Chief of Pathology and Laboratory Department!

Purpose of the Position 

   The Head of the Pathology and Laboratory Department provides leadership and oversight of all pathology and laboratory services to ensure accurate, timely, and high-quality diagnostic care. The role involves managing multidisciplinary teams, ensuring compliance with professional, legal, and regulatory standards, promoting education, innovation, and research, and aligning departmental activities with the hospital’s mission, vision, and strategic objectives.    ......................................................................................................................................................................

  Key Duties and Responsibilities

   Core Duties:

     Clinical and Diagnostic Services Management:

1. Oversee the implementation of daily operations of the Pathology and Laboratory Department and ensure that services are delivered efficiently and in compliance with the highest clinical and quality standards.
2. Lead and supervise the departmental team, including pathologists, histotechnologists, cytotechnologists, technologists, medical laboratory technicians, and support staff.
3. Review and interpret complex diagnostic findings and ensure accurate and timely reporting of pathological results.
4. Manage all clinical services of the department, including Anatomic Pathology (Histopathology, Cytopathology, and Autopsy Services), Clinical Pathology, Molecular Pathology, as well as laboratory investigations across disciplines such as Hematology, Clinical Chemistry, Microbiology, Immunology, Blood Bank, and Urinalysis.
5. Coordinate and actively participate in Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) meetings, Tumor Boards, and case discussions to provide expert pathology input into patient diagnosis and treatment planning.
6. Supervise and ensure the quality of all diagnostic processes, guaranteeing that pathology and laboratory staff provide accurate, timely, and safe services to patients.
7. Develop and implement clinical protocols and guidelines to ensure safe, effective, and ethically sound pathology and laboratory services.
8. Conduct continuous review and evaluation of clinical practices with emphasis on compliance with national and international standards, legal requirements, and safety protocols.
9. Supervise and collaborate with pathology fellows, trainees, technologists, technicians, and other healthcare staff to ensure delivery of high-quality patient care.
10. Work closely with clinicians to ensure pathology and laboratory results are effectively utilized in diagnosis, treatment, and patient monitoring.
11. Provide professional consultation to medical staff regarding pathology and laboratory investigations, including guidance on appropriate test selection, interpretation of results, and resolution of unusual or complex findings.
12. Collaborate with other departments such as Radiology and Oncology to coordinate comprehensive patient care.
13. Ensure that pathology and laboratory investigations support the needs of all clinical services, including emergency services, inpatient care, outpatient services, and intensive care units.
14. Maintain up-to-date professional knowledge in pathology and laboratory medicine and integrate innovative techniques and technologies to enhance patient care.
15. Perform on-call and, when required, second on-call duties in accordance with approved departmental and hospital duty rosters.

     Education and Training (Capacity Building):

16. Lead the teaching and training of medical students, pathology trainees, fellows, and other healthcare staff as part of an academic teaching hospital environment.
17. Develop and implement training programs, curricula, and educational materials for trainees, students, and medical staff.
18. Supervise pathology trainees and fellows during clinical, diagnostic, and research training, providing mentorship, guidance, and continuous feedback.
19. Organize and participate in Continuing Medical Education (CME) activities, workshops, and seminars to enhance professional capacity within the department and related hospital units.
20. Ensure active participation of trainees and fellows in case discussions, research activities, and clinical work to prepare them for independent professional practice upon completion of training.
21. Ensure that departmental training programs are aligned with the academic and educational objectives of the hospital.

     Research Innovation and Continuous improvement:

22. Lead, encourage, and promote research activities within the Pathology and Laboratory Department and foster an enabling environment for clinical, translational, and scientific research.
23. Develop and participate in clinical, translational, and basic research projects to advance understanding of diseases, particularly cancers, genetic disorders, and infectious diseases.
24. Encourage collaboration with other medical and scientific disciplines within the hospital and with external academic and research institutions to promote innovation in pathology and laboratory medicine.
25. Facilitate publication of research findings in reputable scientific journals and presentation of results at national and international medical conferences.
26. Secure funding for research projects and ensure full compliance with ethical standards throughout the research process.
27. Encourage staff participation in research initiatives that contribute to the advancement of laboratory medicine and improvement of diagnostic techniques.
28. Lead the development and implementation of continuous improvement programs to enhance departmental efficiency, service quality, and patient care outcomes.
29. Provide mentorship and support to pathology and laboratory staff pursuing research and academic opportunities.
30. Collaborate with other clinical departments and research teams in joint projects and studies that contribute to medical knowledge and improved patient care.
31. Ensure that departmental research programs are aligned with the hospital’s academic and research objectives.

