Senior Director Technology Research

The Senior Director of Technology Research is responsible for leading the advancement of innovative molecular diagnostic technologies that support the company's strategic objectives and future product pipeline. This individual will identify emerging scientific opportunities, design and execute proof-of-concept (POC) and feasibility studies, generate intellectual property, and drive technology maturation from concept through development readiness.  This role requires a combination of scientific expertise, strategic thinking, strong project leadership, and effective cross-functional communication. 

Key Responsibilities 

Technology Innovation Research 

• Build and maintain awareness of scientific, technological, and competitive developments within the NGS and liquid biopsy industry. 

• Identify, evaluate, and champion emerging technologies and scientific advancements relevant to the company's business objectives. 

• Translate innovative concepts into actionable research plans and development opportunities. 

• Design, execute and oversee proof-of-concept, feasibility, and exploratory studies to evaluate novel technologies and approaches. 

• Analyze and interpret complex scientific data to assess technical feasibility, risks, and commercial potential. 

• Ensure rigorous experimental design, documentation, and data integrity. 

Intellectual Property Management 

• Generate and document novel inventions, discoveries, and technological innovations. 

• Lead invention disclosure preparation and collaborate with legal counsel on patent strategy and prosecution. 

• Identify opportunities to strengthen the company's intellectual property portfolio. 

Scientific Leadership  

• Foster a collaborative, innovative, and high-performing scientific culture. 

• Provide technical guidance, training, and career development support to team members. 

• Provide regular project updates, technical reviews, and strategic recommendations effectively to senior management. 

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align research priorities with corporate strategy and product roadmaps. 

Product Development & Business Development Support 

• Partner closely with Product Development teams to translate research outcomes and emerging technologies into viable product concepts, ensuring smooth technology transfer from research through development readiness. 

• Support Business Development activities by providing scientific and technical input for partnership evaluations, licensing opportunities, technology assessments, and due diligence efforts. 

• Represent the technology research function in external-facing engagements with prospective partners, collaborators, and investors as needed to advance strategic initiatives. 

• Ph.D. in Biology, Genetics, or a related scientific discipline. 

• 10+ years of progressive research and development experience in biotechnology, molecular diagnostics, life sciences, pharmaceutical, or related industries. 

• Demonstrated success leading technology innovation and early-stage research programs. 

• Proven experience designing and executing feasibility studies and proof-of-concept experiments. 

• Track record of invention generation and patent filings. 

• Prior experience managing scientific teams and mentoring researchers. 

• Broad understanding of emerging technologies and research methodologies. 

• Knowledge of product development processes and technology transfer principles. 

• Familiarity with regulatory and quality requirements applicable to diagnostic products is desirable. 

• Strong written, verbal, and presentation communication abilities. 

• Experience in molecular diagnostics, NGS, liquid biopsy, oncology, genomics, or precision medicine preferred. 

• Demonstrated ability to collaborate cross-functionally with Product Development and Business Development teams, with experience supporting partnership evaluations, technology assessments, or licensing/due-diligence activities preferred.