Laboratory Director
Closing date: 09 April 2026
An exciting opportunity has arisen to apply for the All Wales Medical Genomics Service (AWMGS) Laboratory Director (AfC band 9), based at Canolfan Iechyd Genomic Cymru / Wales Genomics Health Centre in Cardiff. This permanent post is responsible for a rapidly expanding national genomics laboratory delivering cancer services, inherited genetic services including rare disease, pharmacogenomic and neuropsychiatric services, and provides genomic population health testing services commissioned in Wales.
The AWMGS Laboratory Director is responsible for the strategic direction of the genomics laboratory service at an all Wales, UK and international level. This includes the identification and development of all aspects of strategic relationships required for leading business, research and service development.
The AWMGS Laboratory Director is supported by a very experienced and talented team of Clinical Scientists, Bioinformaticians, Genetic Technologists, Biomedical Scientists, quality, training, business and admin staff working closely with researchers and clinicians. The service is leading the delivery of nationally and internationally innovative and competitive genetic and genomic clinical and research services throughout Wales.
* We care about the people we serve and the people we work with
* We trust one another
* We respect each other
* We take personal responsibility
* We treat people with kindness
* We act with integrity
Main duties of the job
The AWMGS is hosted by Cardiff and Vale University Health Board (UHB) and reports directly into the Executive team via the Executive Director of Allied Health Professionals and Healthcare Scientists. The AWMGS provides comprehensive clinical and laboratory services to the population of Wales. The laboratory service delivers cancer services, inherited services including rare disease, pharmacogenomic and neuropsychiatric services and provides population health testing services commissioned in Wales.
The post holder is responsible for the strategic direction of the AWMGS laboratory service at a local, Welsh, UK national and international level. This includes the identification and development of strategic relationships and alliances leading to business, research, innovation and service development in all aspects of operational AWMGS laboratory service delivery.
The post holder will be responsible for the provision of comprehensive high quality, value based and cost effective laboratory genetics and genomics services for the population of Wales. The AWMGS laboratory service budget is approximately £28m and the laboratory employs approximately 220 staff. The service is provided to the population of Wales of 3.2 million.
The post holder may delegate selected duties and/or responsibilities to persons of appropriate competence and seniority, whilst retaining ultimate responsibility and professional accountability for the overall operation and direction of the service.
About us
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board is one of the largest Integrated Health Boards in the UK, employing over 17,000 staff, providing over 100 specialist services. Working across 6 hospital sites, we have a diverse range of career opportunities to offer. Serving over 500,000 people living in Cardiff and the Vale, we are focussed on the health and care needs of our local population whilst working with our partners to develop regional services. Together we are committed to improving health outcomes for everyone, delivering excellent care and support.
Our mission is "Living Well, Caring Well, Working Together", and our vision is that every person's chance of leading a healthy life should be equal. Our 10-year transformation and improvement strategy, Shaping Our Future Wellbeing, is our chance to work collaboratively with the public and our workforce to make our health board more sustainable for the future.
Cardiff is the vibrant capital city of Wales and a great place to work and live. Cardiff city centre and Cardiff Bay with their many amenities, are easily accessible. Cardiff has excellent transport links to the Vale of Glamorgan with its beautiful countryside and seaside towns and villages. It is also easy to access the beautiful scenery in Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, the Gower peninsula, and the Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire coastline in South West Wales.
Person Specification
Qualifications and Knowledge
* FRCPath (Genetics)
* HCPC state registered Clinical Scientist
* 1st or 2nd class honours degree in biological sciences, genetics or related subject
* Masters degree (or assessed equivalent level of knowledge) in Genetics
* Evidence of CPD
* Detailed knowledge of the pathophysiology of disease
* Excellent skills in the interpretation and reporting of highly complex DNA analysis and/or chromosome abnormalities
* Able to critically analyse and interpret highly complex scientific data where there are a wide range of opinions
* The ability to critically appraise new published information and apply this to the development of the specialist areas provided by the Laboratory Genetics Service
* The ability to devise appropriate and effective protocols to scientifically evaluate and appraise results and to present findings to a wider audience.
* The skill to appraise new laboratory digital systems and both evaluate their acceptability and supervise their incorporation into the Department.
* Digital skills, including use of the laboratory computer systems, safe and ethical use of AI programmes, common software packages (Word, Excel, Access) to use and present data and a range of appropriate specialist applications.
* Advanced problem solving skills and the ability to apply these to the clinical interpretation of results, research activities managerial functions and financial management.
Experience
* Experience in analysis and interpretation in all areas of Laboratory Genomics / Genetics to ensure the post holder can act as an expert within the Cardiff and Vale UHB, and as a subject matter expert for the service.
* Extensive experience of managing a genetics / genomics laboratory or major section of a laboratory or hold a relevant management qualification with supporting practical experience.
* To have demonstrable experience in successfully managing complex system level change.
* To have demonstrable experience of research - as evidenced by research grants and published papers in peer-reviewed journals.
* In depth experience in training various grades of Medical, Clinical Scientist, technical staff and other relevant health care professionals
* Experience of successful budget management.
* Experience of developing strategy both within and outside the NHS
Skills and Attributes
* Excellent communication and presentational skills, as required in the presentation of research findings, at scientific meetings and to clinicians.
* Extensive knowledge of human genomics / genetics and clinical applications. Up to date knowledge of genetic diagnostics tests
* Up to date and comprehensive awareness of national Welsh, UK an international policies and legislation affecting the NHS and genetic / genomic testing
* Extensive expert knowledge of management practice including staff management.
* Extensive expert knowledge and experience of successfully managing statutory regulatory and UKAS accreditation standards including Health and Safety.
* Excellent communication skills which are effective for all stakeholders in services.
* Excellent interpersonal skills, both verbal and written, in order to maintain good working relationships and networks with managerial, clinical and professional colleagues within and beyond Cardiff and Vale UHB
* The ability to communicate results and their complex interpretation to both experienced senior and inexperienced junior clinicians in a clear and concise manner.
* Excellent and proven leadership skills.
* Effective management skills, with the ability to resolve highly complex staff issues, provide leadership and mentor junior staff.
* Excellent organisational and planning skills, with the ability to apply these to individual and team leading activities.
* The ability to lead on complex and frequently challenging service development and delivery programmes at departmental level for specialist services and research and development.
* Ability to work independently, managing own workload and that of others in line with clinical and departmental objectives and relevant professional guidelines.
* Ability to motivate and inspire staff
* Self confident and emotionally resilient. Able to deal with distressing situations such as closing laboratories and terminating contracts of employment.
* Innovative and able for frame persuasive arguments for development of value based initiatives which benefit patients.
* Welsh Language Skills are desirable levels 1 to 5 in understanding, speaking, reading, and writing in Welsh.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board
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