Head of National Center of Pathology

Ref° 112

Type of contract: Full-time and undetermined duration contract (CDI)

We are currently looking for our Head of National Center of Pathology (m/f) for a permanent position on a full-time basis.

ABOUT THE LABORATOIRE NATIONAL DE SANTE

The « Laboratoire national de santé » (LNS) is a public institution under the supervision of the Ministry of Health in Luxembourg. As a multidisciplinary institute, the LNS consists of four scientific departments in the fields of Medical Biology, Microbiology, Forensic Medicine and Health Protection. In addition, the LNS is also hosting the National Center of Pathology and the National Center of Genetics. The LNS has more than 400 employees from more than 20 countries and has its premises in Dudelange since 2013.

The mission of the LNS is to develop analytical and scientific expertise related to the prevention, diagnosis and monitoring of human diseases and to ensure the role of a national control or reference laboratory as well as to carry out forensic tasks. The institution also contributes to the development, harmonization and promotion of technical laboratory methods in close collaboration with local and international analytical laboratories.

Within the scope of its responsibilities, the LNS is also leading research and teaching activities in collaboration with partners in Luxembourg and abroad.

With its modern infrastructure in line with the recent evolution of medical and analytical sciences, the LNS is an ambitious laboratory with innovative projects that increase its expertise in public health.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL CENTER OF PATHOLOGY (NCP)

The National Center of Pathology has approximately 100 employees and is subdivided into two services:

• The Pathological anatomy service that is responsible for diagnosing cancer, precancerous, and inflammatory lesions. It includes a joint molecular pathology platform with the National Center of Genetics for identifying molecular abnormalities critical for diagnosis and treatment, particularly in cancer cases. The service encompasses seven specialized units: uro/hematopathology, gastrointestinal pathology, dermato/sof tissue and head and neck pathology, gyneco-lung, non-gynecological cytology, neuropathology, and autopsy-fetal units.
• The Gynaecological cytology service that focuses its activities on cervical cancer screening on liquid based cytology since 2014 and 100% digital since July 2022. . This service also performs molecular analyses to detect high-risk papillomavirus and other infections related to sexually transmitted diseases.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the head of the National Center of Pathology will also be a member of the Executive Committee and will be responsible for fulfilling the following duties:

Leadership, management and coordination:

• Provide leadership for the National Center of Pathology and develop its strategy in line with the institution’s overall vision, missions and objectives;
• Work collaboratively across departments with the other heads of departments and heads of service to promote interdisciplinary initiatives and shared resources;
• Define KPIs to monitor the performance of the department and ensure the alignment between the operations and the strategic objectives;
• Collaborate closely with the administrative functions (HR, Finance, Legal, Purchasing, Facility Management) to receive an optimal support in order to ensure an efficient flow of business operations;
• Define and justify the department budget to the CFAO and manage the budget effectively throughout the year in collaboration with the finance team;
• Manage a team of approximately 100 employees (including medical doctors and lab technicians) in close collaboration with the heads of service and heads of unit;
• Liaise with the heads of service, heads of unit and the HR team to ensure that the team is properly trained and has the required certifications;
• Hold reviews and regular meetings with team members to address any issues and complete performance reviews as required;
• Plan, organize and manage the resources within the department to ensure a smooth running of daily operations;
• Regularly collect feedback from team members and department managers on current processes and identify the need for change and improvement within the department;
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive departmental culture, promoting teamwork, open communication, and a positive working environment;
• Provide full support for quality accreditation and certification activities, actively participating and spearheading efforts to achieve and maintain standards ;
• Actively lead the digital transformation of the laboratory, ensuring full implementation and integration of digital Build and maintain strong relationships with all LNS stakeholders including hospitals, physicians and laboratories;
• Develop and maintain relationships with external partners (hospitals, private labs…) to enhance collaboration with the LNS;
• Represent the NCP at meetings, conferences, and events, advocating for its interests and promoting its achievements.

Medical expertise:

• Organize and supervise routine and specialized analysis in pathological anatomy, including advanced techniques in macroscopy, cytology, histology, immunohistochemistry and molecular biology;
• Develop and assess new testing methodologies;
• Validate medical reports and ensure their quality and compliance with medical standards;
• Communicates with the clinicians treating patients to provide clear and unambiguous laboratory result interpretations and to assist in the diagnosis and management of their patients;
• Provide expert advice to colleagues and participate actively in multidisciplinary consultation meetings;
• Stay up to date with developments in the fields of pathology and medical practice and contribute to the continuing education of pathologists and medical staff, fostering ongoing professional development;

Research & Teaching:

• Develop a research strategy for the NCP, initiating new scientific projects that align with the interests of the LNS;

PROFILE

• Doctorate in Medicine (MD) with specialization in Anatomical Pathology;
• The successful candidate must have, or be able to obtain the authorization to practice as a medical doctor in Luxembourg and be qualified to sign reports;
• A minimum of 10 years’ experience as a medical specialist in Anatomical Pathology, with proven experience leadership;
• Ability to develop and implement long-term plans aligned with organizational goals while inspiring and managing teams effectively;
• Excellent at building relationships, uniting teams, delegating tasks, and fostering a collaborative work environment;
• Skilled at identifying key priorities, making decisions, and resolving conflicts efficiently;
• Strong understanding of accreditation standards and processes;
• Strong organizational and time management skills;
• Strong in proposing innovative ideas and convincing others of their value;
• Quick to respond and capable of handling a wide range of subjects with ease;
• Proficient in both writing and public speaking, ensuring clear and effective communication;
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to communicate with the LNS stakeholders;
• Excellent proficiency in English, French or German is essential. Knowledge of any other language will be an advantage.

If you meet the above profile and wish to apply, please submit your application (CV and Cover letter) via our website. Your application will be treated confidentiality.

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.