Head of DNA Laboratory, The Hague, E7

Description

Organization profile

Every year, millions of people around the world go missing as a result of conflict, human rights abuses, disasters, organized crime, irregular migration, and other causes. This is a complex global challenge that can be tackled effectively through cross-cutting programs that address a variety of difficult, interconnected issues.

The International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP) is the only international organization tasked exclusively to work on the issue of missing persons. It works with governments and other stakeholders, including families of the missing, to help them develop and maintain successful missing persons processes. To learn more about ICMP see www.icmp.int.

The ICMP maintains an accredited high-throughput DNA testing laboratory, specializing in the identification of missing persons, with advanced capabilities in DNA testing of highly compromised skeletal remains. The ICMP DNA identification system makes use of powerful database tools for kinship matching on a large scale, and in addition to standard STR testing has an emphasis on development of massively parallel sequencing (MPS) for missing persons identification. The Head of DNA Laboratory is responsible for the casework laboratory which is supported by a Development and Validation Section, a Training Coordinator, and a mature Quality Management System. In addition to conducting DNA casework from a wide range of contexts, the DNA laboratory engages in many training and capacity building activities with partners.

Under the overall guidance and supervision of the ICMP Director of Science and Technology, the Head of DNA Laboratory duties and responsibilities will include, but will not necessarily be limited to, the following:

• Management of the daily laboratory operation including staff, supplies and expenses
• Working with the Quality Assurance Manager to achieve and maintain laboratory accreditation
• Planning and budgeting staffing and resources for current and future operations
• Negotiate contracts relating to maintenance of instruments, waste disposal or as required for other lab related contracts
• Implement and validate new forensic techniques, instrumentation, genetic systems
• Develop relationships ensuring smooth cooperation with manufacturers, academia and other partners
• Problem solving of all issues that occur in high throughput DNA testing laboratories
• Assist with supervisor with the coordination of work between ICMP’s DNA laboratory, other ICMP departments and programs and external partners
• Other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Master’s degree or higher in Biological Science, Genetics or related
• At least 5 to 10 years of relevant full-time professional experience in forensic genetics, preferably in a casework management position
• Proven management experience
• Excellent written and spoken English language skills at a level consistent with high profile publications and professional communication
  

• Ability to coordinate closely and effectively with ICMP Directors, as well as subordinate staff in a complex and dynamic institutional mission

• Excellent organization and multi-tasking skills, and the ability to maintain production levels while driving innovation Exceptional attitude and capability regarding professionalism, teamwork, flexibility, and working under pressure
• Bioinformatics programming skills is an asset

Additional requirements:

• Proven ability to interact positively with colleagues regardless of culture, nationality or gender
• Excellent knowledge of Microsoft applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel and Power Point
• Language skills other than English beneficial
• Willingness to work flexible hours including weekends and evenings
  

Benefits

This is a full-time professional position(E7) located in The Hague, Netherlands including diplomatic status and generous paid leave and extensive health insurance benefits for the incumbent and any eligible dependent.

ICMP is committed to maintaining an environment of mutual respect, where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants. ICMP believes that diversity and inclusion among our staff are critical to our success as a global organization, and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented individuals from a thoroughly diverse range of candidates. ICMP is proud to be part of the International Gender Champions network.