Job Summary
The Molecular Genetic Consultant plays a pivotal role in the healthcare landscape, particularly in the context of Nigeria's evolving medical infrastructure. This position is designed for professionals who are not only experts in molecular genetics but also possess a strong commitment to improving patient care through genetic insights. The consultant will be responsible for conducting comprehensive genetic analyses, interpreting complex data, and providing actionable recommendations to healthcare providers and patients.
In Nigeria, where genetic disorders and diseases are prevalent, the role of a Molecular Genetic Consultant becomes even more critical. The consultant will work closely with multidisciplinary teams, including physicians, genetic counselors, and laboratory technicians, to ensure that genetic testing is accurately performed and that results are communicated effectively. This role requires a deep understanding of molecular biology, genetics, and bioinformatics, as well as the ability to convey complex genetic information to a non-specialist audience.
The consultant will also engage in continuous professional development to stay abreast of advancements in the field of genetics and will contribute to research initiatives aimed at enhancing genetic testing methods and patient outcomes. By fostering strong relationships with healthcare providers and engaging in community outreach, the Molecular Genetic Consultant will play an essential part in raising awareness about genetic conditions and the benefits of genetic testing.
This position not only demands technical expertise but also requires strong interpersonal skills to navigate the complexities of patient care in a culturally diverse environment like Nigeria. The consultant will be expected to educate healthcare providers about the implications of genetic findings, assist in developing personalised treatment plans based on genetic information, and provide guidance on ethical considerations related to genetic testing.
Key Responsibilities
The responsibilities of the Molecular Genetic Consultant encompass a wide range of tasks aimed at delivering high-quality genetic services. These include:
- Conducting Genetic Tests: Perform various molecular diagnostic tests using advanced techniques such as PCR, next-generation sequencing (NGS), and other relevant methodologies.
- Data Analysis: Analyze complex genetic data to identify mutations or abnormalities that may contribute to health conditions.
- Reporting Results: Prepare detailed reports that clearly communicate findings to healthcare providers and patients, ensuring that complex information is understandable.
- Collaboration: Work closely with other healthcare professionals to develop personalised treatment plans based on genetic insights.
- Training and Mentorship: Provide training and mentorship to laboratory staff and other healthcare professionals on best practices in molecular genetics.
- Research Participation: Engage in research projects aimed at improving diagnostic techniques and exploring new therapeutic options based on genetic findings.
- Quality Assurance: Ensure compliance with regulatory standards and maintain high-quality laboratory practices.
- Patient Education: Educate patients and families about genetic conditions, testing procedures, and potential outcomes.
- Community Engagement: Participate in community outreach programs to raise awareness about genetic disorders and the importance of early diagnosis through testing.
- Professional Development: Stay updated on the latest advancements in molecular genetics through continuous education and participation in relevant conferences.
- Ethical Guidance: Provide guidance on ethical issues related to genetic testing, including informed consent and confidentiality.
Equality and Diversity
- Act as lead for Equality & Diversity in the department to ensure the development and effective implementation of a strategy, set of policies, procedures and monitoring and control systems are in place.
Personal and Staff Development
- Work with HR to undertake recruitment, retention, performance management and development of staff in the team.
- Work with the Recruitment Manager to establish connections with appropriate local, international and online communities to nurture a pipeline of talent to support the growth of the company.
- Responsible for development of high potential employees, providing a structured approach to mentoring and developing critical talent at all levels of management.
Communications And Working Relationships
- Collaborate regularly with physicians regarding patient cases.
- Communicate findings clearly to non-specialist audiences including patients.
- Work closely with laboratory technicians for test execution and quality control.
- Engage with research teams for collaborative studies on genetics.
- Liaise with regulatory bodies to ensure compliance with standards.
- Participate actively in departmental meetings discussing case studies and outcomes.
- Mentor junior staff members providing guidance on best practices.
- Educate healthcare providers about advancements in molecular genetics.
- Develop educational materials for community outreach programs.
- Foster relationships with external partners for research collaborations.
Line Management
- Oversee laboratory staff involved in molecular testing processes.
- Conduct performance evaluations for direct reports annually or bi-annually.
- Provide training sessions for new hires within the laboratory setting.
- Ensure all team members adhere to safety protocols during testing procedures.
- Delegate tasks effectively among team members based on expertise.
- Manage scheduling for laboratory personnel to ensure adequate coverage during shifts.
- Address any personnel issues promptly while maintaining a positive work environment.
- Facilitate team-building activities that promote collaboration among staff members.
- Encourage professional development opportunities for team members through workshops or seminars.
- Act as a point of contact for any operational issues within the laboratory.
Organisational Responsibilities
- Ensure adherence to laboratory safety standards at all times.
- Develop operational protocols that enhance efficiency within the lab setting.
- Monitor inventory levels of reagents and supplies necessary for testing procedures.
- Participate in budget planning related to laboratory operations and staffing needs.
- Implement quality assurance measures that comply with industry regulations.
- Assist in grant writing for funding research projects related to genetics.
- Maintain accurate documentation of all laboratory activities for auditing purposes.
- Foster an inclusive workplace culture that values diversity among staff members.
- Lead initiatives aimed at improving patient care through innovative practices in genetics.
- Engage stakeholders by presenting findings from research initiatives at conferences or seminars.
Confidentiality
The post holder must be aware that Confidential Information and data to which the post holder will have knowledge and access to in the course of their employment with the AMCE is to be kept confidential, and this confidentiality is a condition of employment. The duty to maintain confidentiality continues even when the post holder is no longer employed.
This information is not to be shared with anyone outside of the AMCE under any circumstances, except to the extent necessary to fulfil any duties and responsibilities required within the role. Furthermore, upon termination with the AMCE Abuja, the post holder will return to the AMCE all confidential information held.
General
The post holder has a general duty of care for their own health, safety and well-being and that of work colleagues, visitors and patients within the hospital, in addition to any specific risk management or clinical governance accountabilities associated with this post.
To observe the rules, policies, procedures and standards of AMCE together with all relevant statutory and professional obligations.
To observe and maintain strict confidentiality of personal information relating to patients, staff and visitors.
To be responsible, with management support, for their own personal development and to actively contribute to the development of colleagues.
This job description is intended as a guide to the general scope of duties and is not intended to be definitive or restrictive. It is expected that some of the duties will change over time and this description will be subject to review in consultation with the post holder.
All employees must hold an AMCE email account, which will be the AMCE's formal route for email communication. You are therefore required to check this regularly and to deal with such communication promptly.
Infection Control Statement
The post holder has an important responsibility for and contribution to make to infection control and must be familiar with the infection control and hygiene requirements of this role. These requirements are set out in the AMCE Code of Practice on Infection Control and in local policies and procedures, which will be made clear during your induction and subsequent refresher training. These standards must be strictly complied with at all times.