Bio

Lead the Research Branch at Sidra Medicine (~250 personnel and 2,000 sqm of state-of-the-art lab space and equipment). Responsible for the development and implementation of Sidra Medicine’s Clinical Research Strategy to embed research into the pathway of patient care. Oversight of >280 clinical-research studies and >40 high-profile international collaborations, leading to ~300 high impact publications per year. Key leadership qualities: Communication: Motivating, Multilingual, Transparent, Optimistic, Caring, Culturally sensitive Management: Consensus-builder, Diplomatic, Responsible, Providing/Seeking feedback Vision: Creative, Transformative, Innovative, Strategic, Ambitious Short- and Long-term goals In addition to administrative duties, I also lead the Laboratory of Human Genomics with the following scope, vision and mission: VISION: Determined to discover and treat heritable disorders in the Middle East through implementing cutting-edge genomic technologies at the point of care SCOPE: Our lab works on implementing genomic medicine into the pathway of patient care and framing genetic findings in the context of the Arab genome, which has been traditionally under-represented in global databases. DETAILS: We use whole genome sequencing (WGS) to uncover population structure and disease-causing mutations in the local population of Qatar. We have enrolled and sequenced thousands of individuals who are at least 3 generation Qatari to uncover genome structure (SNVs, MNVs and SVs) and disease susceptibilities in this population, which is becoming an excellent proxy for the greater MENA region. Additionally, in partnership with pediatrics tertiary care clinics, our lab enrolls patients and families with rare and complex disorders for WGS analysis and gene discovery. We have built significant capacity and know-how in genomic research and bioinformatics around key disorders (Autism, Neurological disorders, Craniofacial disorders, Metabolic disorders, and around sequencing of critically ill babies in the NICU) and continue to mentor Masters and PhD students interested in learning Mendelian and Population genetics in this part of the world. JOIN US: If you are interested in joining our group, do get in touch. We are always looking for postdoctoral associates, lab techs and students with the independence and drive to work on a multitude of exciting genomics projects!