VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT – Chief Operations Officer (COO)

• Institution: X.PATH Labs – Center for Molecular Pathology & Genomics
• Location: Yaoundé, Cameroon
• Employment Type: Full-Time
• Compensation: Competitive international package (to be discussed with shortlisted candidates)
• Application Deadline: Open until filled / no later than 01 September 2025

About X.PATH Labs

X.PATH Labs is a leading medical diagnostics institute headquartered in Yaoundé, Cameroon, dedicated to advancing pathology and genomic medicine across Central Africa. As a regional Center for Molecular Pathology & Genomics, our services include:

• Cytopathology, General Pathology, and Immunohistochemistry
• PCR-based Cancer Diagnostics
• Predictive and Prognostic Biomarker Testing for Precision Medicine

Our mission is rooted in scientific excellence, patient-centered innovation, and global collaboration. Through partnerships with leading institutions, including Roche Diagnostics, we uphold the highest international standards in laboratory medicine, translational research, and advanced patient care.

Position Overview: Chief Operations Officer (COO)

X.PATH Labs is seeking a dynamic and mission-driven Chief Operations Officer (COO) to oversee and strengthen the institute’s operational and organizational capacities.

This senior executive role is pivotal to ensuring that our systems, workforce, and procedures function with efficiency, quality, and scalability—supporting our vision of delivering world-class diagnostic services across the region.

Working in close collaboration with the CEO and senior leadership team, the COO will be responsible for:

• Driving operational excellence across all departments
• Establishing and optimizing internal processes and performance metrics
• Leading organizational growth and strategic expansion
• Cultivating a high-performance, innovation-driven culture aligned with the institute’s mission

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Operations & Execution

• Lead the day-to-day management of core laboratory operations, including HR, logistics, procurement, and administration.
• Ensure full compliance with international clinical, laboratory, and biosafety standards.
• Develop, implement, and monitor SOPs, KPIs, and internal controls to maximize efficiency and service quality.

Infrastructure & Systems Development

• Establish scalable operational systems to support the laboratory’s clinical and research growth.
• Supervise maintenance and technical operations of advanced diagnostic platforms, including molecular pathology and histopathology systems.

Financial & Resource Management

• Collaborate with the CEO and finance team to prepare and manage budgets.
• Oversee procurement, resource allocation, and cost-control strategies to ensure sustainability and efficiency.

Human Resources & Organizational Leadership

• Build, lead, and mentor cross-functional teams with a focus on performance, training, and professional development.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning across the organization.

Strategic Partnerships & Compliance

• Strengthen partnerships with global leaders such as Roche Diagnostics, as well as academic and regulatory institutions.
• Ensure adherence to national and international health, data protection, and ethical compliance standards.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of senior leadership experience in operations, ideally within healthcare, diagnostics, biotechnology, or hospital management.
• Proven track record managing clinical or laboratory operations in resource-intensive settings.
• Advanced degree in Health Administration, Operations Management, Biomedical Sciences, or a related discipline (MBA, MPH, or MSc preferred).
• Strong knowledge of diagnostic and pathology services, laboratory quality systems, and procurement cycles.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and cross-cultural management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to thrive in resource-limited environments with creativity and resilience.

Desired Attributes

• Deep commitment to advancing healthcare outcomes in Africa through innovation.
• Systems thinker with a pragmatic, solution-oriented mindset.
• Experience working within international collaborations or multi-stakeholder initiatives.
• Proficiency in English and/or French (bilingualism strongly preferred).

What We Offer

• A leadership opportunity to contribute to a transformative regional health initiative.
• The chance to co-shape the future of precision diagnostics and personalized medicine in Africa.
• Competitive international compensation and benefits package.
• A collaborative, diverse, and mission-driven work environment.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their CV, cover letter, and any supporting materials to: info@xpathlabs.comSubject line: COO Application – [Your Name]

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Final deadline: 01 September 2025.