About the role
Shape a new diagnostic laboratory, taking ownership of technical readiness, its team and dependable daily performance.
WellNest is building a holistic approach that connects medicine, diagnostics, prevention and recovery under one roof and one group. Our ambition is market leadership in healthcare and healthspan, built on a technology and AI foundation and supported by our technology team. We want to help people live healthier for longer and make better care more inclusive and accessible over time.
Work with clinical and operations leaders to develop routine diagnostic services within the applicable clinical, professional and facility requirements. Your remit will grow with approved diagnostic capabilities, the team and our international development.
Apply with your CV, brief cover letter and five application answers. Include your exact qualification, institution and speciality; registration category, discipline and number; expected annual cost to company (CTC) in ZAR; notice period; earliest start; and Cape Town availability or relocation needs. Photograph and current CTC are optional. We will discuss a realistic near-term start date.
This role is likely to suit you if you
- You have commissioned or expanded a diagnostic service and enjoy building teams.
- You combine lifelong learning and curiosity about emerging technology with practical judgment, clear communication and delivery under tight deadlines.
Key responsibilities
- Translate the agreed test menu into workflows, equipment specifications, staffing and commissioning plans.
- Evaluate instruments, reagents and support; guide procurement, installation, method verification or validation and downtime arrangements.
- Build the quality management system, controlled procedures, internal quality control, external quality assessment and ISO 15189 readiness.
- Recruit, train and supervise staff, with clear rosters, competency assessments and accountability.
- Establish specimen traceability, critical-result escalation and referral pathways.
- Partner with WellNest’s technology team on laboratory information system interfaces, data quality, access controls and auditable sample-to-result workflows.
- Evaluate emerging tools and pilot useful AI-assisted workflows, such as identifying incomplete records or operational exceptions. Define validation, human review, measurable benefits and rollback before adoption; AI must not independently authorise patient results.
- Coordinate inspection and accreditation preparation, resolve findings and track turnaround, quality, cost and patient-service performance.
- Build a working bridge with our overseas sister company, sharing learning and agreed standards to support international growth. Apply each location’s requirements separately.
Essential requirements
- A relevant tertiary qualification in Medical Laboratory Science, Biomedical Technology or an equivalent recognised discipline aligned with the proposed diagnostic services.
- Current HPCSA registration in a category and discipline appropriate to the agreed duties. State your exact qualification, awarding institution, speciality and professional scope.
- Hands-on clinical diagnostic leadership, including a personally delivered commissioning project or substantial service expansion.
- Practical ISO 15189 implementation, audit remediation, method verification or validation, quality control and staff competency experience.
- Evidence of team leadership, equipment and supplier decisions, operational planning and disciplined follow-through.
- Ability to work on-site in Cape Town.
Advantageous, not compulsory
- Experience at Lancet, PathCare, Ampath or a comparable diagnostic pathology laboratory.
- Multidisciplinary diagnostics, particularly haematology and clinical chemistry.
- Laboratory information system implementation.
- Measured improvements in quality, efficiency or data reliability.
What success looks like
- Now: establish the service/referral boundary, readiness gaps, accountable owners and an achievable delivery plan.
- Through commissioning: demonstrate method performance, staff competence and end-to-end workflow reliability. Recommend opening only the services whose requirements are met.
- During the first 12 months: stabilise turnaround, quality, costs and patient experience; develop staff and validate worthwhile digital improvements.
- Longer term: help grow approved diagnostic services, leadership capacity and standards across the group, working with the technology team and overseas sister company as responsibilities develop.
Why join WellNest
- Join clinicians and innovators determined to help shape the future of medicine. Bring ideas, learn continuously and build a role that develops with WellNest. We move fast and take excellence personally. Passion and innovation drive us; we value people who exceed expectations while using evidence to decide which advances deserve adoption.
Hiring process
Apply online
Complete the application for the role that fits you.
Initial application review
We review every application against the requirements of the role.
Introductory conversation
A short conversation with a member of the WellNest team.
Role-specific assessment
Depending on the role, a practical assessment and verification of any qualifications or credentials.
Panel interview
A panel interview with the WellNest leadership team. Candidates who reach this stage should be confident representing WellNest.
References, decision and offer
Final references, our decision, and, if we are a match, an offer.
Stages may vary by role. Only shortlisted candidates may be contacted for an interview.
Fair recruitment
WellNest is committed to fair, role-relevant recruitment and equal opportunity. Candidates are assessed on capability, relevant experience, professional requirements and alignment with our patient-first values. Applications are processed in accordance with our Privacy Notice.
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