Head of Virology and Serology (h/f/x)

Head of Virology and Serology (h/f/x)

Ref°51200

The Laboratoire national de santé is currently seeking a Medical Doctor in the role of Head of the service of Virology and Serology (Ref°51200) for our Microbiology department on a permanent full-time position.

ABOUT THE LABORATOIRE NATIONAL DE SANTÉ

The LNS is a major player in Luxembourg’s healthcare sector, serving the country’s patients, doctors and hospitals. Under the supervision of the Ministry of Health and Social Security, the LNS is a multidisciplinary public institution organized around six medical departments, two of which are designated as national diagnostic centers for human genetics and pathology respectively.

The LNS employs around 400 highly qualified staff with diverse backgrounds. The main purpose of the LNS is to develop analytical activities and scientific expertise relating to the prevention, diagnosis and monitoring of human diseases; to act as a national control or reference laboratory; and to carry out forensic missions. The LNS also collaborates with the University of Luxembourg and other biomedical research institutions, both nationally and internationally, on research and teaching activities.

In particular, in the field of diagnostics, the LNS covers the following fields of application: medical biology, microbiology, forensic medicine, environmental medicine, morphological and molecular pathology, and clinical genetics, as well as sequencing for rare diseases, oncology and pathogens.

ABOUT THE MICROBIOLOGY DEPARTMENT and the SERVICE OF VIROLOGY/SEROLOGY

Microbiology Department and Virology/Serology Service

The Microbiology Department at the LNS comprises approximately 52 employees and it is divided into three diagnostic services that work closely together:

• Virology and Serology: This service focuses on the detection and analysis of viral infections and the diagnosis of syndromic infectious diseases using molecular biology and serological methods. It plays a crucial role in diagnosing and monitoring acute respiratory infections, HIV, and viral Hepatitis. It also serves as an expert laboratory for Enterovirus and Poliovirus.
• Bacteriology, Mycology, Antibiotic Resistance, and Hospital Hygiene: This service handles bacterial and fungal diagnostics, antibiotic resistance testing, and hospital hygiene. It ensures the highest standards of patient care.
• Pathogen Sequencing: The department performs pathogen sequencing to understand genetic variations and track disease outbreaks. Ongoing surveillance activities cover a wide range of pathogens, including Antimicrobial Resistance and Food-borne pathogens.

The Department of Microbiology actively collaborates with clinicians and other organisations to improve patient outcomes. In addition, we are engaged in translational work related to European and national projects, focussing on diagnostics and surveillance and serving as a national reference laboratory for acute respiratory infections, HIV and viral hepatitis. Our expertise also extends to enteroviruses, polioviruses and mycobacteria, while ongoing surveillance activities also cover antimicrobial resistance and foodborne pathogens. By working closely with other institutions, we prioritise One Health strategies. Our portfolio is accredited by OLAS according to the DIN EN ISO 15189 and 17025 standards.

Service of Virology and Serology

The Virology and Serology Service plays a crucial role in the diagnosis, surveillance and epidemiological monitoring of infectious diseases. It deals primarily with viral diseases, but also with rare bacterial infections. Key features include:

• Diagnostic Expertise: Utilizing serological techniques and molecular biology methods, the service operates in biosafety level 2 and 3 laboratories.
• Collaboration: The three services work closely with the head of department and exchange information in order to optimise work processes and adapt our portfolio to current and future needs.
• Data Generation: It generates essential data used by epidemiologists for informed decision-making.
• Innovation: The service is actively working with the genome sequencing service to develop new diagnostic methods and to identify and map circulating pathogens through the use of next and whole generation sequencing.
• Public health impact: By protecting citizens from bacterial and viral infections, the service contributes to public health policy.
• Sentinel surveillance: The service conducts sentinel surveillance to detect and monitor infectious diseases in specific population groups.
• Screening of risk groups: The service focuses on screening high-risk groups to ensure early detection and timely intervention.

Responsibilities as Head of Service (Virology and Serology):

As Head of Service, you will manage a team of ten employees and be responsible for administrative, financial and operational tasks. Your tasks will include ensuring high-quality sample processing in accordance with our quality management system. You will work closely with clinicians, actively participate in research projects and contribute to the introduction of new methods and tests. You will also be involved in syndromic diagnostics, contribute to microbiome projects and attend regular meetings with department management and other departments to share information and discuss strategies. Further, you will lead the national reference laboratory on respiratory diseases, which includes expanding of our cell culture system and portfolio. Further tasks are:

• Participating in project meetings, project networks and liaising with national/international stakeholders.
• Contribution to and exchange with national and international expert networks.
• Develop and execute preparedness strategies for emerging viruses and pandemics
• Participating in the activities of the Biological Defence Laboratory for bioterrorist threat preparedness, a Level 3 (BSL-3) high-security facility equipped to handle highly infectious and dangerous pathogens that could be used in bioterrorist attacks.

Qualifications and competencies:

• Medical Doctor specialized in clinical microbiology and virology, or pharmacologist-biologist with authorisation to sign reports
• Expertise in virology, serology, antimicrobial resistance, alongside advanced training in management, infection control, or One Health.
• Proficiency in molecular antimicrobial resistance and infectious disease surveillance.
• Minimum 5 years of diverse microbiology experience and quality management experience.
• Authorization to practice as a medical doctor in Luxembourg
• Passion for research and connecting with hospitals.
• Strong task management skills with a proactive work ethic.
• Excellent interpersonal abilities and a collaborative mindset.
• High level of integrity.
• Proficiency in French and English, while German or Luxembourgish is a plus.

We offer an attractive remuneration package within an international, interdisciplinary, and ambitious environment. Join us to contribute to groundbreaking work in infectious diseases and good laboratory practice.

LNS is an equal opportunities employer. It fosters a multicultural working environment that values gender equality, teamwork and respect for diversity. Qualified candidates are considered without regard to race, colour, age, sex, religion, disability, national and ethnic origin or social status.

If you meet the above profile and would like to apply, please send your application (CV and covering letter) via our website. Your application will be treated as confidential.

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.