Director, Technology Implementation (Viral Genomics)

The Director of Viral Sequencing Optimization provides senior technical and operational leadership to translate emerging genomic sequencing protocols into efficient, scalable, and sustainable workflows. This position leads efforts to optimize performance, reduce cost, and ensure reproducibility across a range of research and diagnostic settings, including partnerships in low- and middle-income countries.
The Director works closely with scientific and operational leaders to integrate new technologies, automate laboratory processes, and strengthen implementation capacity across multiple sites. This role requires exceptional scientific judgment, a deep understanding of genomic workflows, and the ability to coordinate complex, cross-functional teams.

Key Responsibilities

Genomic Workflow Implementation and Optimization

• Lead the adaptation and implementation of new sequencing protocols (e.g., SwiftSeq and similar platforms) into routine laboratory operations.
• Evaluate and refine workflows to improve efficiency, reliability, and cost-effectiveness while maintaining scientific rigor and data quality.
• Partner with informatics and engineering teams to align upstream and downstream processes and ensure end-to-end workflow integrity.
• Establish performance benchmarks, monitor key metrics, and drive continuous improvement through data-driven evaluation.

• Design and oversee implementation of automated and semi-automated solutions for library preparation, sample tracking, and data handling.
• Collaborate with laboratory and diagnostics teams to harmonize workflows across domestic and international partner sites.
• Provide on-site and remote technical support to optimize throughput, maintain quality, and troubleshoot process challenges.
• Travel periodically (up to 10%) to partner laboratories to support implementation, training, and capacity strengthening

• Provide senior scientific guidance and strategic input to laboratory leadership, including the PI, wet lab manager, and staff scientists.
• Mentor and develop junior scientists and research associates to build strong internal technical capacity and promote operational excellence.
• Contribute to long-term planning for technology integration, workforce development, and process standardization across the lab's implementation portfolio.
• Participate in cross-functional working groups with the Diagnostics Group Lead and other technical leads to align operational priorities and scientific goals.

• Ph.D. in molecular biology, genomics, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 8+ years of experience in applied genomics, molecular diagnostics, or large-scale laboratory operations.
• Demonstrated experience in workflow development, laboratory automation, or systems integration.
• Prior leadership in multi-site or matrixed scientific environments strongly preferred.

• Technical Mastery: Deep understanding of next-generation sequencing workflows, automation systems, and laboratory quality management.
• Operational Excellence: Proven ability to translate research methods into scalable operational systems while ensuring data integrity and compliance with institutional standards.
• Analytical and Innovative Thinking: Demonstrated capacity to identify bottlenecks, analyze performance data, and implement process improvements.
• Leadership and Collaboration: Effective leadership in matrixed settings; able to coordinate across scientific, engineering, and diagnostic teams to deliver shared objectives.
• Communication: Clear, concise communicator who can synthesize complex technical information for diverse scientific and operational audiences.
• Capacity Strengthening: Commitment to building sustainable local expertise and laboratory capacity in partner settings through mentorship and systems development.
• Judgment and Adaptability: Exercises sound scientific and operational judgment in fast-paced environments with shifting priorities.