Senior Geneticist - Diagnostics

Placements24; Queenstown; Hybrid; NZD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement plan with employer match

Generous paid time off

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Geneticist to lead diagnostic development and analysis in a molecular diagnostics lab near Queenstown. You will interpret complex genetic data, develop novel assays, and ensure high accuracy.

The role offers a hybrid work model in the Queenstown region, collaboration with clinicians and researchers, and opportunities to advance personalized medicine and patient care.

Qualifications

• PhD in Genetics or Molecular Biology with a focus on human genetics.
• Minimum 5 years in clinical genetics or molecular diagnostics, including assay development.
• Experience with PCR, NGS sequencing, and data analysis pipelines.
• Experience in laboratory quality management and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Develop, validate, and implement molecular diagnostic assays for genetic testing (PCR, NGS, arrays).
• Analyze and interpret complex genetic data to produce diagnostic reports.
• Oversee QA/QC processes in the genetics lab, ensuring CLIA/CAP compliance.
• Collaborate with clinicians/researchers to integrate findings into patient care and research protocols.
• Mentor junior staff and stay updated with genomics advancements.

Skills

PCR

NGS

Data analysis

Variant interpretation

Quality assurance

Education

PhD in Genetics

PhD in Molecular Biology

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an accomplished Senior Geneticist to lead diagnostic development and analysis within their molecular diagnostics laboratory located near Queenstown. This senior position requires expertise in interpreting complex genetic data, developing novel diagnostic assays, and ensuring the highest standards of accuracy and reliability. You will work with cutting-edge technologies and play a vital role in advancing personalized medicine and disease diagnosis. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in human genetics, molecular biology, and a passion for applying genetic insights to improve patient outcomes in a laboratory setting that values scientific rigor and innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, validate, and implement molecular diagnostic assays for genetic testing, including PCR, NGS, and array-based methods.
• Analyze and interpret complex genetic data, including variant identification and interpretation, to provide diagnostic reports.
• Oversee the quality assurance and quality control processes for the genetics laboratory, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations (e.g., CLIA, CAP).
• Collaborate with clinicians, researchers, and bioinformaticians to integrate genetic findings into patient care and research protocols.
• Mentor and supervise junior geneticists, technologists, and laboratory staff.
• Stay updated with the latest advancements in genomics, genetic technologies, and diagnostic methodologies.

Requirements

• PhD in Genetics, Molecular Biology, or a related field with a strong focus on human genetics.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in clinical genetics or molecular diagnostics, including assay development.
• Expertise in various genetic analysis techniques, such as PCR, NGS sequencing, and data analysis pipelines.
• Proficiency in interpreting genomic variations and understanding their clinical significance.
• Experience with laboratory quality management systems and regulatory compliance.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and potential for annual bonuses.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance packages.
• Retirement savings plan with employer match.
• Generous paid time off and opportunities for continued education and professional growth.
• A hybrid work model supporting key laboratory operations in the Queenstown region.