Director, Applied Research and Assay Development

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Director, Applied Research and Assay Development

San Diego, CA, United States

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Are you ready to help shape the future of diagnostic innovation? At Hologic, our Diagnostic Solutions R&D teams are advancing breakthrough technologies that improve patient outcomes across women's health, infectious disease, and oncology. Join our team and play a key role in translating scientific discovery into impactful diagnostic solutions used by clinicians around the world.

As Director, Applied Research and Assay Development, you will lead a team of scientists responsible for advancing early-stage research into robust diagnostic assays and technologies. You will drive scientific strategy, guide assay feasibility and development efforts, and collaborate closely with cross‑functional teams to translate innovative ideas into scalable products.

In this role, you will combine deep technical expertise with strong leadership and program management skills to ensure research initiatives align with business priorities and pipeline strategy. Your leadership will help bridge the gap between discovery science and product development, accelerating the delivery of high-impact diagnostic solutions.

This is an onsite role in San Diego, CA.

What You'll Do

• Scientific Leadership: Lead applied research and assay development initiatives, transforming early scientific concepts into viable diagnostic technologies, assays, and platform capabilities. Drive scientific strategies across areas including molecular diagnostics, multiplex assay development, multiomic approaches, and emerging technologies that expand diagnostic performance, clinical utility, and product differentiation.
• Pipeline Advancement: Drive feasibility studies, proof‑of‑concept experiments, and assay development strategies that support future product pipelines.
• Team Leadership: Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing team of scientists, fostering a collaborative environment focused on innovation, rigor, and scientific excellence.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Partner with Product Development, Operations, Quality, Regulatory, Marketing, and external collaborators to transition research programs toward development readiness.
• Technology Innovation: Evaluate emerging technologies and assay methodologies to identify opportunities for differentiated diagnostic solutions.
• Operational Excellence: Establish best practices for experimental design, data analysis, and documentation while ensuring quality and compliance with applicable regulatory standards.
• External Engagement: Represent Hologic in scientific collaborations, conferences, and external partnerships to strengthen the company's innovation ecosystem. Participate in diligence activities in support of technology licensing or acquisitions.

What You Bring

• 10+ years of experience in assay development, applied research, or product development within diagnostics, biotechnology, or life sciences, including substantial leadership experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading innovation within the IVD or molecular diagnostics industry, including evaluation, development, or application of emerging technologies and next-generation diagnostic approaches.
• Advanced degree (PhD strongly preferred) in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Deep expertise in molecular diagnostics, assay design, and nucleic acid-based technologies.
• Demonstrated success translating early research concepts into product development programs.
• Strong understanding of IVD product development processes and regulatory considerations (FDA, ISO, CE Mark).
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage complex research initiatives in a fast-paced environment. Demonstrated ability to maximize team potential, drive high performance, and develop talent while aligning team execution with broader organizational strategy and business objectives.
• Excellent scientific communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Passion for innovation, scientific rigor, and improving patient outcomes through diagnostic technology.

The annualized base salary range for this hourly role is $161,800 - $287,700 and is bonus eligible. Final compensation packages will ultimately depend on factors including relevant experience, skillset, knowledge, geography, education, business needs and market demand.

Why Hologic?

We are committed to making Hologic the company where top talent comes to grow. For you to succeed, we want to enable you with the tools and knowledge required and so we provide comprehensive training when you join as well as continued development and training throughout your career.

If you have the right skills and experience, apply today!

#LI-RF1

Agency and Third Party Recruiter Notice:

Agencies that submit a resume to Hologic must have a current executed Hologic Agency Agreement executed by a member of the Human Resource Department. In addition Agencies may only submit candidates to positions for which they have been invited to do so by a Hologic Recruiter. All resumes must be sent to the Hologic Recruiter under these terms or they will not be considered.

Hologic, Inc. is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer inclusive of disability and veterans.

Apply now

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