     Leadership and Administrative Responsibilities:

32. Manage departmental workflows, staff, and resources to ensure efficient service delivery and high-quality patient care.
33. Oversee staff scheduling, shift assignments, and duty rosters to ensure 24-hour coverage of all expected activities and availability of adequate resources for routine and emergency testing.
34. Implement and enforce policies and procedures to ensure consistent, high-quality care in compliance with ethical, legal, and regulatory standards.
35. Develop and manage the departmental budget, ensuring appropriate allocation of resources and cost-effective utilization of equipment and personnel.
36. Ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards, including oversight of quality assurance and accreditation programs (e.g., CAP, JCI, ISO).
37. Supervise recruitment, retention, performance evaluation, and professional development of staff.
38. Ensure that departmental equipment and technologies are properly maintained, updated, and compliant with safety standards.
39. Lead departmental participation in hospital committees, including those focused on clinical governance, quality improvement, and patient safety.
40. Provide leadership, mentorship, and professional development opportunities for all pathology and laboratory staff, including faculty, trainees, fellows, technologists, technicians, laboratory scientists, phlebotomists, and support staff.
41. Develop and implement monthly, quarterly, annual, and strategic departmental work plans aligned with the hospital’s operational plan and Ministry of Public Health strategies.
42. Collaborate with hospital management to ensure compliance with regulations, accreditation standards, and quality indicators.
43. Regularly evaluate departmental performance and implement corrective actions as needed to maintain quality, safety, and patient satisfaction standards.
44. Review and analyze departmental expenditures to ensure cost-effective practices while maintaining high-quality services.
45. Work with hospital leadership to align departmental goals with hospital strategic priorities and improve patient outcomes through laboratory diagnostic services.
46. Ensure accuracy, timeliness, and confidentiality of all laboratory results.
47. Prepare and manage 24-hour duty rosters for professional staff, including specialist trainers, trainees, fellows, technologists, and technicians, covering weekends and public holidays according to approved shift systems.
48. Actively participate in daily morning hospital reports to ensure continuity and quality of services delivered during the previous 24 hours.
49. Submit monthly, quarterly, annual, and ad-hoc reports on departmental activities and achievements to the Hospital Medical Director.
50. Perform any other duties assigned by hospital leadership in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and hospital and Ministry objectives.

    Technology and Innovation:

51. Stay informed of the latest advancements in pathology and laboratory technologies, testing methodologies, and medical diagnostics.
52. Ensure the department is adequately equipped with instruments, tools, and technologies necessary to support high-quality pathology and laboratory diagnostics for clinical decision-making.
53. Oversee integration of new technologies, including automation systems, digital platforms, and Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS), to improve efficiency and accuracy.
54. Manage procurement, maintenance, servicing, and calibration of pathology and laboratory equipment, ensuring compliance with hospital standards and regulatory requirements.
55. Promote adoption of innovative diagnostic approaches such as molecular diagnostics, point-of-care testing, and personalized medicine.
56. Ensure integration of advanced technologies into clinical practice, including advanced molecular diagnostics, digital pathology, and Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS).

    Quality Assurance, Patient Safety, and Accreditation:

57. Design and implement quality assurance and improvement programs to ensure accuracy, reliability, consistency, and timely reporting of pathology and laboratory results.
58. Lead departmental efforts to obtain and maintain national and international accreditation (e.g., CAP, JCI, ISO).
59. Monitor and evaluate laboratory performance and implement corrective actions in cases of non-conformities, errors, or deficiencies.
60. Organize and oversee regular internal audits and proficiency testing to assess effectiveness and improve laboratory services.
61. Ensure that all pathology and laboratory staff receive adequate training and are regularly updated on procedural changes, technologies, and regulatory requirements.
62. Implement and monitor laboratory safety and infection prevention protocols to maintain a safe working environment for staff and patients.
63. Ensure accuracy and validity of laboratory results through regular internal audits and participation in external proficiency testing programs.
64. Address and resolve diagnostic discrepancies, laboratory errors, or safety concerns, implementing corrective and preventive actions.
65. Ensure full compliance of the Pathology and Laboratory Department with all health regulations, safety standards, and accreditation requirements.
66. Maintain accreditation standards and ensure readiness for external assessments and inspections.

    Collaboration and Communication:

67. Serve as the primary liaison between the Pathology and Laboratory Department and other hospital departments, including clinical care teams, hospital administration, and support services.
68. Collaborate closely with clinical departments such as Oncology, Surgery, Radiology, and Hematology to ensure coordinated care and integrated diagnostic services.
69. Represent the department in hospital leadership meetings and participate in hospital-wide initiatives, strategic planning, and policy development.
70. Engage with hospital management to secure resources, equipment, and staffing necessary for sustained departmental growth and success.
71. Maintain regular communication with physicians and healthcare providers to ensure pathology and laboratory results are aligned with patient care plans.
72. Represent the department in hospital committees, working groups, and hospital-wide meetings focused on quality improvement, patient safety, and clinical outcomes.
73. Work closely with hospital leadership to address operational challenges, optimize resource allocation, and align activities with hospital objectives.
74. Establish strong relationships with external organizations, regulatory authorities, and professional bodies to remain informed of regulatory changes and best practices.
75. Collaborate with external diagnostic centers and academic institutions in research, continuing education, and inter-institutional partnerships.
76. Ensure open and effective communication at all departmental levels to promote transparency and trust.
77. Foster a collaborative, supportive, and team-based working environment among faculty, trainees, technologists, technicians, and departmental staff.

