Job Description

Head of Cytogenetics Laboratory – Arabian Gulf University, Bahrain

Arabian Gulf University (AGU) is seeking an experienced Head of Cytogenetics Laboratory to provide strategic, technical, and administrative leadership for cytogenetic diagnostic services at the Princess Johrah Center in Manama, Bahrain.

The successful candidate will oversee clinical cytogenetics operations, including constitutional and oncology testing, ensuring accurate, timely, and high-quality karyotyping, fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH), and related cytogenetic analyses.

The position combines advanced laboratory expertise with leadership responsibilities covering personnel management, diagnostic workflows, quality assurance, accreditation compliance, procurement, and continuous improvement.

Employer: Arabian Gulf University (AGU)
Centre: Princess Johrah Center
Location: Manama, Bahrain
Position: Head of Cytogenetics Laboratory
Employment Type: Full-time
Field: Clinical Cytogenetics / Laboratory Genetics
Application Deadline: 31 December 2026

Head of Cytogenetics Laboratory – Position Overview

The Head of Cytogenetics Laboratory will lead the delivery of cytogenetic diagnostic services supporting patient care.

Key areas of responsibility include:

• Clinical cytogenetics laboratory leadership.
• Constitutional and oncology cytogenetic testing.
• Karyotyping and chromosome analysis.
• Fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH).
• Diagnostic workflow management.
• Laboratory personnel supervision.
• Quality assurance and accreditation compliance.
• Equipment and resource management.
• Procurement and budget management.
• Operational efficiency and continuous quality improvement.

Cytogenetic Testing and Laboratory Procedures

The successful candidate will perform and oversee laboratory procedures, including:

• Specimen processing.
• Cell culture initiation.
• Cell harvesting.
• Slide preparation.
• Chromosome staining.
• Chromosome banding.
• Karyotyping.
• Digital chromosome image analysis using cytogenetics software.
• FISH testing using appropriate probes.
• Documentation of cytogenetic test results.

These activities support the accurate analysis of chromosomal abnormalities in clinical diagnostic settings.

Laboratory Leadership and Operations

The Head of Cytogenetics Laboratory will provide strategic, technical, and administrative leadership across laboratory operations.

Responsibilities include:

• Overseeing laboratory personnel.
• Managing diagnostic workflows.
• Supporting efficient laboratory operations.
• Managing laboratory resources.
• Overseeing procurement activities.
• Managing laboratory budgets.
• Supporting high-volume diagnostic testing.
• Promoting operational efficiency and continuous improvement.

Laboratory Quality Assurance and Accreditation

The successful candidate will ensure compliance with laboratory quality systems and relevant accreditation requirements.

Responsibilities include:

• Following approved standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Implementing quality assurance procedures.
• Participating in laboratory quality control.
• Supporting laboratory audits.
• Maintaining accreditation compliance.
• Promoting continuous quality improvement.

Applicants must demonstrate expertise in accreditation processes involving:

• College of American Pathologists (CAP).
• International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• National Health Regulatory Authority (NHRA).

Laboratory Information Management Systems

Responsibilities include:

• Maintaining accurate laboratory records.
• Preparing and maintaining laboratory worksheets.
• Recording laboratory results and related information.
• Entering and managing electronic laboratory data.
• Using Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).

Equipment Maintenance and Troubleshooting

The successful candidate will:

• Maintain laboratory equipment.
• Identify and report technical issues.
• Apply advanced troubleshooting skills.
• Support reliable laboratory operations.

Clinical Communication and Collaboration

The Head of Cytogenetics Laboratory will work closely with laboratory colleagues, clinicians, supervisors, and administrators.

Responsibilities include:

• Collaborating with multidisciplinary laboratory teams.
• Communicating urgent cases to supervisors.
• Supporting effective communication with clinicians.
• Coordinating laboratory activities with relevant staff and administrators.

Laboratory Safety

The successful candidate must comply with:

• Laboratory biosafety standards.
• Infection control procedures.

Required Academic Qualification

Applicants must hold a:

• Master’s degree in Cytogenetics, Clinical Laboratory Genetics, Molecular Genetics, Biomedical Sciences, Molecular Medicine, or a closely related field.

Preferred Advanced Qualifications

The following qualifications are preferred:

• PhD in Cytogenetics or Clinical Laboratory Genetics.
• MD qualification.
• Fellowship certification in Cytogenetics or Clinical Laboratory Genetics.

Professional Certification and Licensing

Preferred professional certifications include:

• ASCP certification.
• ABMGG certification.
• EBMG certification.
• Equivalent national professional certification.

A valid national clinical laboratory licence is also preferred.

Required Clinical Cytogenetics Experience

Applicants must have:

• 7–10 years of hands-on experience in clinical cytogenetics.

Required Supervisory and Leadership Experience

Applicants must have:

• 3–5 years of experience in a supervisory or leadership role.

Diagnostic and Accreditation Expertise

Candidates must demonstrate proven expertise in:

• Diagnostic workflow management.
• Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
• Laboratory accreditation processes involving CAP, ISO, and NHRA.

Required Technical Competencies

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Advanced proficiency in clinical cytogenetics.
• Expertise in FISH testing.
• Strong troubleshooting abilities.
• Proficiency in cytogenetic result interpretation.
• Knowledge of scientific methods.
• Critical thinking.
• Strong analytical and technical capabilities.

Leadership and Professional Skills

The successful candidate should possess:

• Strong leadership skills.
• Team management abilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Effective teamwork skills.
• Strong organisational abilities.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
• Commitment to quality improvement.
• Ability to manage budgets and procurement.
• Ability to oversee high-volume laboratory operations.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Effective communication with clinicians, laboratory staff, and administrators.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should refer to the Arabian Gulf University recruitment listing for application instructions.

Application Deadline: 31 December 2026

Job Summary

Field	Details
Employer	Arabian Gulf University (AGU)
Centre	Princess Johrah Center
Location	Manama, Bahrain
Position	Head of Cytogenetics Laboratory
Employment Type	Full-time
Field	Clinical Cytogenetics / Clinical Laboratory Genetics
Required Qualification	Master’s degree in Cytogenetics, Clinical Laboratory Genetics, Molecular Genetics, Biomedical Sciences, Molecular Medicine, or closely related field
Preferred Advanced Qualification	PhD, MD, or fellowship certification in Cytogenetics/Clinical Laboratory Genetics
Preferred Professional Certification	ASCP, ABMGG, EBMG, or national equivalent
Preferred Licence	Valid national clinical laboratory licence
Clinical Experience	7–10 years of hands-on experience in clinical cytogenetics
Leadership Experience	3–5 years in a supervisory or leadership role
Technical Expertise	Karyotyping, chromosome banding, FISH, cytogenetic image analysis, troubleshooting and result interpretation
Laboratory Systems	LIMS
Accreditation Expertise	CAP, ISO and NHRA
Management Responsibilities	Laboratory personnel, diagnostic workflows, budgets, procurement, resources and quality systems
Additional Requirements	Communication, leadership, teamwork, organisation, problem-solving and ability to work under pressure
Application Deadline	31 December 2026