The « Laboratoire national de santé » (LNS) is seeking to recruit his Head of Department for our Microbiology department on a permanent full-time position.
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 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.
The department of Microbiology at the LNS has approximately 50 employees and is subdivided into three services:
The department of microbiology offers reference laboratory activities in partnership with various other public and private laboratories in the country.
The Department of Microbiology is seeking an innovative individual with strategic vision and strong leadership skills who will lead the department to develop and maintain strong, relevant, innovative diagnostic methods, and outreach programs.
Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the head of Microbiology is an integral part of the Leadership Team at the LNS and is expected to fulfill the following tasks:
The above list is not exhaustive and further tasks may be added according to the needs of the service.
The candidate must be a Doctor of Medicine, or Pharmacy, preferably with a PhD in Microbiology, with at least 5 to 10 years of experience in leading successfully a microbiology department with at least 20-30 employees in the academic setting e.g. at an university institute of microbiology, at a public health institute, at a large hospital or private clinical lab or in the pharmaceutical industry.
The candidate should have a recognized specialization in microbiology and virology and be able to sign patient reports. Candidates should be familiar with classical bacteriology or virology as well as with modern diagnostic strategies in antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Knowledge in NGS sequencing of major pathogens including genomes of viruses (eg. SARS COV2, HIV, Influenza or other respiratory viruses) and bacteria (eg. Salmonella, Campylobacter, Listeria , E.coli , Shigella.and Yersinia enterocolitica) will be an advantage. The candidate should have a strong scientific interest and a proven track record of publications in peer reviewed journals.
In addition, the candidate should have strong people skills, be an excellent communicator and have extensive experience in managing a young and dynamic team of more than 50 scientists and technicians.
Excellent skills (C level) in French and English, or English and German are a requirement.
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.