    Patient and Family Relations:

78. Promote patient-centered care by providing clear and comprehensive information to patients and their families and actively involving them in decisions related to diagnostic testing and treatment.
79. Address patient and family complaints, concerns, and issues related to pathology and laboratory services promptly and effectively.
80. Contribute to enhancing the hospital’s reputation as a trusted provider of high-quality, compassionate diagnostic services within the community

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  Employment Requirements / Eligibility Criteria

1. Citizenship: Must be an Afghan National.
2. Age: Must be at least 35 years old and not older than 60 years.
3. Educational Qualification:
   • Doctor of Medicine (MD or equivalent) with post-graduate specialization in Pathology or a Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Technology, Clinical Laboratory Sciences, or related disciplines, recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education.
   • Additional certifications in healthcare leadership or management are considered an advantage.
4. Work Experience:
   • Minimum of 5–7 years of experience in Pathology, with significant exposure to both Clinical and Anatomic Pathology, or experience overseeing clinical laboratory operations including Hematology, Microbiology, Clinical Chemistry, Blood Bank, and Molecular Diagnostics.
   • At least 3 years of experience in a leadership or managerial position, preferably in academic medical centers or tertiary care hospitals.
   • Proven track record in managing pathology and laboratory personnel, achieving quality standards, and maintaining accreditation compliance.
   • Experience with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS), laboratory automation, and modern diagnostic technologies.
   • Experience in research, teaching, and management of complex clinical services in Pathology or training and managing complex clinical laboratory services.
5. Licensure:
   • Must hold a valid medical practice license issued by the Medical Council of Afghanistan.
6. Skills and Competencies:
   • Proficiency in one of the national languages (Dari or Pashto).
   • Computer literacy in relevant applications.
   • Strong leadership, organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills to manage a multidisciplinary department effectively.
   • Expertise in diagnostic pathology techniques, including Histopathology, Cytopathology, Molecular Pathology, and clinical laboratory management.
   • Knowledge of quality control, laboratory accreditation, and patient safety protocols.
   • Excellent interpersonal skills to collaborate with healthcare staff, hospital leadership, and external stakeholders.
   • Ability to foster a culture of continuous improvement, research, and education within the department.
   • Competence in budgeting and resource management within the department.
   • Deep understanding of medical technologies, clinical laboratory operations, safety protocols, and regulatory requirements.
   • Strong commitment to patient-centered care, education, and continuous improvement.
   • Ability to train, mentor, and supervise trainees in postgraduate medical education (PGME) programs.
   • Capability to manage emergencies and be available for on-call or standby duties as needed.
   • Strong mentorship and interpersonal communication skills.
   • Proficiency in English (reading, writing, and speaking).
   • Ability to actively participate in strategic planning and implement departmental objectives effectively.
   • Commitment to scientific excellence, initiative, and patient-centered care.
   • Awareness of laboratory billing and reimbursement processes, including insurance requirements and coding.
   • Integrity and professionalism in all interactions with patients, families, and hospital staff.
   • Willingness to accept responsibility, acknowledge errors, and work effectively in a multidisciplinary team.
7. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

1. Diagnostic Accuracy: Regular monitoring and reporting of pathology and laboratory diagnostic accuracy, including review of discrepancies, deviations, or errors within the department.
2. Turnaround Time: Duration from specimen collection to reporting of results.
3. Quality Metrics: Results of proficiency testing, internal audits, inspections, and accreditation scores.
4. Staff Performance: Percentage completion of staff training, competency evaluations, and staff retention rates.
5. Patient Satisfaction: Feedback and satisfaction of patients regarding pathology and laboratory services, including timeliness and clarity of results.
6. Research Achievements: Publications, secured funding, participation in clinical trials, and presentations at conferences.
7. Compliance and Accreditation: Successful completion of accreditation reviews (e.g., ISO, CAP), meeting quality standards, and implementing patient safety initiatives.
8. Cost Effectiveness: Adherence to budget, implementation of cost-saving initiatives, and financial reporting

Submission Guideline

Electronic applications will be sent to: sub e-mail which corresponds if any of following 2 items

is missing, your application will be considered as ineligible/incomplete.

1. In your emails please specify the title of the position as well as vacancy number for electronic submissions and .

2. Please submit your updated CV along with copies of your academic credentials and documents supporting your professional experience.

Kindly ensure that your résumé clearly indicates the exact dates and duration of each position held, as well as your precise date of graduation (month, and year).

If you are shortlisted and invited for written test/interview you will be required to present the original, the following:

• Electronic applications will be sent to: sub e-mail

• The Contact Person at Human Resources is:, HR Officer, MoPH-GD HR. Phone number: 0093- (0)-202312422

Note:

• The salary and benefit is paid according to the organization special salary scale

Only shortlisted candidates will be invited to written test/interview and subsequent

• No CVs will be accepted after the closing date.

Submission Email

mophgdhr1444@gmail.com