Laboratory Director – Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics

OverviewFacility overview
Since its inception in 2010, National Reference Laboratory (NRL) has expanded from a single standalone reference laboratory to a network of 12 state-of-the-art facilities across the United Arab Emirates. NRL provides world-class diagnostic services to the Mubadala Health network and partners with more than 250 clients from a wide range of market segments, including private and government hospitals, medical centers and clinics, corporate organizations, and other reference laboratories.Role overviewThe Laboratory Director – Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics (H&I) Laboratory will oversee high-quality laboratory services supporting solid organ and stem cell transplantation. Responsibilities include tissue typing, crossmatching, and antibody screening while ensuring compliance with Abu Dhabi’s Department of Health and international standards. The role also involves service development, research, and training initiatives. Candidates should have an MD with Clinical Pathology board certification or a doctoral degree in clinical science.Responsibilities

• Oversee H&I Laboratory activities, ensuring quality services, test/technology implementation, and compliance with accreditation standards (ISO 15189, CAP).
• Review and approve HLA typing, crossmatching, and antibody screening for solid organ and stem cell transplantation.
• Develop, validate, and implement new H&I assays to improve testing accuracy and efficiency.
• Ensure accurate and timely reporting of lab results and provide clinical guidance on transplant immunology.
• Participate in quality control programs, audits, and ensure compliance with national/international guidelines.
• Engage in research on immunogenetics, implement new technologies, and contribute to scientific publications and presentations.
• Provide training, supervision, and CPD-accredited education for lab staff, residents, and students.
• Collaborate with transplant teams, national/international registries, and provide expert advice on histocompatibility testing.

QualificationsEssential

• Doctoral degree in Immunology, Genetics, Biomedical Sciences, or related fields.
• Certification in Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics (e.g., ASHI, EFI).
• 3-5 years’ experience in an accredited H&I laboratory and eligibility for licensure by the Department of Health in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Preferred

• Fellowship or Board Certification in Transplantation Immunology.
• Experience with Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) for HLA typing and strong bioinformatics background.
• A record of publications in peer-reviewed journals.

Key Skills and Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills for interpreting genetic and immunological data.
• Excellent communication skills for liaising with clinical teams and presenting findings.
• Leadership and mentoring abilities to guide laboratory personnel while maintaining regulatory compliance and laboratory standards