Multi-Omics Laboratory Lead

MBZUAI is establishing a state-of-the-art Multi-Omics laboratory that will support its partnership in the Global Human Phenotype Project (HPP). The Multi-Omics Laboratory Lead will be responsible for leading the planning, establishment, and long-term operation of this strategic facility.The Lab Lead will work closely with the Global HPP team, university leadership, architects, engineers, procurement teams and IT specialists to design and implement a multi-omics lab. This is a hands-on leadership position Alongside strategic and managerial responsibilities, the Lab Lead will be directly involved in laboratory work, including performing and troubleshooting assays, leading tech transfer and method validation, and training laboratory staff on new platforms and protocols. Following establishment of the laboratory, the Lab Lead will oversee scientific operations, technology development, quality management, personnel, and strategic growth, while remaining actively engaged in day-to-day bench work.Within the first 2–3 years, the Lab lead would be expected to: successfully establish the laboratory infrastructure, install and validate core technology platforms, recruit and develop a high-performing team, launch multi-omics services for the HPP study, implement robust quality systems.Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Planning & LeadershipParticipate in the scientific vision for the multi-omics laboratory.Develop a phased roadmap for laboratory implementation.Evaluate emerging technologies and recommend adoption strategies.Develop operating models supporting both research and clinical applications.Build a high-performance scientific culture.Establish governance for technology evaluation.Drive innovation.Promote interdisciplinary collaboration.Ensure operational excellence.Report regularly to university leadership and HPP Global team.Laboratory Design and Build-OutServe as scientific lead for laboratory establishment. Localize laboratory workflows.Specify instrumentation.Design laboratory layout with architects and engineers.Define utility requirements.Plan sample accessioning and storage. Ensure biosafety and regulatory compliance.Develop laboratory operational plans.Technology Platform DevelopmentLead implementation of multiple omics technologies including Genomics, Transcriptomics, Microbiome Metagenomics & Proteomics.Own the technology transfer processesPerform platform evaluationAssess vendor partnerships and selectionValidate technology decision making.Optimise workflow processes and implement chose methodologyLaboratory OperationsEstablish/localize and oversee: SOPs, sample tracking, Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS), equipment maintenance, budget management, Inventory management (Consumables), service contracts, quality assurance & operational KPIs.Performing and troubleshooting assays and core laboratory workflowsOperate key instrumentationTraining laboratory staff on new platforms and protocolsQuality ManagementDevelop quality systems suitable for, high-quality research, future clinical accreditation including: QA/QC procedures, method validation, performance monitoring, internal audits documentation, & continuous improvementTeam BuildingRecruit and lead: Laboratory Managers, Bioinformaticians, Research Associates, Laboratory Technicians& Quality PersonnelLeadership responsibilities will include: hiring, mentoring, performance management, professional development and building a collaborative culture.Bioinformatics IntegrationWork closely with the Global HPP computational teams to establish: Data processing pipelines, quality control workflows, secure data management, data integration, reporting & Cloud/HPC infrastructure.Financial ManagementManaging and owning a budget which will include capital equipment planning, operational budgets, endorse negotiations & resource allocationAcademic Qualifications RequiredPhD in Molecular Biology, Genomics, Genetics, Biomedical Sciences, Systems Biology, Bioengineering, or a closely related discipline.Preferred:Postdoctoral training at a leading international research institution.Additional leadership or management training.Professional Experience RequiredEssential:Proven record of leadership experience, developing and growing a lab/facility of multi-omics platformDeep expertise in multi-omics technologies including at least one of the following: precision medicine, clinical genomics, translational medicine, population genomics, AI-driven biology, single-cell technologies, spatial biology, clinical laboratory accreditation, automation and robotics or high-throughput laboratory workflowsRecent hands-on bench experience with omics technologies and workflows.Extensive experience leading multidisciplinary scientific teams and complex laboratory operations.Experience with large capital equipment procurement.Experience working with architects and laboratory planners.Experience implementing LIMS and laboratory informatics.Budget management experience of $3m+Strong technical knowledge of several of the following: Next-generation sequencing, long-read sequencing, single-cell sequencing, spatial transcriptomics, mass spectrometry-based proteomics, metabolomics, epigenomics, automation, sample storage, laboratory informatics or Cloud/HPC-enabled data analysisPreferred:Experience with standards such as ISO 15189, CAP, CLIA, or ISO 17025 would be advantageous, depending on the intended scope.