent skills (C2 level) in English and French are essential. Additional knowledge of German and Luxembourgish will be an advantage.

APPLICATION PROCESS

If you meet the above profile and wish to apply, please submit your application (CV and Cover letter) via our website. Your application will be treated confidentiality.

At the final stages of the recruitment process, the successful candidate will be asked to provide supporting documentation such as, copies of diplomas and certificates of employment. An official criminal record (bulletin no.3) will also be required for consultation purpose.