Chief Consultant Microbiologist (Infectious Molecular Diagnostics)

Dr Lal PathLabs; Delhi; On-site; INR 1,800,000 - 3,200,000; Full time

Job summary

Dr Lal PathLabs is seeking a senior expert in Molecular Diagnostics to lead development, validation, and implementation of advanced assays for infectious diseases in Delhi. The role includes establishing NGS workflows on Illumina and Oxford Nanopore, and overseeing bioinformatics pipelines for clinical data interpretation.

Ideal candidates will have PhD-level training in microbiology/virology, extensive experience with LDTs, and a track record mentoring teams while ensuring CAP/NABL/ISO 15189

Qualifications

• Must have advanced expertise in molecular assay development and validation.
• Experience with LDTs, multiplex PCR, RT-PCR, and digital PCR.
• Strong knowledge of CAP/NABL/ISO 15189 standards and QA/QMS.

Responsibilities

• Lead development, validation, and implementation of advanced molecular diagnostics assays.
• Establish and scale NGS workflows using Illumina and ONT platforms.
• Mentor scientists and optimize diagnostic service delivery across key infection areas.

Skills

Molecular Diagnostics

Clinical Assay Validation

CAP/NABL/ISO 15189 knowledge

Team Mentoring

Education

PhD in Microbiology/Virology or related field

Tools

Illumina

Oxford Nanopore

NGS workflows

Bioinformatics

Job description

Role & responsibilities

• Lead the development, validation, and implementation of advanced molecular diagnostic assays for infectious diseases.


• Design and optimize novel molecular assays, including LDTs, multiplex PCR, RT-PCR, Digital PCR, and sequencing-based diagnostics.


• Establish and scale Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) workflows using Illumina and Oxford Nanopore platforms.


• Develop and oversee bioinformatics pipelines for FASTQ analysis, variant calling, taxonomy classification, AMR gene detection, and clinical data interpretation.


• Drive innovation in emerging molecular technologies, including metagenomics, microbial cell-free DNA, gut microbiome analysis, AI-enabled reporting, and multi-omics integration.


• Lead molecular diagnostic services for Sepsis, Bloodstream Infections, Respiratory Pathogens, TB, Viral Infections, Transplant Infections, Opportunistic Fungal Infections, and AMR surveillance.


• Ensure compliance with CAP, NABL, ISO 15189, CLSI guidelines, validation protocols, and Quality Management Systems (QMS).


• Mentor scientists and technical teams while fostering scientific excellence and operational efficiency.


• Collaborate with clinicians and multidisciplinary teams to improve diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes.


• Drive scientific publications, research initiatives, and adoption of next-generation molecular technologies

MANDATORY TECHNICAL SKILLS REQUIRED.

Molecular Diagnostics

• Molecular Assay Development


• Primer & Probe Design


• Multiplex PCR


• RT-PCR


• Digital PCR


• Analytical & Clinical Assay Validation


• Laboratory Developed Tests (LDTs)


• PCR Troubleshooting (Contamination & Inhibition)

Next Generation Sequencing (NGS)

• Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT)


• Illumina Sequencing Platform


• Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS)


• Targeted Sequencing


• Clinical Metagenomics

Clinical Expertise

• Sepsis & Bloodstream Infections


• Respiratory Pathogens


• Tuberculosis & Viral Diagnostics


• Transplant Infections


• Opportunistic Fungal Infections


• Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)

Quality Knowledge of CAP, NABL, ISO 15189 & CLSI Standards

Preferred candidate profile