Associate Director

About Strand Life Sciences:

Strand is a 24-year-old spin-off from the Indian Institute of Science. We are a cutting-edge Genomics company with a global customer base. We build applications that use DNA sequencing to improve human health. In the process, we build algorithms, data pipelines, and visualizations to handle large amounts of sequence data. We are committed to transforming complex data into actionable insights, contributing to groundbreaking research and innovative solutions in the field of genomics. We anticipate that in the next few years, hundreds of millions of individuals will have their DNA sequenced, and invite you to join us in this transformative journey.

About the Position

The laboratory director is responsible for all the technical aspects and the administration of the clinical diagnostic lab at Strand Life Sciences, this includes that SOPs are accurately documented, to record and report test results promptly, accurately, and proficiently, and for assuring compliance with the applicable regulations, the recruitment of the personnel who are competent to perform test procedures, and being responsible for all troubleshooting of complex scenarios in the lab.

Qualification: PhD in Genetics, Genomics or any biological field

Experience: Over 12 year experience with minimum 5 year experience in clinical diagnostic lab

Job Requirements and Required Skills:

Management of the Clinical Diagnostic lab:

1. Ensure that testing systems developed and used for each of the tests performed in the laboratory provide quality laboratory services for all aspects of test performance, which includes the pre-analytic, analytic, and post-analytical phases of testing.
2. Ensure that appropriate lab processes are in place so there are no errors in sample handling.
3. Ensure all tests in the lab are compliant to the TAT and all the teams are maintaining their respective TATs.
4. Ensure that the test methodologies selected have the capability of providing the quality of results required for patient care.

Regulatory Compliances

1. The laboratory director is responsible and is authorized to implement and maintain the standards of CAP & NABL requirements.
2. Ensure that the laboratory is enrolled in a proficiency testing program or alternate assessment for the tests performed and QC procedures are sufficient for the extent of testing performed in the laboratory.
3. Ensure that the proficiency results are returned within the timeframes established by the proficiency testing program.
4. Ensure that all proficiency testing reports received are reviewed by the appropriate staff, corrective action to evaluate the laboratory's performance and to identify any problems that require.
5. Ensure that an approved corrective action plan is followed when any proficiency testing result is found to be unacceptable or unsatisfactory.
6. Involve in the process for selection of referral laboratories if any and monitor the quality of their service.
7. Ensure that the quality control, quality indicators and quality assessment programs are established and maintained. Further, assure the quality of laboratory services provided and identify failures in quality, if any.
8. Assess competency of individuals using all six applicable elements of competency.

Communications and Reporting

1. Communicate with different stakeholders like BD, Sales, customer support, Analysis, Interpretation and reporting teams on different aspects of the tests.
2. Ensure a proper communication line in the Lab and the Customer support and clinician/patient
3. Discuss with the clinicians as and when needed to clarify their doubts on the sample processing
4. Get involved in writing and reviewing the validation reports, scientific articles, white papers and presentations in different conferences.
5. Update management on progress periodically.
6. Be available in the lab to support the lab teams appropriately and be ready to take up on any other roles assigned by the management.

Monitoring and troubleshooting of the different tests in the lab

1. Continuously monitoring the costs of tests and identifying the strategies to optimize the cost without compromising the quality.
2. Define, implement and monitor standards of performance and quality improvement of the medical laboratory service or services.
3. Working very closely with different teams and guiding them on day to day operations in the lab.
4. Troubleshoot any issues with sample extractions or downstream wet lab processing across different tests.
5. Working with data analysis/interpretation teams to review the data and help them take final decisions on reporting.
6. Ensure validation and verification procedures used are adequate to determine the accuracy, precision, and other pertinent performance characteristics of the test method.
7. Ensure laboratory personnel are performing the test methods as required for accurate and reliable results.

We offer:

• An innovative and open culture in a truly multicultural environment.
• An opportunity to make a fundamental impact on human health.
• Vibrant multidisciplinary scientific interaction and learning opportunity.
• A collaborative and solution-oriented environment where you can make a difference.
• A competitive salary and generous benefits.